DAR ES SALAAM, Sept. 19 -- THE rapid rise of online businesses in Tanzania is transforming how people shop, offering speed, convenience and lower prices.

This shift signals a major change in the retail landscape, driving increased digital adoption but also threatening traditional brick-and-mortar stores.

Economist and investment banker Dr Hilderbrand Shayo warns that without policy reforms and targeted support, many small physical retailers risk being pushed out by informal, unregulated e-commerce players.

“The digital divide could widen into an economic fault line if strategic reforms are not implemented,” he said.

Online marketplaces and digital sellers are reshaping the industry, bringing opportunities but also signific...