Category: The Citizen

Iringa. The Rufiji Basin Water Board has launched an initiative to restore rivers that have lost their natural courses–or disappeared altogether–due to siltation, a problem that has for years disrupted livelihoods and agricultural activities in the Usangu Plains of Mbarali District, Mbeya Region.

The intervention through the nature-based (NBSUsangu) project aims to restore river ecosystems, protect water resources and improve access to water for farming and livestock, while easing long-standing conflicts over water use in the area. Speaking after a field visit by members of the NBSUsangu Project Steering Committee to inspect restoration works on the Mlowo River, the board’s director, Mr David Munkyala, said the exercise is part of a broader strategy to reverse environmental degradation caused by human activities and climate change.

“For many years, several rivers in the Usangu area lost their natural flow due to soil erosion and heavy siltation,” he said. “Through this project, we are restoring natural river systems so that water can return to its rightful channels.

” Mr Munkyala said the project is funded by the World Bank through the government of Japan and is being implemented using nature-based solutions, an approach that promotes environmentally friendly and sustainable water resource management. He noted that restoration of the Mlowo River is expected to significantly improve water availability for irrigation and livestock while reducing disputes among different water users.

“Our goal is to ensure farmers have reliable water for their fields, livestock have access to water without damaging sources, and the environment is protected as a whole. These are the core objectives of this project,” he said.

He added that the Rufiji Basin Water Board will continue working closely with local communities, local government authorities and other stakeholders to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the restoration works. “This project cannot succeed without the active participation of communities.

We urge residents to protect the restored areas and related infrastructure so that the benefits last,” he said. The NBSUsangu Project coordinator, Mr David Muginya, said the initiative is designed to directly improve livelihoods by boosting agricultural productivity, strengthening food security and increasing household incomes.

He said river restoration is a nature-based solution aimed at restoring balance between human activities and the environment, while reducing the impacts of climate-related shocks such as droughts and unpredictable floods. “Several villages along rivers in the Usangu Plains are already witnessing positive changes.

We expect increased production and reduced vulnerability to climate extremes,” he said. Local residents have welcomed the intervention.

Mr Hamis Mwatenga, a resident of Mwatenga Village in Mahongole Ward, said the restored river has renewed hope for farmers who had struggled with water shortages for years. “Previously, farming was very difficult because the river had lost its course.

Now the situation is gradually improving,” he said. Another resident, Mr Omary Makolo of Ilaji Village, said the project has reduced fears of crop losses and encouraged communities to engage in environmental conservation to safeguard water sources.

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It was a viral clip that amused netizens. Ugandan Member of Parliament for Bukonzo West, Mr Atkins Katusabe returned from the West with a strong American accent.

During his speech at parliament, it was as if his Ugandan accent had taken a leave. Most of his fellow parliamentarians couldn’t hide their puzzled reaction to the phonetic-style English.

One raised a concern to the speaker; she complained they can hardly understand him. Some laughed, and the internet went insane with comments, as they always do.

But what is now known as code-switching has long been part of life for the African diaspora, and Tanzanians are no exception. Code switching, defined as changing dialects, accents, and the way one speaks based on situation and audience, has long been practised.

Tanzanians in the diaspora, like many immigrants. This has been a key to survival, a bragging right, and sometimes it is a genuine adaptation to the new life and reality.

At the immigration point at the Mwalimu Nyerere airport, when one stamps the passports as they head to their departure gate. Your ears capture the last few Kiswahili sentences you will hear for a long time while you are abroad.

For many Tanzanians in the diaspora, mostly those who moved to the West, they would tell you that landing in a foreign country and standing at the immigration point is when they truly notice how far they have strayed from home. As a natural human instinct, one would do everything to fit in.

From acting like the train routes and ordering meals at the driveway are normal to them. But the contrast of life is vast, and one would do it all to accustom oneself to the western life.

Some go as far as completely changing their accent to the newly mastered American English. It has always been a topic of heavy debates, amusement, loathing and admiration, depending on who you ask.

