A new advocacy report by Tech & Media Convergency (TMC) in collaboration with the Internet Governance Tanzania Working Group (IGTWG) reveals the heavy economic toll of prolonged restrictions on popular digital platforms, including TikTok, X, and Instagram, on Tanzanian creators and businesses.
The report, titled “Offline, Off-Balance: Unveiling the Economic Impact of TikTok, X, and Instagram Restrictions in Tanzania,” warns that ongoing access barriers threaten livelihoods, innovation, and the growth of the country’s digital economy.
Digital transformation in Tanzania has been among Africa’s success stories, powered by youth-driven innovation, digital entrepreneurship, and the expansion of online business.
Yet recent restrictions on key platforms have created a tension between the government’s vision of a thriving digital economy and its regulatory approach, raising concerns among creators, traders, and small business owners.
Since May 20, 2025, X has only been accessible via VPNs, while TikTok and Instagram Live have faced similar challenges. According to NetBlocks, the continued restriction of X alone has resulted in estimated economic losses of $149.8 million, equivalent to nearly TZS 353 billion, by October 20, 2025.
This follows internet disruptions in 2024, which cost the Tanzanian economy around $1.4 million. The impact is felt widely, from small online traders to digital creators who rely on these platforms as their primary source of income.
Businesses have stalled, revenue streams have dried up, and investor confidence has waned, slowing the growth of Tanzania’s digital economy.
The report highlights the misalignment between restrictive measures and Tanzania’s own digital development agenda, including the Digital Tanzania Project and the Tanzania Digital Economy Strategic Framework.
Restrictions contradict the country’s stated goals of fostering innovation and inclusive growth, creating an unpredictable environment that discourages entrepreneurship.
At the same time, outdated laws such as the Cybercrimes Act of 2015 and the Electronic and Postal Communications Regulations grant broad enforcement powers that threaten innovation, limit freedom of expression, and undermine Tanzania’s emerging reputation as a hub for digital creativity.
TMC and IGTWG call for a shift toward a “digital-first, do-no-harm” approach, recognizing the internet as essential infrastructure for economic growth and job creation.
Uninterrupted access to digital platforms is vital for sustaining livelihoods, enabling small businesses to thrive, and allowing creators to reach audiences locally and globally.
Transparent regulation that respects human rights and promotes innovation will ensure that Tanzania remains competitive in the regional digital economy while safeguarding the incomes of ordinary citizens.
The message is clear: protecting access to digital platforms is protecting Tanzanians’ livelihoods. Each hour without reliable internet access is an hour of lost opportunities, income, and innovation.
A prosperous, digitally empowered Tanzania will only emerge when policies prioritize openness, accountability, and collaboration between government, the private sector, and the people.
