Tanzania’s election-period internet shutdown cost over US $238 million, report warns
A new analysis by digital-rights group Paradigm Initiative estimates that Tanzania’s five-day election-period internet blackout and the ongoing suspension of X have cost the country more than US $238 million in lost productivity, trade, and digital services. The organisation says the restrictions have also undermined access to information and free expression, and urges authorities to fully restore services and avoid future disruptions, particularly during democratic processes.
Digital rights organisation Paradigm Initiative (PIN) has warned that Tanzania’s recent internet shutdown and ongoing suspension of the platform X (formerly Twitter) have had significant economic and human rights impacts. The disruptions occurred around the country’s election period and, according to PIN, have cost the Tanzanian economy more than US $238 million in lost productivity, trade, and digital services.
5-day blackout and months-long platform block
Tanzania experienced a nationwide internet blackout from 29 October to 3 November 2025. While general access was restored on 3 November, PIN reports continued to experience bandwidth throttling in some regions. Access to X has been suspended since 21 May 2025, a restriction still in place.
Figures cited by the organisation, based on NetBlocks’ Shutdown Cost Tool, estimate:
- US $72.3 million lost during the five-day election-period shutdown
- US $165.8 million lost due to the ongoing suspension of X
- Over US $238 million in total estimated economic losses
The assessment also notes secondary impacts beyond direct financial harm, including disruptions to healthcare communication, security coordination, digital payments, and access to reliable information.
Rights implications
PIN argues that the blackouts undermine freedom of expression and access to information protected under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The organisation adds that the shutdown also violates the right to development guaranteed in Article 22 of the African Charter.
Regional mechanisms have previously urged governments not to block online access. PIN cites positions from the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Net Rights Coalition calling for uninterrupted connectivity during democratic processes.
Call for government action
Paradigm Initiative is urging Tanzanian authorities to:
- fully restore access to X and all affected platforms
- refrain from future shutdowns, particularly during elections
- ensure transparency from telecom operators when restrictions are ordered
Telecommunications providers are encouraged to maintain stable connectivity and disclose when they receive state directives to limit access.
Broader trend
The development comes amid growing concern across Africa and globally about the use of internet restrictions during elections and periods of political tension. Digital-rights advocates argue that access to online services has become essential for democratic participation, public safety, and economic activity, and that prolonged shutdowns can have lasting effects on trust, investment, and civic freedoms.