Unbeknownst to those who haven’t had the opportunity to live in a foreign country, they might not know the length of time a Tanzanian has to change his or her way of life just to get by. “I was walking in New York one winter morning, and a group of African American guys walked up to me asking where I was from.

I had to use my best New York accent to tell them I’m from here,” one Tanzanian diaspora residing in New York, who wished to remain anonymous, said. In some places, ‘Neighbourhoods’, your accent could save you or get you in trouble; the question of ‘Where are you from?’ is not as polite as it may appear.

One could be asking you what you are doing on their ‘turf’ or if you represent a rival gang, which means they will view you as a threat. Tanzanians across the United States, mostly the youth, have learnt that standing out is not ideal, so most try as much as possible to sound and look American.

It is just one of the camouflage tops that blends in, and you go about your life. Natives can quickly tell when a person next to them is not local, and the language and accent are the easiest giveaways.

Dar es Salaam city, a metropolis with a blend of people from all cultures and nationalities. People from the Democratic Republic of Congo, popularly known as Congolese, have always been welcomed with open arms and hence have made efforts to conceal their true identity.

Tanzania might be a safe, accommodating country, but that is not true for many countries around the world. Saudi Arabia is a notable example, having recently ramped up efforts to deport thousands of individuals residing in the country without legal residence status.

Affecting migrant workers from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Similarly, the Trump administration, which came into office with strong immigration laws, has deported thousands of illegal aliens in the one year since they took over the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

Still, many immigrants with questionable legal statuses remain in the country, which has more than 300 million people. A recent social media clip showed an older Caucasian man calling the police on a delivery guy who spoke Spanish, insinuating that he is an illegal and should be arrested.

Such incidents are exactly why some people feel more comfortable assimilating and code-switching just for the peace of mind. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement, commonly referred to as ICE, has infamous videos on social media making arrests when random people speak a foreign language or look ‘different’.

Some Tanzanians in the United States simply chose to stay indoors to avoid any confrontation with the law, but for those who couldn’t afford to, they chose code-switching as a cover, and they have mastered it so well that it is believable. A fellow Tanzanian would speak to you in an American accent, and you would never know you are both from Dar es Salaam.

Being mocked abroad for being African and being mocked at home for sounding foreign. That is a Tanzanian diaspora life, between the motherland and the adopted home.

In a time like the festival season. Those Tanzanians who find their way back home to family and friends face a new reality.

‘Speak like us, or we will shun you,’ and many have stories of hiked prices after the shopkeeper had them speak with an American accent to relatives, thinking their new accent is a way of showing family members that they are better than them. A true dilemma for the Diaspora community “I remember taking my kids to a gathering, and they kept forcing them to speak Kiswahili with a Tanzanian accent.

My kids can hardly speak Kiswahili. I will never go to the next gathering,” one said.

After more than three decades in the US, he has understandably lost his Tanzanian accent. His children are American-born, but he still has to be cautious of how he speaks when he is with Americans and, similarly, around Tanzanians.

He has to observe his accent and switch it accordingly. A work environment where communication is vital One Tanzanian who works at a bakery in downtown New York understands this too well.

He is frequented by everyday American buyers; his American accent is excellent. It needs to be to do a good job and get tips.

But when he gets back to his apartment, he gets to his phone and video calls back home, speaking all the Kiswahili he wasn’t able to speak during his work shift. His ability to switch between the two languages and accents is what immigrants have mastered to navigate foreign countries while preserving their identity.

Though back in Tanzania their accents may raise eyebrows, and they are sometimes accused of sounding different, the reasons behind it are rarely discussed. .

Dar es Salaam/Upcountry. Heavy rains have caused near-fatal incidents, damaged houses and infrastructure and disrupted transport, as authorities urged residents to remain alert amid forecasts of more downpours.

In Morogoro Region, Kilosa District has been the worst affected. District Commissioner Shaka Hamdu Shaka said preliminary assessments show that more than 120 houses were damaged after heavy rains accompanied by strong winds hit Magole Division on Friday, particularly in Dumila and Mgaole wards.

