Tanzania’s Digital Darkness How a Nationwide Blackout Crippled a Nation

For five days, Tanzania went dark. As the country headed into a tense general election in late October 2025, the internet was switched off, plunging millions into digital silence. The shutdown rippled through every part of society, freezing the economy, silencing creators, and cutting off vital lifelines for families. Here’s a quick look at the situation.

• A nationwide internet blackout was imposed during Tanzania’s October 2025 general election, with connectivity dropping to near-zero levels.
• The shutdown coincided with widespread protests and political unrest, resulting in a significant loss of life.
• Financial platforms like Nala Payments were forced to halt operations, cutting off critical international money transfers for 18 hours.
• Creators and local businesses faced immense challenges, with some targeted during protests and many losing their primary source of income.
• Though the internet was restored after five days, restrictions on social media remained, and the future of free expression in the country is still uncertain.

Political Unrest Triggers Digital Silence

The internet shutdown wasn’t a random event. It coincided with Tanzania’s general election, a period marked by mass protests and violence. According to Chadema spokesperson John Kitoka, the unrest reportedly led to as many as 700 deaths. The election saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan re-elected in a process that drew heavy criticism, especially after opposition candidates were barred from running. A CBS News reporter noted that “President Hassan had sought to cement her position and silence critics in her party with an emphatic win.” The blackout seemed to be a tool to control the flow of information as the political situation intensified.

Media and Communication Go Mute

For journalists and ordinary citizens, the digital world simply vanished. Reporters in major cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha confirmed that social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp were unreachable without a VPN from early in the morning, as reported by TechCabal. The government’s grip on information was so tight that Chief Government Spokesperson Gerson Msigwa advised, “Public servants in the country should work from home except those whose job duties require them to be present.” But with connectivity crippled, even remote work was a non-starter for most.

The Economic Fallout Hits Hard

The blackout sent shockwaves through Tanzania’s burgeoning digital economy. According to NetBlocks, an organization that monitors internet freedom, national connectivity plummeted to just 10% of ordinary levels. This brought e-commerce, logistics, and online banking to a grinding halt. Financial platforms were hit especially hard. Nala Payments, a key service for Tanzanians receiving money from abroad, had to completely shut down its operations for 18 hours.

Benjamin Fernandes, the CEO of Nala, put the impact in stark terms. “For 18 hours, families in Tanzania couldn’t receive money from loved ones abroad. Why? Internet blackout,” he stated. For many, this wasn’t just an inconvenience. “This isn’t about tech – it’s about food, medicine, and survival,” Fernandes added, highlighting how the shutdown directly impacted people’s ability to pay for hospital bills and basic needs. The situation reveals the deep dependence of modern economies on stable internet access, a reality explored in Africa’s evolving fintech landscape.

Creators and Small Businesses in the Crossfire

For Tanzania’s creative community, the blackout was devastating. Many artists and entrepreneurs rely on platforms like Instagram and TikTok to connect with their audience and sell their products. With the government disabling live-streaming features, a crucial revenue stream disappeared overnight. The situation on the ground was even more dire for some. During the protests, businesses owned by local artists like Bill Nas and Shishi were reportedly targeted and burned down, according to The Chanzo. Without the ability to share updates, monetize their content, or even communicate with their fans, the country’s creators were left stranded.

Recommended Tech

In times of digital uncertainty and government restrictions, securing your online presence is more important than ever. Many in Tanzania turned to VPNs to bypass restrictions, but not all services are created equal. For comprehensive digital safety, The TechBull recommends a tool like Aura. It combines a VPN, antivirus, and identity theft protection into one suite, offering a robust shield against online threats and helping maintain privacy when connectivity is compromised.

A Violation of Human Rights

The shutdown drew sharp condemnation from across the continent. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) labeled the blackout a clear violation of Article 9 of the African Charter, which protects the right to receive information. In a statement released on October 30, 2025, the Commission was unequivocal “Internet shutdowns undoubtedly constitute a violation of Article 9.” This stance is shared by digital rights groups who continue to push for open internet access, especially during critical moments like elections, a sentiment that resonates with debates around Kenya’s proposed cyber laws.

An Uneasy Return to Normal

After five long days, internet access was finally restored, as The Register confirmed, but the return to normalcy is fragile. Key social media and messaging apps remained restricted, and a sense of uncertainty lingers. International watchdogs like NetBlocks continue to monitor the situation, but the challenges to transparency and free expression are far from over. The opposition remains fearful, with John Kitoka from the Chadema party warning, “The death toll could be much higher… killings could be happening during the nighttime curfew,” a grim reminder from CBS News of the human cost behind the digital silence.