Dar es Salaam. A new report by Tech and Media Convergency (TMC) and the Internet Governance Tanzania Working Group (IGTWG) has revealed mounting threats to internet freedom and digital rights in Tanzania, raising serious concerns as the country approaches its 2025 general elections.
The report, titled ‘The State of Internet Governance and Analysis on Emerging Digital Threats in Tanzania – 2024,’ that was launched yesterday offers a sobering assessment of the country’s digital landscape, documenting widespread surveillance, internet disruptions, civic-tech repression, and legal overreach.
While the government has taken steps to modernize its digital governance, including the launch of the Tanzania Digital Economy Strategic Framework 2024/2034, the report emphasizes that critical gaps remain unaddressed.
“The State of Internet Governance and Analysis on Emerging Digital Threats in Tanzania is not just a report,” said Asha D. Abinallah, Founder and CEO of TMC. “It is a mirror reflecting the state of our digital freedoms and a wake-up call.”
“It captures the complexities, contradictions, and possibilities within our digital ecosystem. At TMC, we believe that promoting democratic internet governance, safeguarding digital rights, and responding to emerging threats must go hand in hand. This report is a tool for accountability, but also a roadmap for collective action toward a more inclusive, secure, and democratic digital future for Tanzania.”
The report documented 49 incidents related to digital rights in 2024. Of these, 24 were classified as regressive, highlighting a troubling pattern of suppression targeting journalists, digital advocates, and civic-tech activists.
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“Digital freedoms are integral to democratic governance. As we prepare for the 2025 election, safeguarding civic-tech space and digital rights must be a national priority,” said Abdalla Abeid, Executive Director of Zanzibar Fighting Against Youth Challenges Organization (ZAFAYCO).
Economic losses
The report also highlighted the significant impact of internet shutdowns and service disruptions, whether caused by undersea cable failures, government restrictions, or interference from mobile service providers.
These disruptions, it said, affected 14 million users and resulted in estimated losses of $1.4 million in 2024 alone, undermining both free expression and investor confidence.
Additionally, a persistent digital divide continues to marginalize rural communities. Despite increasing connectivity, broadband penetration remains low, and access to smartphones, now at 35.99% nationally, continues to exclude many from the digital economy.
The report calls on the government to amend Section 124 of the Electronic and Postal Communications Act (EPOCA) to limit arbitrary internet shutdowns by requiring judicial oversight.
It also recommends revising the Cybercrimes Act (2015) and aligning the Personal Data Protection Act (2022) with global standards like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Additionally, it urges full enforcement of the National Cybersecurity Strategy, accountability in media regulation, and the creation of independent bodies to investigate civic-tech disappearances.
For civil society and academia, the report stresses the need to expand digital rights education, especially in underserved areas. It also encourages joint advocacy on Artificial Intelligence, privacy, and media freedom, alongside evidence-based research into internet disruptions and digital inequality.
Lukelo Francis is an Associate Editor at The Chanzo based in Dar es Salaam. He can be reached at haulelukelo@gmail.com