“Roofs were blown off, walls collapsed and some houses were completely destroyed,” he said, adding that the district disaster management committee was continuing with detailed assessments to establish the exact number of affected residents and the full extent of the damage. Apart from residential houses, two rice milling machines and other production assets were damaged by floodwaters, while electricity infrastructure belonging to Tanesco, including street lights in Dumila, was also affected, causing power interruptions.

“So far, we thank God that no deaths or missing persons have been reported. As the government, we are prepared to provide temporary assistance to all affected residents as assessments continue,” Mr Shaka said.

In Tabora Municipality, four people, including a pregnant woman, narrowly escaped death after the three-wheeled motorcycle taxi (bajaji) they were travelling in was swept away by floodwaters in the Malolo area on the night of December 28. Tabora Regional Fire and Rescue Commander Loshipay Laizer said the victims were rescued by the Tanzania Fire and Rescue Force and rushed to Tabora Regional Referral Hospital (Kitete), where they are receiving treatment and are reported to be in stable condition. The bajaji was also retrieved but was extensively damaged.

In Dar es Salaam, heavy rains were reported in several areas, though no major damage had been recorded by press time. However, some roads have started to deteriorate due to poor drainage, with water stagnation causing potholes and making sections difficult for motorists and pedestrians to use.

Iringa Region recorded heavy rainfall from the evening of December 27 to the morning of December 28, resulting in cold weather and slippery road conditions, especially on unpaved roads. No major damage had been reported by press time.

In other areas of the region, Idodi Divisional Secretary Makala Mapesa said the rains began around 5pm and continued into the night without causing reported damage, while Pawaga Divisional Secretary Emmanuel Ngabuji said moderate rains were recorded and authorities were closely monitoring the situation. In Kilolo District, residents reported transport challenges due to slippery earth roads following several hours of rainfall.

In Mbeya Region, the weather has affected some social and economic activities, particularly construction work. A construction worker, Mr James Mwakyusa, said although the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) forecast heavy rainfall, the region has mostly experienced light rains at night and cold conditions.

“The rains are not destructive, but we are worried about the possibility of continuous heavy rainfall,” he said. Farmers, however, say the rains have brought renewed hope.

Mr Witness Kamwela said the TMA forecast encouraged them to begin preparing their farms and planting crops after delays earlier in the season. “This year’s rains delayed and caused fear, but after the TMA report indicated that rains are expected, we have regained hope, even though it also warned of possible heavy and destructive rains,” he said.

Meanwhile, the TMA has issued a warning for several regions, including Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Manyara, Kigoma, Katavi, Singida, Dodoma, Rukwa, Songwe, Mbeya, Iringa, Njombe, Morogoro, Ruvuma, Tanga, Dar es Salaam, Lindi, Mtwara and Pwani, including Mafia Island. The authority said heavy rains that were expected yesterday could cause floods, landslides and disruption of economic and social activities, urging residents–especially those in low-lying and vulnerable areas–to take precautionary measures.

TMA has advised the public to avoid crossing flooded rivers and roads, follow weather updates regularly and cooperate with local authorities, which have been urged to strengthen preparedness and response efforts. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania national football team (Taifa Stars) head coach Miguel Gamondi expressed disappointment after his side was held to a 1-1 draw by Uganda’s The Cranes in their Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Group C clash on Saturday.

Uganda struck late in the game, equalizing just 10 minutes before the final whistle, denying Tanzania a hard-earned victory in an intense and thrilling encounter. Played at Rabat’s Al Medina Stadium, the match saw Tanzania dominate much of the game, creating multiple scoring opportunities while showcasing high intensity and tactical discipline.

Speaking after the match, Gamondi reflected on the mixed emotions following the result. “First, we are a little disappointed that we did not win, but I do believe we had a very good game with high intensity.

In attack, we lost some balls, and Uganda created some good chances. I think we adjusted well in the second half,” he said.

