Ekeomah Atuonwu
Through a nationwide broadband project, Tanzania’s state-owned telecommunications company has set up high-speed internet connectivity on the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain.
The internet project was unveiled on Tuesday by Nape Nnauye, the information minister, who predicted that tourists would soon be able to speak with anyone in the world from the top of the mountain.
One of Tanzania’s top tourist spots is the mountain.
Internet access on the mountain is anticipated to reach Uhuru summit, which is 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, in October, according to Mr. Nnauye.
Trekkers on the mountain have not had an internet connection and could not even make phone calls since connectivity ended near the starting point at around 1,860m.
The mountain attracts nearly 50,000 hikers annually from across the world who attempt to reach the summit.
Tourism is a key pillar of Tanzania’s economy, contributing 18% to the nation’s GDP. It generated $1.4bn (£1.1bn) in revenues last year.
