Tanzania Roundup: Digital growth, election tensions, tourism boom

Tanzania targets Asia-Pacific tourists amid record arrivals

Tanzania is seeking to diversify its tourism markets by attracting more visitors from the Asia-Pacific region after welcoming a record 2.14 million tourists in 2024, up from 1.81 million the previous year. Visitor spending reached US$3.9 billion, a 15.7% year-on-year increase, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Traditionally reliant on European and North American visitors, Tanzania is now focusing on Australia, China, Singapore, and Malaysia following successful promotional campaigns, including the 2024 China-Tanzania Culture and Tourism Year.  Arusha-based tour operators say Asia-Pacific travellers are showing growing interest in safaris, Mount Kilimanjaro treks, and beach holidays. “Asia-Pacific is a relatively new market for us, but we are keen to engage,” said Zephania Abduel, of Tanzania Roadside Expeditions.

Amnesty warns of growing repression ahead of general elections

Amnesty International has accused Tanzanian authorities of intensifying repression against opposition leaders, journalists, and civil society ahead of the October 29 general elections. The organisation’s report cites “arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, and enforced disappearances”, with 83 individuals reportedly missing as of August 2024, according to the Tanganyika Law Society.  Regional director Tigere Chagutah said President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government had “dashed hopes for reform” and instead deepened authoritarian practices. Political dissidents told Human Rights Watch they faced constant harassment, while Amnesty called on the government to end its “unacceptable campaign of repression against dissent.”

Tanzania achieves new digital milestone with 56.3 million internet users

Tanzania has recorded 56.3 million active internet subscriptions as of September 2025, according to the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA). This marks rapid growth from 52.9 million three months earlier, pushing internet penetration to 87% of the population.  The surge is attributed to expanded 4G and 5G mobile broadband coverage, affordable data packages, and smartphone adoption. Mobile internet accounts for over 99% of usage, underscoring its role in Tanzania’s digital transformation. The TCRA report links this progress to the government’s Digital Transformation Strategy (2020–2030), which promotes e-government, online learning, and financial inclusion. Tanzania now ranks among East Africa’s leading digital economies.

Catholic church calls for justice amid disappearances and election anxiety

During Holy Mass on Nyerere Day on October 14, Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi urged the government to address the ongoing abductions and disappearances plaguing the country. Speaking ahead of the general elections, the Archbishop emphasised that “every life is sacred” and called on authorities to uphold citizens’ rights and ensure accountability. He also appealed to Tanzanians to vote conscientiously and resist coercion or bribery, reminding them that “the government’s authority is derived from the people and accountable to them.” The Justice and Peace Commission of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference will monitor the upcoming elections.

Tanzania’s largest bank eyes regional expansion 

Tanzania’s largest bank, CRDB, is expanding its regional footprint after establishing subsidiaries in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Chair Neema Munisi Mori told Semafor that the bank is now eyeing markets in Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia, as well as partnerships in the Middle East and China.  With assets valued at $6.5 billion at the end of 2024, CRDB has opened a representative office in Dubai and created a China desk to attract cross-border investment. The bank aims to position itself as a regional financial powerhouse by leveraging partnerships similar to its collaboration with Norway’s sovereign fund in DR Congo.