The coach added that despite controlling the game and creating several chances, a defensive lapse allowed Uganda to score from a cross. “We created chances, dominated, and were dangerous, but we made a mistake that led to a goal.

We feel sorry for all the Tanzanian people that we did not win, but we continue working hard in this tough competition,” Gamondi said. Turning to the next challenge, Gamondi said his attention is now on Tanzania’s final group stage match against Tunisia, scheduled for tomorrow at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium, kicking off at 7pm East Africa Time.

Uganda will face Nigeria at Fez Stadium simultaneously in another key Group C clash. “We are now focusing on the final group stage match against Tunisia.

We need to show our best, as we did in the previous game, and aim for the best results,” Gamondi added. The coach also highlighted Tanzania’s growing talent pool and the importance of investing in the team’s international success.

“Tanzania has many talented players who dream of excelling internationally. With the right preparation and support, we can achieve great results,” he said.

After two matches, Nigeria has already qualified from Group C with six points, leaving Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda in a tight race for the second knockout stage spot. Tanzania must now secure a positive result against Tunisia to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is rapidly consolidating its dominance in Uganda’s import market, with shipments reaching $2.26 billion in the first ten months of 2025 a volume that not only eclipses Kenya’s exports but also exceeds the combined supply from all other East African countries.

Between January and October 2025, Uganda imported $2.26 billion worth of goods from Tanzania, compared with $1.35 billion from Kenya. Bank of Uganda’s Monthly import data for 2025 shows Tanzania outperforming Kenya in every single month.

In October alone, Tanzania exported $313.25 million to Uganda, more than double Kenya’s $135.28 million, reinforcing Dar es Salaam’s status as Kampala’s principal trading partner. The gap is even more striking when set against the rest of the region.

In 2024, Uganda imported $1.87 billion from Tanzania, while Kenya supplied $882 million. South Sudan accounted for just $37.57 million, the Democratic Republic of Congo $29.67 million, Rwanda $11.62 million, and Burundi a marginal $2 million.

Tanzania, in effect, exported more to Uganda than all the other East African suppliers combined. This was not always the case.

In 2020, Kenya and Tanzania were almost tied, with Uganda importing $808 million from Kenya and $771.86 million from Tanzania. By 2022, Tanzania’s exports had collapsed to $281 million amid pandemic disruptions and logistical bottlenecks, while Kenya still shipped $755.5 million.

Two years later, Tanzania had staged one of the sharpest trade turnarounds in the region, lifting its exports to Uganda by more than $1.6 billion. Rector of Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy (MNMA), Prof Haruni Mapesa, said Tanzania’s geographical advantage and logistics backbone are now directly shaping the country’s industrial and trade trajectory.

According to Prof Mapesa, Tanzania’s access to the Indian Ocean, combined with investments in ports, railways, and trunk roads, has created an ecosystem that is attracting manufacturing that was traditionally concentrated in China and parts of Europe. “With deep-sea ports, the Standard Gauge Railway, the Central Corridor, and expanding road networks, Tanzania has become a natural production base.

Manufacturers are increasingly setting up plants here to serve not only East Africa, but the wider SADC market and the rest of the continent,” he said. He added that education is emerging as a new export enabler, supplying the skilled workforce needed for industrial expansion and supporting Tanzania’s transformation into a regional production hub.

Tanzania’s energy investments have also paid off. With gas-powered electricity stabilising supply, manufacturers have been able to ramp up production just as Uganda’s construction and housing boom has lifted demand for building materials.

The broader regional picture shows how far Tanzania has pulled ahead. While South Sudan, DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi together supplied less than $80 million to Uganda in 2024, Tanzania alone delivered nearly $1.9 billion, more than 20 times their combined exports.

Prof Mapesa, a senior economist, also pointed to Tanzania’s agricultural resilience as a critical factor sustaining its export momentum, particularly at a time when climate volatility is disrupting food supply across the region. “Food and cash crop production in Tanzania remains relatively stable.

