TANZANIA, Aug. 18 -- TANZANIAs rapid expansion in smartphone and internet use is creating a new economic opportunity, but also a challenge, turning wider connectivity into higher productivity, new businesses, jobs and access to markets.

For a rice or maize farmer in Mbeya, greater internet access can mean finding buyers beyond the local market, checking prices and accessing information on weather, seeds and farming techniques.

For a young entrepreneur, social media can provide a low-cost way to reach customers and expand sales. The scale of Tanzanias digital expansion is becoming clearer.

According to the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), smartphone users increased 5.16 per cent in the quarter ended June 2026 to more...