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Digital Rights Group Decries Internet Restrictions During Tanzania’s Election Period
Paradigm Initiative (PIN) has expressed grave concern over Tanzania’s continued internet restrictions, including the suspension of X (formerly Twitter) and bandwidth throttling, which persist even after general connectivity was restored on November 3, 2025.
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According to PIN, these state-imposed disruptions during and after the country’s general elections have caused severe economic losses and represent a clear violation of digital rights and freedom of expression.
The organization noted that the internet blackout contradicts repeated appeals by the Net Rights Coalition and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) urging African states to refrain from shutting down the internet, as such actions undermine Articles 9 and 19 of both the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
“Internet shutdowns are a blunt tool that harm economies, stifle expression, and disconnect citizens from essential information during critical democratic processes,” PIN said in a statement.
Economic Toll: $238 Million Lost to Shutdowns and Platform Bans
PIN emphasized that Tanzania’s internet restrictions have crippled economic productivity, hindered access to digital trade, and disrupted essential online services.
Citing data from the NetBlocks Cost of Shutdown Tool (COST), the organization revealed that the Tanzanian economy lost over US $238 million (approximately TSh 560 billion) as a result of the nationwide blackout and the ongoing suspension of X since May 21, 2025.
Such economic losses, PIN added, directly violate Article 22 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantees the right to development — a right that depends heavily on access to digital infrastructure and communication technologies.
“Restricting internet access during elections and silencing digital platforms not only suppresses public discourse but also undermines Tanzania’s digital economy and regional investment potential,” the statement continued.
Counting the Loss
- The nationwide total internet shutdown, which lasted from 29 October to 3 November 2025, spanning 5 days and 6 hours (126 hours), translates to a loss of at least US $72,333,826 (TZS 170.27 billion), which is about US $13.8 million (TZS 32 billion) per day.
- Suspension of X, which has been in force since 21 May 2025 (166 days and counting), translates to a loss of US $165,817,059 (TZS 390.33 billion), which is nearly US $1 million (TZS 2.3 billion) per day.
- Combined economic loss translates to over US $238 million (TZS 560 billion) in direct losses to productivity, trade, and digital services.
- Other losses include socio-political, security, information black markets, health setback, informal economy (mobile payments, etc), and more.
Call for Restoration of Full Internet Freedom and Accountability
Paradigm Initiative urged the Tanzanian government to immediately restore unrestricted internet access, lift the suspension of X, and refrain from future shutdowns that jeopardize both economic stability and citizens’ rights.
PIN to Government of Tanzania: Comply with human rights
- Immediately restore internet access to X and all restricted platforms.
- Cease further internet or platform disruptions, especially during democratic processes.
- Internet Service Providers (ISPs) should guarantee network stability and freedom from interference, and publish transparency reports whenever they are ordered to shut down or throttle services by the State.
The group also called on the African Union (AU) and regional bodies to hold member states accountable for policies that contravene continental and international human rights commitments.
“Digital rights are human rights. Governments must recognize that shutting down the internet in times of political tension only deepens mistrust and damages democracy,” PIN asserted.
