Mobile technology is playing a vital role in the ongoing economic development of Tanzania. A new GSMA report found that the country’s mobile operators generated $2.5 billion in value in 2016 alone, a figure that represents 5.2 percent of the country’s GDP. The mobile industry also creates jobs for around 1.5 million Tanzanian people, which is roughly 2.6 percent of its total population.

“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, the Head of Sub-Saharan Africa for the GSMA. “Leveraging mobile technology to further advance economic and development goals in Tanzania requires collaboration by all stakeholders, including operators, government and development organisations.” 

According to the report, mobile technology is so essential because it boosts productivity at public and private institutions, giving more people access to convenient mobile services. It also facilitates the transition to e-governance. The development of a strong mobile infrastructure enables mobile financial services and fosters trust in digital identities. That, in turn, allows the Tanzanian government to accept mobile payments and deliver services through mobile devices.  

The new report reinforces previous GSMA research on the rise of mobile money in Sub-Saharan Africa.