TANZANIA'S communications sector has experienced exponential growth over the past two years, with the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) confirming that total telecom subscriptions reached 92.7 million by June this year.

This significant milestone underscores a fast-paced expansion driven by regulatory efforts to improve network coverage, enhance inclusivity, and empower youth. A recent statistical quarterly report released by TCRA Director General Dr Jabiri Bakari indicates this represents a steady rise from the 90.2 million mobile connections reported just three months before in March.

The report highlights that internet subscriptions now stand at 54.1 million, pushing the national internet penetration rate to 79 percent of the population. This puts Tanzania firmly on course to meet the government’s target of 80 percent by the end of 2025.

SIM Card penetration: Active SIM cards now surpass the national population, hitting a penetration rate of 139 percent, indicating widespread multi-SIM ownership.

Smartphone penetration: This has increased from approximately 25 percent in 2022 to 37 percent by June this year.

“This shows that more young people, students and entrepreneurs can now access digital services beyond voice calls—ranging from online learning to mobile commerce,” Dr Bakari stated.

Network quality and speed have also seen substantial improvements. By June 2025, 3G and 4G networks were accessible to 93 percent and 92 percent of the population, respectively.

The adoption of next-generation technology is accelerating as well: 5G Subscriptions rose from 1.19 million in April 2025 to 1.31 million two months later and 5G coverage increased from 23 to 26 percent during the same period.

Sector analysts noted that this modernization trend prepares Tanzania to host advanced applications such as e-government, telemedicine and high-speed financial services.

TCRA’s regulatory framework has also fueled financial inclusion through mobile money. Accounts have more than doubled in five years, rising from 25.8 million in 2019 to 68.1 million by June this year, greatly supporting youth and small businesses previously underserved by traditional banking.

Beyond infrastructure, TCRA has invested heavily in digital literacy and innovation through programmes like digital clubs in schools, ICT centres and content creator initiatives. These efforts are aimed at giving young Tanzanians practical skills for safe online participation and digital entrepreneurship.

To ensure equitable access, the regulator, in collaboration with the Universal Communications Service Access Fund (UCSAF), continues its tower rollout programmes. These initiatives bring mobile signal and internet services to thousands of rural and underserved communities, thereby making digital health, education, and e-commerce more accessible to all citizens.