Tanzania’s digital freedoms at risk ahead of 2025 polls, new report warns

Dar es Salaam. Founder and CEO of Tech & Media Convergency (TMC), Ms Asha D. Abinallah, has unveiled a landmark report shedding light on the current state of internet governance and emerging digital threats in Tanzania, as the country braces for the 2025 General Elections.

The report, titled The State of Internet Governance and Analysis on Emerging Digital Threats in Tanzania 2024, was launched on 10 April 2025 in Dar es Salaam.

It is the result of a collaborative effort between TMC and the Internet Governance Tanzania Working Group (IGTWG), under the Tanzania Digital Collaboration Program supported by the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs.

Speaking at the launch, Ms Abinallah emphasised the significance of the findings, “The State of Internet Governance and Analysis on Emerging Digital Threats in Tanzania is not just a report, 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,” she said.

“At TMC, we believe that promoting a 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 highlights both promising developments and critical challenges within the country’s digital landscape.

On the positive side, Tanzania has made notable strides, including the development of the Draft National ICT Policy (2023) and the operationalisation of the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC).

The newly launched Tanzania Digital Economy Strategic Framework 2024–2034 anchors digital transformation at the heart of national development, while innovations like Jamii Namba (Unique Digital ID) continue to take shape.

The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA)’s “Ni Rahisi” campaign has also been lauded for enhancing digital literacy and fighting misinformation. Meanwhile, Tanzania’s engagement on the global stage is growing, demonstrated by its active participation in the UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and its upcoming hosting of the 14th African IGF in May 2025.

The establishment of IGTWG by TMC and 24 other civil society organisations has also been highlighted as a major step towards improved coordination in digital rights advocacy.

However, the report does not shy away from confronting serious concerns; It flags outdated laws such as the Cybercrimes Act (2015), the EPOCA Online Content Regulations, and the Media Services Act, citing their vague provisions that pose a risk to freedom of expression and can be exploited to suppress dissent.

A total of 49 digital rights incidents were documented in 2024, with 24 (49%) deemed regressive, reflecting a continuing trend of digital repression. Only 18 (37%) were marked as progressive, and seven (14%) considered neutral.

Internet disruptions—triggered by undersea cable failures, state-imposed restrictions, and interference by mobile service providers—resulted in losses amounting to $1.4 million. Over 14 million users were affected across 1,116 hours of internet downtime.

The report also draws attention to worrying trends in civic-tech disappearances. The cases of digital advocates such as Sativa, Deusdedith Soka, and Shadrack Chaula, who were reportedly subjected to forced disappearances, were cited as stark examples of shrinking civic space in the digital sphere.

Despite efforts to expand digital access, the rural-urban divide remains pronounced. As of December 2024, broadband penetration stood at only 35.99%, with a total of 48 million internet users recorded by TCRA.

Executive Director of ZAFAYCO and IGTWG representative, Abdalla Abeid, warned that the digital space must be protected as the country moves closer to national elections.

“Digital freedoms are integral to democratic governance. As we prepare for 2025, safeguarding civic-tech space and digital rights must be a national priority,” he said.

Senior Programmes, Policy, and Advocacy Coordinator at Restless Development – Dodoma, Badru Rajab, described the report as a foundational tool for reform.

“This report is not the end, it is a call to action. It is a tool for advocacy, policy dialogue, and community engagement,” he stressed.

“I encourage all stakeholders to use it to drive reforms, deepen understanding, and mobilise for positive change. Let us take these findings and turn them into actions that will secure a free, fair, and inclusive digital future for all Tanzanians.”

Policy Recommendations; The report calls for urgent legal and institutional reforms. Among the key proposals are: Amending Section 124 of EPOCA to ensure judicial oversight on internet shutdowns, Revising the Cybercrimes Act (2015) and aligning the Personal Data Protection Act (2022) with global frameworks such as the GDPR, full enforcement of the National Cybersecurity Strategy (2022–2027) and operationalisation of the National Cybersecurity Centre, improved accountability in media regulation, recommending targeted actions over blanket sanctions, referencing the Mwananchi case, establishing independent commissions to investigate civic-tech disappearances and ensure the protection of human rights defenders.

The report also issues specific calls to action for civil society, academia, the private sector, the technical community, and development partners—ranging from capacity-building and ethical AI investment to supporting innovation and expanding digital infrastructure in marginalised areas.