When connectivity becomes a catalyst for change
Extending mobile coverage to rural areas across Africa remains a major logistical and energy challenge. Inaccessible roads, unstable power grids, and high operational costs often slow down digital progress delaying access to education, healthcare and financial inclusion.
In Tanzania, the Universal Communications Service Access Fund (UCSAF) has shown how an effective public-private partnership (PPP) can make a real difference. With the support of the government, telecom operators and infrastructure partners like TowerCo of Africa (TOA), the country is accelerating its digital transformation in rural regions.
The result? 262 sites delivered ahead of schedule by TOA for its client YAS, under the largest UCSAF lot awarded setting new benchmarks for execution, sustainability and impact.
UCSAF: The Public Private Partnership driving digital inclusion in Tanzania
UCSAF is a government-led initiative designed to extend telecom services to underserved rural communities. Its model relies on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) that use public funds to subsidize infrastructure rollouts by private operators.
According to The Citizen, more than 2,152 telecom towers have been deployed across 1,974 wards, covering over 29 million Tanzanians. Among these, 758 towers were built under the Digital Tanzania Project, supported by the World Bank and the Tanzanian government 560 of which are already operational.
“To ensure sustainable and inclusive connectivity, we work closely with operators and government agencies through a competitive and transparent approach.”
— Universal Communications Service Access Fund (UCSAF)
This model offers a replicable framework for other African countries:
- Predictability: public tenders with clear requirements and measurable SLAs.
- Scale effect: shared sites and pooled resources.
- Bankability: involvement of local and international financing institutions.
TOA & YAS: 262 sites delivered ahead of schedule – a benchmark in operational excellence
Under the UCSAF initiative, YAS Tanzania (a TOA client) was awarded the largest lot 262 sites to expand rural mobile coverage.
TowerCo of Africa (TOA), as the project’s implementation partner, completed all sites ahead of schedule and ahead of other providers.
This achievement is built on three strategic pillars:
- Execution excellence: strict project management, multi-lot scheduling, digital tracking and agile field response.
- Energy innovation: smart hybrid solar systems ensuring high uptime and significantly lower OPEX.
- Local engagement: close collaboration with communities and local authorities to ensure security and site ownership.
- Regulatory compliance: strict adherence to local regulatory framework and permits.
UCSAF project key figures
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Sites delivered | 262 |
| Planned timeline | 12 months |
| Actual delivery | 9 months |
| Technicians mobilized | 200+ |
| Population covered | 150,000+ per site |
| Energy autonomy | 100% (solar-powered sites) |
Sources: UCSAF , TOA internal data 2025, Digitech Arenas 2025.
Green energy at the heart of operational performance
A cornerstone of this project is green energy integration, ensuring service continuity and minimal environmental impact. Each UCSAF site is powered by solar or hybrid systems, backed by smart batteries and real-time energy monitoring.
According to Tech in Africa, these technologies deliver:
- Network uptime above 99.95%
- Up to 60% lower carbon footprint compared to diesel-based setup
These results strengthen TOA’s ESG performance and financial credibility, making its projects more attractive to investors and development banks.
Tangible social impact: digital inclusion and local development
Each tower becomes a digital lifeline, connecting schools, health centers, cooperatives and small businesses.
- In villages like Singida and Manyara, schools now access digital educational content through reliable connections.
- Farmers receive real-time weather and market price updates via SMS.
- Women entrepreneurs use mobile money services to access microcredit and grow their businesses.
These initiatives align with Tanzania’s National digital education strategy 2024/25–2029/30, which aims to connect 100% of primary schools by 2030.
TOA’s Model: scalable, sustainable and people centered
TOA demonstrates that rural telecom infrastructure can be profitable, sustainable and socially impactful.
“Being recognized by UCSAF and YAS for delivering this strategic project ahead of time reflects our commitment to building telecom infrastructure that is reliable, sustainable and focused on impact. It reinforces TOA’s position as a trusted partner for operators, institutions and communities.”
– Innocent Mushi, TOA Tanzania CEO
TOA presents this approach as a neutral, actionable blueprint for governments, operators and investors looking to expand digital infrastructure across Africa.
| Area | Key Practice | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Planning | Multi-lot PMO, weather buffers, clear milestones | Zero major delays |
| Energy | Hybrid solar + NOC monitoring | Uptime > 99.95% |
| Backhaul | Microwave links + fiber optics | Reduced latency |
| Quality | Digital acceptance + HSE audits | Zero non-compliance |
| Local engagement | Security, awareness, community maintenance | 40% fewer incidents |
Sources: TOA internal report, UCSAF report
A governance model for Africa
This project is more than a technical achievement; it’s a governance success story.
A clear PPP framework, reliable execution and green energy integration form the foundation of a replicable regional model.
From Dakar to Lusaka, governments, investors and operators are seeking proven, scalable approaches that deliver performance, sustainability and inclusion.
Our experts can help you:
- Assess coverage gaps
- Optimize energy costs
- Build infrastructure ready for 4G, 5G and future digital services
Let’s talk about your project
Contact our TOA teamsAfrica’s connectivity is built on reliability
The early delivery of 262 UCSAF sites highlights TOA’s operational excellence and commitment to sustainable, inclusive connectivity in Tanzania. Each site brings rural communities closer to digital, financial and educational opportunities while reducing environmental impact through clean energy solutions.
This milestone reinforces TOA’s position as a trusted partner for operators, governments and investors committed to building reliable, future-ready digital infrastructure.
In a world where connectivity drives digital economies, TOA’s model doesn’t just build towers: it builds the foundations of Africa’s connected future.
To learn more about TOA’s Tanzania project:
Key takeaways
- 262 UCSAF sites delivered ahead of schedule: proof of TOA’s reliability and leadership.
- Green energy & optimized OPEX: hybrid solar systems, smart monitoring, uptime above 99%.
- Exemplary PPP (UCSAF – YAS – TOA): transparent and replicable governance model.
- Tangible community impact: digital inclusion, education, health and financial access.
