Tanzania internet disruptions cost economy over Ksh.30 billion - Report

Tanzania’s election-period internet blackout and the continued suspension of X (formerly Twitter) have cost the economy more than USD 238 million (TZS 586 billion, or Ksh.30 billion), digital rights group Paradigm Initiative (PIN) has warned.

According to PIN, Tanzania shut down the internet nationwide between October 29 and November 3, 2025 for a total of 5 days and 6 hours (126 hours), resulting in direct losses estimated at USD 72.3 million (TZS 178 billion, or Ksh.9 billion).

In addition, the suspension of X, which has been in effect since 21 May 2025, has cost an estimated USD 165.8 million (TZS 408 billion, or Ksh.21 billion). The combined losses exceed USD 238 million.

These estimates are based on the NetBlocks Cost of Shutdown Tool (COST) – a model recognised globally and used by the UN, governments and researchers to quantify economic harm caused by shutdowns, platform blocks and bandwidth throttling.

“Every shutdown chips away at trust, investment and human potential. Governments must realise that in today’s world, connectivity is the foundation of opportunity. Shutting down the internet silences citizens, stalls economies, and sets entire nations back.” said PIN Executive Director ‘Gbenga Sesan.

PIN argues that the shutdowns are a violation of fundamental rights and contradict calls by the Net Rights Coalition and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The organisation cites Articles 9, 19 and 22 of the African Charter, which protect freedom of expression, access to information and the right to development.

Speaking in Nairobi on Wednesday, PIN representative Miriam Beatrice Wanjiru said the shutdowns amounted to heavy socio-economic damage.

“In 2025, accessing the internet is extremely important especially during elections. When you shut down the internet, you violate freedom of expression and human rights” said Wanjiru.

She noted that the money lost within just five days was three times the annual budget allocation of Tanzania’s ICT Ministry.

“This is money that could have supported sectors like tech, health and other essential national priorities. That is why we say this is a very dangerous precedent” she said

PIN is calling on the Tanzanian government to immediately restore access to X and all blocked platforms, cease further shutdowns during democratic processes, and compel Internet Service Providers to issue transparency reports when ordered to restrict services.

The organisation says it is also preparing court action both locally in Tanzania and at the East African Court.