The Paradigm Initiative (PIN) has raised concern over Tanzania’s recent election-period internet blackout, the continued suspension of X (formerly Twitter), and ongoing reports of bandwidth throttling in parts of the country, warning that the disruptions have caused devastating economic and human rights impacts.
- •According to PIN, the combined cost of the nationwide internet shutdown and the ongoing suspension of X has exceeded US $238 million (TZS 560 billion) in direct losses to productivity, trade, and digital services.
- •Beyond direct financial damage, PIN noted that the shutdowns have triggered far-reaching effects, including social, political, and security disruptions, growth in information black markets, setbacks in health and education, and interruptions to mobile payments and informal economic activity.
- •Observers and civil society groups described the polls as lacking transparency and competitiveness, with the internet disruptions further curtailing independent election monitoring, freedom of expression, and access to reliable information.
“Every shutdown chips away at trust, investment, and human potential,” said ‘Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative. “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.”
The blackout begun during Tanzania’s October 2025 general elections, which were marred by controversy and accusations of political repression. Leading opposition leaders were blocked from participating, arrested or detained, and their campaign activities restricted, creating a heavily one-sided contest that saw incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan declared the winner with 98% of the vote.
Citing data from the NetBlocks Cost of Shutdown Tool (COST)—which uses methodologies developed by the Brookings Institution and data from the World Bank, ITU, and Eurostat—PIN said the total internet blackout from 29 October to 3 November 2025 lasted for 126 hours (five days and six hours), resulting in losses estimated at US $72.3 million (TZS 170.27 billion), or roughly US $13.8 million per day.
In addition, the suspension of X, which has remained in effect since 21 May 2025 (166 days and counting), is estimated to have cost the economy US $165.8 million (TZS 390.33 billion), or nearly US $1 million (TZS 2.3 billion) per day.
