[PRESSWIRE] Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania – 5 February 2026 — Once a luxury, internet access in Tanzania is now widespread, creating a foundation for a nascent data economy that could reshape business and public services nationwide.
Over the past decade, Tanzania’s internet user base has more than doubled, surpassing 50 million users, driven by mobile broadband expansion, affordable smartphones, and investments from telecom operators.
This connectivity boom is generating massive amounts of digital data, from mobile money transactions to e-commerce purchases, social media interactions, and app usage. For businesses, each digital footprint offers insights into consumer behavior, pricing, and demand trends, transforming traditional approaches to commerce.
The data revolution is also enhancing financial inclusion. Millions previously outside formal banking systems now have digital transaction histories, enabling tailored credit, insurance, and savings products. For example, mobile money patterns can help lenders assess creditworthiness more accurately than conventional methods.
However, a gap persists. Despite increasing data availability, analytical capacity remains limited. Many organizations collect information but lack the skills or systems to translate it into actionable insights. Governments face similar challenges, with fragmented data systems slowing policy decisions and service delivery.
For firms, mastering data analytics has become a competitive necessity. Startups leveraging insights from customer behavior can outpace larger, less data-savvy competitors, creating a new class of digital-native businesses.
Experts warn that education and training systems must adapt quickly to supply the workforce with skills in data analysis, business intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital strategy. Countries that fail to harness data risk missing a once-in-a-generation opportunity for economic transformation.
Tanzania’s surge in connectivity illustrates a broader global trend: in emerging markets, mobile-first populations are generating data at unprecedented rates, offering potential to leapfrog traditional development paths if leveraged effectively.
– Tanzania’s internet penetration has grown rapidly over the past decade, with more than 50 million users driven primarily by mobile broadband expansion and rising smartphone adoption.
– Mobile-first connectivity has enabled the growth of digital financial services, particularly mobile money, which has become a core component of financial inclusion strategies across East Africa.
– The expansion of digital platforms has led to a surge in consumer and transaction data, creating opportunities for data-driven decision-making in sectors such as finance, retail, agriculture, and public services.
Media Contact:Information Services Department and Office of The Chief Government Spokesman E-mail: maelezotv@gmail.comPhone: +255 754 750 765, +255 754 698 856, +255 759 714, +255 713 381 904Availability: EAT, UTC +3 ENDS
