Tech Turmoil: Tanzania Grapples with Economic Crisis During Looming Internet Shutdown

By Adonis Byemelwa

In a concerning development, Tanzania faces the looming threat of an internet shutdown, casting a shadow over the nation's economic and social fabric. The two-day disruptions in internet connectivity, primarily attributed to faults in the SEACOM and East African Submarine Cable System (EASSy) cables, have exacerbated concerns about the country's technological dependence and its vulnerabilities across key sectors.

According to reports from internet observatory Netblocks, Tanzania, alongside the French island of Mayotte, experienced significant impacts on internet connectivity due to cable failures. Moreover, neighboring nations like Mozambique and Malawi also grappled with medium impacts, highlighting the widespread ramifications of the disruptions.

The Tanzanian government, through Minister of Information, Communication, and Information Technology Nape Nnauye, yesterday acknowledged the disruptions and assured ongoing efforts to resolve the issue. However, the statement also cautioned citizens about potential low access to the internet and international voice calls during the resolution process.

Beyond the immediate connectivity issues, Tanzania's predicament underlines broader challenges in its quest for technological sovereignty and economic independence. While global powerhouses surge ahead in innovation, Tanzania finds itself struggling to break free from technological dependence, relying heavily on foreign aid and infrastructure.

The potential consequences of an internet shutdown on Tanzania's economy are grave. With technology serving as the backbone of economic activity, a projected 39.8% decline in efficiency looms large, threatening livelihoods and stability.

 The estimated loss of over 8.7 trillion shillings in the data sector further compounds economic woes, disrupting financial circulation and impeding growth.

Moreover, concerns over espionage and compromised financial security pose significant threats to Tanzania's banking infrastructure and national revenue systems. As the nation grapples with these challenges, essential social services in health, energy, and education face a downward spiral, exacerbating existing inequalities and hindering progress.

In light of these challenges, Tanzania must prioritize economic resilience and technological sovereignty. Empowering the youth with access to technology education and opportunities can stimulate innovation and mitigate unemployment, paving the way for a generation capable of driving progress.

Investments in robust cybersecurity measures and national infrastructure are crucial to safeguard against external threats, ensuring the integrity of financial systems and protecting vital data.

Tanzania's heavy reliance on foreign aid and infrastructure exacerbates the challenge, highlighting broader issues of technological sovereignty and economic independence.

A University of Dar es Salaam professor, speaking anonymously to PanAfricanvisions, issued a stark warning: the economic consequences are grave. Projections indicate a staggering 39.8% decline in efficiency, jeopardizing livelihoods and stability. Losses exceeding 8.7 trillion shillings in the data sector exacerbate the crisis, disrupting financial flow and stunting growth.

Espionage threats and compromised financial security pose significant risks to Tanzania's banking infrastructure and national revenue systems, further deepening the crisis.

Addressing these challenges requires empowering youth with technology education, bolstering cybersecurity, and fostering partnerships for knowledge exchange and technological transfer.

Amidst global technological advancements, Tanzania's struggle with dependence underscores the urgent need for decisive action to ensure inclusive development and prosperity.

With mobile penetration at 82.7%, and millions of internet and social media users, the stakes are high for Tanzania to navigate this crisis and secure its digital future.

Tanzania stands at a critical juncture, grappling with the ramifications of its technological vulnerabilities. Urgent action is imperative to steer the nation toward economic liberation and technological sovereignty.

According to the Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority (TCRA), with mobile penetration reaching 82.7% in January 2021, encompassing 15.15 million internet users and 5.40 million social media users, the stakes are high.

An entrepreneur in cable connections based in Sinza Dare esalaam, Ereneo Mushi, says failure to address the current crisis threatens to impede the nation's trajectory toward inclusive development and prosperity.

He notes that since the tech challenge had affected even the state house with key allies in the ruling system, it should be addressed once and for all, explaining further that, many of his customers had lost faith in his business after trial and error while grappling with the challenge of internet connection. Tanzania must seize this moment to chart a resilient course towards a digitally empowered future. make it newsworthy and edit it well.