Key commodities are still available in sufficient volumes and have not yet been severely affected by climate shocks, as current data shows. This stability gives Tanzania a unique advantage as both a food supplier and an agro-processing base,” he said.

He noted that the combination of geography, logistics, skills development, and agricultural capacity explains why Tanzania is not only increasing its exports to Uganda, but steadily positioning itself as a manufacturing and food supply hub for East Africa and the Southern African Development Community. .

Beijing. China opposes any attempt to split territories in Somalia, the foreign ministry said on Monday, affirming Chinese support for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the East African country.

“No country should encourage or support other countries’ internal separatist forces for its own selfish interests,” ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters at a regular press conference, urging authorities in Somaliland to stop “separatist activities and collusion with external forces”. Israel became the first country on Friday to formally recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, seeking immediate cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology and the economy.

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Dar es Salaam. For many young Tanzanians, the festive season has evolved into a period shaped less by tradition and more by personal choice, lifestyle and circumstance.

Generation Z youth–born in the late 1990s and early 2000s–are increasingly redefining how they spend Christmas and New Year, balancing family, friends, personal projects and leisure in ways that reflect their priorities and realities. Rather than adhering to a single pattern, young people across the country approach the season differently.

Some return home to reconnect with family, others spend time with friends, take up short-term holiday work, or simply stay indoors to rest, stream and recharge before the year ahead. In Dar es Salaam, 24-year-old Aisha Juma says the festive season is a time for quiet reflection and family connection.

She plans to avoid parties and travel, instead focusing on simple moments at home. “Given the reality of life these days, I see no reason to force myself into doing big things.

I will spend the day at home with my family. We plan to cook, eat together, watch a movie and chat,” she says.

For Aisha, staying indoors and sharing time with family provides emotional comfort and security that outings and money cannot replace. “After a long year, sitting together with family is a blessing in itself.

Peace and togetherness are more important than celebrations,” she adds. Meanwhile, 27-year-old Salum Leonard also values connection but chooses to spend the festive season with friends.

For him, the holidays are a mix of reflection, socialising and remembrance. “I will be with my friends, having a beer and reminiscing about moments from this year, both good and bad.

But we will also take time to honour our friend who died in a road accident in August,” he says. Salum explains that the loss brought the group closer and made them more mindful of life and friendship.

“This is not just about happiness; it is about reflection. We will remember him, laugh a little, feel some sadness, but ultimately, life goes on,” he adds.

Away from the urban bustle of Dar es Salaam, 29-year-old Frank Mwakyusa from Mbeya plans to travel home to Tukuyu village to reconnect with elders and extended family. “This is the time of year I go back to the village.

I have not seen my elders in a long time. This season is important for family, guidance and reconnecting with the roots,” he says.

Frank believes that reconnecting with older family members brings perspective and healing. “Elders give you wisdom and peace.

Going home at this time feels like taking a deep breath after a long year,” he adds. Not all youth attach emotional weight to the season.

In Mwanza, 26-year-old Lucas Chaula views Christmas and New Year as no different from any other time. “For me, there is no difference between this season and other days.

I will continue with my normal routine,” he says. Lucas plans to focus on work and personal responsibilities.

“If there is work, I work. If there is rest, I rest.

I do not see a need to celebrate in a special way,” he explains. His perspective reflects a growing sentiment among urban youth who see the festive season as commercialised and disconnected from daily life.

Economic realities also influence how Gen Z spend their holidays. Some young people use the season to take on short-term work or holiday gigs, balancing the festive period with financial planning.

This is particularly common in urban centres, where costs for travel, food and entertainment rise significantly during the holidays. In Mara Region, the festive season carries deeper emotional meaning for Neema Joseph, 28, who lost both her parents this year.

Her father passed away in April, followed by her mother in September. “This is the first festive season without my parents.

I will not celebrate like others,” she says quietly. Instead, she plans to focus on her responsibilities as head of the household, caring for her younger siblings and planning for the year ahead.

“I am thinking about how to begin a new year without parents and how to take care of my siblings. I am their main support now.

