By Adonis Byemelwa
In Tanzania, as in much of sub-Saharan Africa, internet access remains a challenge holding progress for millions of people. While the world races ahead with technological advancements, many Tanzanians face barriers preventing them from fully participating in the digital economy.
Internet services in the country are not only limited in scope but are also disproportionately expensive when compared to more developed nations. This disparity in access to affordable internet is not just an economic issue but a reflection of deeper societal inequalities, particularly gender inequality and social injustice.
The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has highlighted that mobile internet costs in Tanzania are among the highest in the world. For the average Tanzanian, the cost of mobile data can be as high as 1.2% of their monthly income.
In contrast, in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, mobile internet often costs less than 0.5% of a person’s income. This stark contrast highlights the difficulties Tanzanians face when trying to access a basic service that has become essential to daily life in other parts of the world.
For many Tanzanians, the cost of mobile data is simply unaffordable, limiting their ability to connect with the world and access essential services like education, healthcare, and financial services.
But why is internet access in Tanzania so expensive? One of the key factors is the lack of infrastructure. The cost of building and maintaining the infrastructure necessary for widespread internet access is incredibly high, especially in rural areas.
Tanzania, like many other African nations, still lacks the vast network of broadband cables and data centers that have become commonplace in developed countries. While countries in North America and Europe can rely on decades of investment in high-speed networks, Tanzania is still playing catch-up.
Building the necessary infrastructure to connect even remote areas requires massive investment, and that cost is passed on to the consumer, making internet access prohibitively expensive.
The high cost of mobile devices also adds another layer of difficulty. Most of the smartphones available in Tanzania are imported, meaning they are subject to high tariffs and taxes. As a result, even basic smartphones, which are essential for internet access, are out of reach for many Tanzanians.
The average cost of a smartphone can account for a significant portion of a household’s monthly income, making it nearly impossible for many families to afford it. This high cost of technology is compounded by the fact that mobile internet is often unreliable, with slow speeds and limited coverage, particularly in rural areas.
This situation is further exacerbated by the social inequalities that exist in Tanzania. A report by the SOMIC 2023 indicates that while internet access is already limited, women in Tanzania and across sub-Saharan Africa face even greater barriers. According to the report, women in sub-Saharan Africa are 36% less likely than men to use the internet.
In Tanzania, these barriers are even more pronounced, as women face multiple challenges, including low levels of digital literacy, a lack of affordable devices, and cultural restrictions that discourage women from engaging with technology. This gender gap in digital access mirrors broader social inequalities in Tanzania, where women are often excluded from educational and economic opportunities.
This digital gender divide is also seen in the wider social media landscape. A recent analysis by Kepios revealed that men consistently outnumber women on social media platforms, a trend that is particularly pronounced in certain regions.
For example, on Facebook, the global audience is 57% male and 43% female, with 1.24 billion male users compared to 939 million female users.
While platforms like Instagram and TikTok have a more balanced audience, men still outnumber women by 2.3% and 8.5%, respectively.
In sub-Saharan Africa, this gender gap is even more evident, as women are less likely to use the internet and social media, limiting their ability to participate in the digital world.
The barriers to internet access in Tanzania are not just about affordability or infrastructure—they are also deeply rooted in social and cultural attitudes. Many families in Tanzania still view the internet as a male-dominated space, with women being discouraged from using mobile devices or accessing online platforms.
This patriarchal mindset is not unique to Tanzania but is prevalent across many parts of Africa. A 2021 study by the Tanzania Gender Networking Programme found that 22% of women who do not own a mobile phone cited family disapproval as the primary reason, while 14% of women in Bangladesh cited similar restrictions.
These cultural attitudes, coupled with a lack of digital skills and the high cost of internet access, create a situation where many women are excluded from the digital world.
This digital exclusion has far-reaching consequences for the development of Tanzania and other African nations. Without access to the internet, individuals are cut off from opportunities to improve their lives.
Education becomes harder to access, healthcare information is out of reach, and economic opportunities are limited. In a world where the internet has become an essential tool for personal and professional growth, being disconnected means being left behind.
However, despite these challenges, there is hope for change. Experts like Israel Mbise, a data scientist from Arusha, and former Dar es Salaam Professor Sospeter Muhongo, a renowned geologist, believe that the situation is not beyond repair.
According to Mbise, Tanzania can make significant strides toward improving internet access by addressing key barriers such as affordability, infrastructure development, and digital literacy. "We need to work on creating a more competitive mobile market," Mbise says. "Reducing taxes and increasing investment in infrastructure would go a long way in making the internet more affordable for everyone."
The government has already begun to take steps in the right direction. The TCRA has implemented policies to encourage the expansion of mobile networks in rural areas and is working to reduce the costs of mobile data.
These efforts are aimed at making the Internet more affordable for Tanzanians, particularly in underserved areas. At the same time, initiatives to improve digital literacy, especially among women and girls, are critical to bridging the gender gap in internet access. By investing in education and training, Tanzania can empower its citizens to make better use of the digital tools at their disposal.
International organizations and businesses are also stepping up to support these efforts. In Kenya, Rwanda, and other parts of Africa, tech companies are partnering with governments to build more affordable and accessible digital infrastructure.
These efforts are showing positive results, with mobile internet becoming more affordable and widespread in some areas. If Tanzania can follow this example, it may be able to reduce the cost of internet access and ensure that more people, especially women, can benefit from the digital revolution.
In the end, the story of internet access in Tanzania is one of both challenges and hope. While the road ahead may be long and difficult, there are signs that progress is being made. The government, along with experts like Mbise and Professor Muhingo, are working tirelessly to ensure that Tanzanians can connect to the world and take advantage of the opportunities the internet provides.
If these efforts are successful, Tanzania could see a future where affordable internet access is no longer a luxury, but a basic right for all its citizens. With the right investments and policies, the digital divide can be closed, and Tanzania can become a fully connected, digital society.