The Paradigm Initiative (PIN) has criticised the Tanzanian government over an internet blackout and ongoing suspension of X (formerly Twitter), describing the disruptions as an assault on digital rights and economic stability.
In a virtual press briefing, Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of PIN, said that the internet shutdown imposed on 29 October, during Tanzania’s general elections, and the continued blocking of X since May 2025, have together cost the economy more than $238 million.
Citing the NetBlocks Cost of Shutdown Tool, Sesan explained that the total internet blackout, which lasted five days and six hours, resulted in about $72 million in losses, while the prolonged X suspension accounted for roughly $166 million.
“These figures are not speculative; they reflect direct losses to productivity, trade, and digital services,” he said, warning that the shutdowns violated citizens’ right to information, expression and development under international law.
Sesan urged the government to restore unrestricted access to all digital platforms and refrain from future disruptions, especially during elections.
He also called on Internet Service Providers to resist political interference and issue transparency reports whenever ordered to throttle or block services.
“Every shutdown chips away at trust, investment and human potential,” Sesan said. “Governments must understand that digital connectivity is now inseparable from economic progress.”
The Access to X platform remains restricted in Tanzania, even after general internet services were restored on 3 November.