Life has to go on, but it is not easy. This is a time of rebuilding myself,” she adds.

For others, the festive season is a time of self-reward. In Arusha, 28-year-old Kevin Laiser plans to spend the season travelling, socialising and enjoying leisure with friends.

“I set aside my savings all year for this. The festive season is when I enjoy myself and my friends,” he says.

Kevin sees the holidays as a mental reset after months of hard work. “After working hard all year, this is the time to reward myself.

It is about enjoying life and stepping back from daily stress,” he explains. For Tanzanian youth, Christmas and New Year are no longer defined solely by ceremonies or celebrations.

Instead, they are a period to recharge, reconnect, reflect and prepare for the year ahead–on terms that suit each individual. .

Dar es Salaam. Economists and traders say Tanzania’s rapid adoption of digital payments is transforming the way individuals and businesses conduct transactions, boosting efficiency and financial security while reducing reliance on cash.

According to Abel Kinyondo of the Dar es Salaam University College of Education, the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) deserves credit for strengthening digital payment systems, noting that transactions conducted through electronic platforms are traceable and largely legitimate. “Payments made through digital channels are less likely to evade taxation, which is highly beneficial for revenue collection.

In the long term, we hope that reliance on cash transactions will significantly decline or eventually disappear altogether,” Mr Kinyondo said. Economists highlight the wider economic benefits.

Dr Yohana Lawi, an analyst at the Open University of Tanzania, said digital payments enable the government to collect revenue more efficiently while reducing losses linked to cash handling. He added that more education is needed so traders and citizens fully understand the advantages of electronic payments.

“Incentives such as discounts for electronic payments, which are common in developed countries, could encourage more people to move away from cash. Reducing cash usage would also lower costs related to printing and replacing damaged banknotes,” Dr Lawi said.

Another economist, Dr Goodhope Mkaro, noted that the rise of digital payments is also improving financial inclusion, particularly in rural and underserved areas. “Through mobile phones, people in these areas can access financial services, save securely, and avoid the risks of carrying cash,” he said.

Traders in Dar es Salaam say digital payments have simplified daily business operations. Managing Director of Buti la Zungu buses, Mr Saidi Machokole, said electronic ticket payments reduce cash-handling risks and allow him to track company revenue more accurately.

Passengers benefit from the convenience of paying for tickets anytime via their phones. Similarly, cosmetics trader Furaha Juma said mobile money and bank transfers have enhanced efficiency in both wholesale and retail trade, enabling instant payments from distant locations and faster delivery of goods.

Data from the Bank of Tanzania supports this trend. The Monetary Policy Report released in October shows that funds processed through the Tanzania Interbank Settlement System (TISS) rose to Sh31.1 trillion by August 2025, compared with Sh29 trillion in August 2024. Mobile money transactions reached Sh23 trillion, up from Sh18 trillion in July 2024, while the Tanzania Instant Payment System (TIPS) grew sharply to S.

9 trillion from Sh2.7 trillion in August 2024. BoT attributes the growth to wider use of TIPS, including payments to government institutions and the expansion of interoperable merchant payments, supported by lower transaction fees. Despite these gains, customers are calling for lower transaction charges to encourage wider adoption.

Stakeholders agree that reducing costs and raising awareness will be key to fully realising the benefits of a cash-light economy. .

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) on Monday introduced additional Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train services to ease congestion and inconvenience faced by passengers following disruptions caused by heavy rains.

Heavy rains in several parts of Tanzania disrupted electricity supplies and rail services on Sunday. According to the Ministry of Transport, the downpours damaged sections of the old metre gauge railway (MGR), including bridges at Kidete in Kilosa District, Morogoro Region, and Gulwe in Mpwapwa District, Dodoma Region.

The ministry said in a statement that power faults affecting both the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) and the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) electricity system were also reported, leading to interruptions in rail services. In a public notice issued today, December 29, TRC apologised to passengers using both the SGR and MGR services, saying the extra trips were meant to address the travel backlog caused by the disruption.

