Joseph Isangura
The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has announced the commencement of a comprehensive review of laws, regulations, and licensing fees governing online media platforms.
This initiative responds directly to long-standing concerns from digital media stakeholders, who have argued that the current system restricts innovation and limits employment opportunities for young professionals.
Speaking at a high-level meeting that brought together government officials, bloggers, and online journalists, TCRA Director General, Dr. Jabiri Kuwe Bakari, emphasized that the government has recognized these calls and is acting to address them. He highlighted that high licensing fees and bureaucratic hurdles have prevented many journalists from formalizing their operations. To find sustainable solutions, Dr. Bakari instructed stakeholders, through organizations such as the Tanzania Bloggers Network (TBN) and JUMIKITA, to appoint representatives who will collaborate with TCRA’s expert panel to draft proposals for revised fees and regulations.
TBN Chairperson Beda Msimbe presented a detailed analysis comparing Tanzania’s licensing costs with those of neighboring East African countries. Tanzanian bloggers currently pay fees ranging from TZS 500,000 to 1,000,000 for applications and licenses, while Kenya imposes no such fees, and Uganda’s charges range from TZS 60,000 to 100,000. Msimbe emphasized that the current system forces bloggers to spend resources on government paperwork instead of investing in modern equipment such as cameras and microphones, reducing their competitiveness internationally.
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In addition to licensing reforms, Secretary General of the Ministry of Information and Government Spokesperson, Gerson Msigwa, announced that the government plans to move away from punitive measures against online journalists, instead prioritizing economic empowerment. He also revealed plans to establish a dedicated fund to enable bloggers and online media professionals to acquire modern tools and enhance their skills.
Msigwa underscored that the directives of President Samia Suluhu Hassan aim to recognize Gen Z content creators as key partners in national development, rather than targeting them with fines. To address taxation challenges, Msigwa said the government will collaborate with the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) to ensure tax obligations align with bloggers’ actual income. The goal is to recognize blogging and online journalism as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that contribute to national revenue through tourism and investment, rather than as large media outlets with extensive financial resources.
These reforms mark a significant shift in Tanzania’s digital economy, creating a more enabling environment for innovation, youth employment, and online journalism. If successfully implemented, they are expected to position Tanzania as a regional hub for digital content and economic growth.
