Tanzania Internet Shutdowns Cost Economy Over $238 Million, Says Paradigm Initiative
Digital rights watchdog Paradigm Initiative (PIN) has condemned Tanzania’s recent election-period internet blackout and the continued suspension of X (formerly Twitter), reporting that the disruptions have cost the nation’s economy more than $238 million (Tsh 560 billion).
PIN voiced its concern over the government’s actions, which it described as economically devastating and a “blatant defiance” of calls from the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to uphold digital freedoms.
According to data from the NetBlocks Cost of Shutdown Tool (COST), the total economic damage is twofold. The nationwide total internet shutdown, which lasted 126 hours from October 29 to November 3, 2025, is estimated to have cost the economy $72.3 million. Separately, the ongoing suspension of X, which has been in force since May 21, 2025 (over 166 days), has resulted in a loss of $165.8 million, or nearly $1 million per day.
The organization noted that these figures, which are based on World Bank and ITU data, represent only the direct losses to productivity and trade and do not include other socio-political or health-related setbacks.
Even after general connectivity was restored on November 3, PIN stated it remains concerned about “ongoing bandwidth throttling” reported in parts of the country.
“Every shutdown chips away at trust, investment, and human potential,” said Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative. “Governments must realise that in today’s world, connectivity is the foundation of opportunity. Shutting down the internet silences citizens, stalls economies, and sets entire nations back.”
PIN highlighted that the disruptions violate multiple articles of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, to which Tanzania is a state party, including the rights to freedom of expression and access to information.
As such, PIN has called on the Government of Tanzania to comply with its human rights obligations by immediately restoring internet access to X and all other restricted platforms. The organization also urged the government to cease any further internet or platform disruptions, especially during democratic processes, and called on Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to guarantee network stability and publish transparency reports when ordered by the state to shut down services.
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