According to the statement, the normal SGR timetable resumed today but supplementary services were added on the Dar es SalaamDodoma and DodomaDar es Salaam routes, as well as between Dar es Salaam and Morogoro. “The SGR train timetable for December 29, 2025, will continue as normal, and in response to the challenge that arose, additional services have been introduced,” TRC said in the statement.

On the DodomaDar es Salaam route, three trips were added including departures scheduled for 6.00 in the morning (EMU), 3.

00 in the afternoon (EMU), and 6.00 in the evening (EMU).

For passengers travelling from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma, additional departures were set for 7.00 in the morning, and 4.

30 in the evening (EMU). In the statement signed by the head of public relations and communications, Mr Fredy Mwanjala, the corporation reaffirmed its commitment to customer service, saying passenger welfare remained its top priority.

“Providing quality service to our customers remains the corporation’s priority,” the statement said, while urging travellers to take note of the revised schedule. The rains also affected road transport, with landslides and mud accumulation reported along the MorogoroIringa highway, particularly on the stretch between Mama Marashi and Mikumi, posing risks to motorists on the busy corridor.

The government urged the public to take precautions, avoid travel in affected areas where possible, follow official updates and comply with instructions from security and transport authorities. Emergency repair works were under way to restore damaged infrastructure and ensure safety before normal operations resume, the government said, urging travellers to remain patient as rehabilitation efforts continue.

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Dar es Salaam. Economists, technologists and media analysts say Tanzania’s digital transformation accelerated significantly in 2025, fundamentally reshaping how citizens access information, consume news, interact with institutions and express anxieties during a year marked by political transition and economic pressures.

Data from regulators and digital platforms indicate that Tanzanians are increasingly living their lives through screens, whether seeking employment, monitoring economic developments, following political events, or engaging with entertainment and social networks. For many, the digital world has become both a window to opportunity and a lens reflecting uncertainty in a changing society.

According to the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), internet subscriptions reached 56.3 million by September 2025, raising internet penetration to 82.6 percent of the population. This growth has been fuelled by the expansion of mobile broadband coverage into more remote and peri-urban areas, affordable data bundles and the rising adoption of smartphones across age groups.

The TCRA report also highlights that mobile communications subscriptions across voice and data services now exceed 99 million, demonstrating the extent to which connectivity has become central to daily life in Tanzania. Fourth- and fifth-generation networks now cover most urban centres and many semi-urban districts, shrinking distances between citizens and the information they need and facilitating real-time communication.

Searching for work, prices and certainty The digital economy has also influenced how Tanzanians seek solutions to everyday challenges. While Google has not yet released a Tanzania-specific “Year in Search 2025,” available datasets and regional indicators reveal clear patterns of online activity.

Google continues to dominate as the world’s primary search engine, responsible for over 90 percent of web queries globally and Tanzanians have increasingly relied on it to access timely and practical information. Tanzania-focused Google search trends compiled by CEIC indicate strong interest in online employment, LinkedIn job postings, YouTube tutorials and videos, as well as queries related to unemployment conditions and travel services.

This combination reflects a dual reality: economic anxiety alongside aspirations for better livelihoods. Globally, searches for artificial intelligence tools, conversational queries and AI assistants surged in 2025, a pattern likely mirrored in Tanzania as citizens sought to explore digital productivity and income-generating opportunities.

These tools, accessible through smartphones, offer educational content, career guidance and innovative ways to connect with markets beyond local communities. Search activity also mirrored political interest.

Aggregated Google Trends data shows that queries related to the 29 October 2025 general elections surged sharply in the weeks leading to polling day. The spike in searches indicates heightened public engagement and uncertainty, reflecting a society closely monitoring political developments while seeking accurate information amidst competing narratives.

Short videos as refuge and newsroom While searches reflected concern and curiosity, short videos provided both entertainment and information. TikTok and YouTube emerged as leading platforms, offering humour, music and social commentary in concise formats.

