Mobile Added $2.5 Billion in Economic Value to Tanzania Economy in 2016 

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Tanzania’s mobile industry is contributing significantly to the realisation of the country’s economic and development goals, according to a new GSMA report. The new report – Digital Transformation in Tanzania – is launched today at a meeting organised by the GSMA that brings together representatives from Tanzania’s three main mobile operators, Airtel, Tigo and Vodacom. 

“Mobile technology is at the centre of Tanzania’s digital transformation, providing access to essential services, increasing productivity, and driving economic growth,” said Akinwale Goodluck Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, GSMA. “Leveraging mobile technology to further advance economic and development goals in Tanzania requires collaboration by all stakeholders, including operators, government and development organisations. We also require a supportive regulatory environment that encourages investment and innovation, and ensures operators have access to sufficient spectrum in a timely and affordable manner.” 

The report highlights four key areas where Tanzania’s mobile industry is making a significant contribution to the country’s transformation into a digital economy and realisation of its development goals:

• Access to key services – Mobile operators provide affordable access to life-enhancing services for people in underserved communities. Inclusive and innovative business models have emerged from the convergence of various mobile services, particularly connectivity, mobile financial services, digital identity, and M2M and IoT;
• Driving productivity and efficiency – Mobile is driving productivity and efficiency gains in Tanzania’s businesses and public institutions, especially in the agricultural sector;
• Contribution to economic growth and social development – In 2016 the total value added generated by the mobile operators alone was around $2.5 billion, equivalent to 5.2 per cent of Tanzania’s GDP. The country’s mobile industry also employs more than 1.5 million people directly and indirectly, equivalent to 2.6 per cent of the population;
• Encouraging good governance – Mobile is a key channel for Tanzania’s e-government strategy, with public institutions now using mobile money, SMS and USSD platforms to deliver services, collect payments and engage with the general public.

The new report ‘Digital Transformation in Tanzania’ is authored by GSMA Intelligence, the research arm of the GSMA. Click here to access the full report.