Country’s Internet penetration surges to 54.1 million users

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA digital transformation continues to gather pace, with the number of internet users reaching an all-time high of 54.1 million by the end of the fourth quarter of the 2024/2025 financial year.

This is according to the latest statistics released by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA).

This milestone marks a dramatic increase from 29 million users in 2020, underscoring the country’s continued investment in digital infrastructure and the growing demand for internet-based services.

Over the past five years, Tanzania has experienced consistent growth in internet penetration driven by expanded mobile broadband coverage, falling smartphone prices and increasing public awareness of digital opportunities.

Between 2020 and 2024, the country added over 25 million new users, averaging more than six million new subscribers per year.

This rapid growth has been fueled by the widespread availability of 4G and 5G networks, the expansion of fiber-optic infrastructure and collaborative efforts between mobile network operators and the government to promote affordable internet access.

“The internet is no longer a luxury; it is a fundamental enabler of development. We are working to ensure that every Tanzanian, regardless of location, can harness the benefits of connectivity,” said TCRA Director General Dr Jabiri Bakari.

The surge in connectivity has had far-reaching impacts across Tanzania’s economy and society.

From bustling cities to rural communities, internet access is now transforming sectors such as education, agriculture, finance, commerce, healthcare and governance.

Digital platforms have revolutionised the way Tanzanians do business, from mobile money and e-commerce to digital marketing and remote work.

Thousands of youths and women entrepreneurs now rely on online platforms to access markets, sell products and engage in the digital economy.

In education, e-learning has opened new doors, giving students and teachers access to global knowledge resources.

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In the health sector, connectivity has enabled telemedicine, digital health records and online consultations.

The government, through TCRA and the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, continues to create an enabling environment for digital expansion.

Initiatives such as digital clubs, which promote STEM learning (an educational approach that integrates the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics) among students in ICT programmes and Cyber Champions competitions are playing a key role in building an inclusive digital future.

Dr Bakari said that the TCRA remains committed to ensuring that digital transformation is inclusive, equitable and secure.

“Statistics show a steady increase in the number of women, youth and rural citizens accessing internet services, thanks to strategic government efforts to encourage investment in the communications sector,” he said.

He further noted that a recent spectrum auction has empowered telecom operators to expand their services, especially in underserved areas and accelerate the rollout of 5G networks.

With over 60 per cent of the population now online, Tanzania is poised to enter the era of a fully-fledged digital economy.

Experts attribute this momentum to the rapid adoption of 5G technology, the growth of data centres, cloud computing and the rise of e-government services that are enhancing public service delivery.

However, with increased connectivity comes the need for robust measures to protect users.

TCRA has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cybersecurity, improving data protection and promoting digital literacy to ensure responsible use of digital platforms.