TCRA data shows that Tanzanians consumed 33.57 million gigabytes of TikTok content in a single quarter, ranking the platform as the third-highest by data consumption. TikTok has evolved from a simple entertainment app into a powerful hub for content discovery, social interaction and information sharing.

Globally, platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook remain among the most downloaded apps, while WhatsApp continues to anchor daily communication across the continent. In Tanzania, the impact of TikTok was reinforced in December 2025, when local creators were recognised at the TikTok Sub-Saharan Africa Awards for blending indigenous culture with global digital trends.

Short videos increasingly function as an informal newsroom. Court rulings, national debates, fuel price announcements and political commentary often circulate first on TikTok, WhatsApp and Instagram before reaching traditional media outlets.

This compression of the news cycle amplifies both the speed at which information spreads and the emotional response of viewers, highlighting the growing influence of digital platforms in shaping public perception. Opportunity and risk in the digital space Technology executive Jones Mrusha notes that the digital space played a central role in nearly every significant national event in 2025. He says the challenge lies in adapting to the rapid pace of change.

“Early adopters moved quickly to understand and take control of digital tools, while a large segment of society struggled to keep up,” Mr Mrusha explains, warning that uneven digital literacy risks widening social and economic inequalities. In the media sector, journalists and content creators now use digital tools to produce content faster and more accurately, improving visuals, grammar and overall quality.

“Public figures increasingly leverage these tools for communication and even the use of punctuation like the em dash (–) is now more common, reflecting professional standards in digital writing,” he adds. At the same time, youths are harnessing platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and Instagram to create content, build audiences and generate income.

Emerging artificial intelligence applications also allow young users to access higher learning opportunities, including specialised courses in reinforcement learning and human feedback mechanisms. Yet, the growth of digital platforms is not without risks.

“Some individuals deliberately exploit these technologies to push false narratives, create fake images, manipulate videos and even clone voices,” Mr Mrusha warns. The sophistication of digital misinformation makes it increasingly difficult to detect and counter, posing challenges for governance, business and civil society.

A strategic national question Innovator and technology enthusiast Jumanne Mtambalike describes 2025 as a turning point for Tanzania’s digital evolution. He argues that digital media now plays a critical role in the social, economic and political spheres–from election campaigns and post-election discourse to digital business growth and online mobilisation.

“This is a wake-up call for decision-makers to treat the digital revolution as a strategic national priority,” Mr Mtambalike says. He points to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics and digital platforms as transformative forces shaping power, public opinion and economic opportunity.

However, these same technologies also introduce new risks, including cybercrime, misinformation and digital espionage. “The question is no longer whether technology will shape our future,” he adds.

“The real question is whether Tanzania is prepared to govern, secure and harness it responsibly in line with national development goals and democratic values.” Digital transformation and society As 2025 draws to a close, Tanzania’s digital footprint reflects a society in transition: connected, information-hungry and eager for opportunity, yet mindful of potential manipulation.

Digital platforms now influence not only access to knowledge but also economic participation, political engagement and social cohesion. Economists and digital analysts agree that the rapid adoption of smartphones, mobile data and real-time payment systems, alongside increasing literacy in digital tools, has created opportunities for citizens to engage more fully with the economy and civic life.

At the same time, the uneven pace of adoption signals the need for policies promoting digital inclusion, media literacy and cyber resilience. How the country manages these platforms will shape the development of Tanzania’s media ecosystem, the efficiency of public services and the vibrancy of its democracy.

The decisions taken today regarding regulation, education and digital infrastructure may define the country’s economic trajectory and social cohesion for years to come. Tanzania’s experience in 2025 underscores the complex interplay between technology, opportunity and risk.

It highlights both the potential of digital platforms to empower citizens and the imperative for responsible governance to mitigate threats posed by misinformation, cybercrime and inequitable access. As the nation moves forward, the strategic question for policymakers, business leaders and civil society is clear: can Tanzania fully leverage its digital revolution to strengthen democratic governance, foster economic growth and create inclusive opportunities for all? .