Tanzania has suffered major financial losses following a nationwide internet shutdown and the prolonged suspension of the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, according to digital rights watchdog Paradigm Initiative (PIN).
Estimates show that the country has lost about US$238 million (approximately TSH 560 billion) in direct economic costs.
The internet blackout began on 29 October and lasted for five days and six hours, disrupting communication, trade, and essential services across the country.
Data from PIN indicate that Tanzania lost around US$72.3 million (TSH 170.3 billion) during that period. This translates to an average of about US$13.8 million (TSH 32 billion) per day.
The situation worsened as the suspension of X, which has been inaccessible since May 2025, continued for more than 160 days. This restriction is estimated to have cost an additional US$165.8 million (TSH 390.3 billion), averaging nearly US$1 million (TSH 2.3 billion) daily.
These figures account only for direct impacts on productivity, e-commerce, and digital services. Many small and medium-sized businesses that rely on online platforms for marketing and transactions suffered significant setbacks.
Digital financial services, logistics firms, and freelancers who depend on stable internet connections to work with global clients also faced disruptions.
The internet blackout affected essential sectors such as telemedicine, online education, and digital banking, leaving millions of people in Tanzania unable to access vital services.
Digital rights organizations have criticized the decision, warning of broader social and economic implications. Paradigm Initiative, a leading digital rights group in Africa, described the shutdown as both economically harmful and a violation of fundamental freedoms.
The organization highlighted that restricting internet access undermines the rights to information, expression, and development as outlined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Its executive director noted that every internet shutdown weakens trust in institutions, deters investors, and slows technological progress.
