Paratus Group, a prominent telecommunications and network services provider in Africa, has announced a strategic partnership with Tanzania’s Green Telecom to establish Paratus Tanzania. This development comes just four months after the company launched its operations in Kenya, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing expansion efforts across East Africa. According to the Tanzania Investment Centre and Global Logistics (TICGL), as of December 2024, Tanzania has recorded an impressive 86.8 million registered SIM cards and 48 million internet subscriptions, reflecting a remarkable 16% growth within a single quarter.
Martin Cox, the Chief Commercial Officer of Paratus Group, expressed optimism about the new venture, emphasizing its potential to improve connectivity, particularly in rural and underserved areas of Tanzania. Despite the positive outlook, he pointed out that while 4G coverage currently reaches 88% of the population, 5G technology is only accessible to 20%, indicating a significant opportunity for infrastructure development and enhancement.
Said Alli, the Managing Director of Paratus Tanzania, highlighted the vast opportunities available across various sectors, including tourism, mining, and healthcare. The tourism industry, in particular, is witnessing a surge, with a 25% increase in visitor numbers over the past year. However, despite these advancements, the market remains dominated by feature phones, which have an 87% penetration rate. This suggests that a large portion of the Tanzanian population may not fully benefit from the enhanced connectivity services that Paratus aims to provide.
Green Telecom, which was established in 2013, has a proven track record of delivering customized solutions for managing and integrating clients’ network services. The collaboration with Paratus is designed to leverage this expertise to effectively address the existing connectivity gaps in Tanzania. However, it is important to note that regions such as Dar es Salaam are leading in mobile line subscriptions and infrastructure development, highlighting a significant urban-rural divide that must be addressed to ensure equitable access to telecommunications services.
While Paratus’s commitment to investing in infrastructure and expanding its network services across Africa is commendable, the real challenge lies in translating these investments into tangible benefits for the broader population. As the digital revolution continues to unfold, it will be crucial to ensure that advancements in connectivity reach all corners of Tanzania, fostering inclusive growth and enabling all citizens to participate in the digital economy.
