The internet goes slow in Tanzania on election day

Tanzania restricted mobile networks on Wednesday, coinciding with its presidential general election. The move made social media platforms for real-time updates difficult to access, forcing citizens to rely on VPNs to stay connected.

Live network data from the internet observatory platform NetBlocks showed a sharp drop in national connectivity from the early hours of the morning, around 12:30 a.m., just as polling stations opened. The disruption affected both mobile and fixed-line services, indicating a coordinated restriction on access.

According to NetBlocks, national internet traffic plunged by nearly 90% below normal levels, making it almost impossible for journalists and voters to share election updates online. The blackout also came as small protests erupted in parts of the country, including Dar es Salaam and the western border town of Sirare.

This is not the first time Tanzania has used internet shutdowns during politically sensitive moments. The country has a long record of digital restrictions around elections, protests, and campaign seasons. Yet, the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has not issued an official statement explaining the current disruption.

A report by digital rights group Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition revealed that 21 internet shutdowns were recorded across 15 African countries in 2024, surpassing the previous record of 19 shutdowns in 2020 and 2021. The affected countries included Sudan, Tanzania, Senegal, Comoros, and Guinea-Bissau, along with Burundi, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Kenya, Guinea, and Nigeria.

× Click to Read More

Both Sudan and Tanzania recorded the highest number of shutdowns (four each), driven by political unrest and government crackdowns on dissent.

× Click to watch