Tanzania faced a significant internet disruption today that coincided with the country's general elections. Network monitoring organization NetBlocks reported that the outage began around 8:00 AM local time, impacting major online services such as social media platforms, messaging applications, and independent news sites. The disruption was widespread, affecting several network providers and leading to connectivity issues in major cities, including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Mwanza.

Users experienced challenges accessing popular platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and YouTube, prompting a notable increase in VPN usage as individuals sought to circumvent the restrictions. NetBlocks provided a live update confirming the nationwide disruption and indicated that the pattern of internet outages often aligns with deliberate measures taken during national elections or periods of political unrest.

Cloudflare Radar corroborated the disruption, noting a sharp decline in internet traffic from Tanzania around 12:30 PM local time, with current levels over 90% lower than the previous week’s average. The situation was described as a "near-complete internet outage" affecting mobile and fixed-line networks across the country. As of now, Tanzanian authorities have not issued an official statement. Analysts suggest that such shutdowns are commonly used to manage the flow of information during critical political times, limiting the dissemination of viral content, citizen journalism, and potential misinformation, albeit at the expense of transparency, communication, and economic stability.

This incident is not isolated; it reflects a broader trend of election-related internet disruptions across Africa and beyond. Notable cases include Uganda in 2021, which imposed a complete internet shutdown before elections, and Ethiopia in 2023, which restricted access to major social media platforms amidst regional tensions. Similarly, the Democratic Republic of Congo faced internet and SMS service blocks following disputed election results in 2018, and Zimbabwe experienced significant connectivity restrictions during protests over fuel price hikes in 2019.

According to Top10VPN, a nationwide internet shutdown can cost countries millions of dollars in lost productivity, digital trade, and mobile money transactions each day. Beyond economic implications, these actions can undermine trust in digital governance and hinder democratic engagement, particularly among younger, more connected populations. Currently, internet services in Tanzania remain unstable, with reports of partial restoration in some areas through the use of VPNs. Global organizations such as Amnesty International have condemned the blackout, calling on authorities to restore internet access and uphold digital rights during the election process.