Limited Internet Penetration and poor data service hinder educational technology in Tanzania
Limited internet penetration in Tanzania, coupled with poor data service among providers have been described to be among the major factors hindering the advancement of Educational Technology in the country.
This is according to the recently released inception report from the World Bank, on the ‘Assessment of conditions for and Barriers to the effective and Accessible adoption of Educational Technology (Edtech) in Teaching and learning for priority Programs.
The World Bank (WB) report, compiled by Roberta Malee Bassett, Kaboko Mathus Nkahiga and Benjamim Mutti, points out that educational technology (EdTech) has emerged as a catalyst for enhancing teaching and learning experiences, particularly in higher education institutions (HEIs).
Apparently, the ongoing Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) project requires strategic investments in digital technology at each project-supported higher education institutions (HEIs), to promote expanded access to quality higher education that is relevant to local, national, and regional labour markets.
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But, the report points out that, while the potential for EdTech to improve educational outcomes is significant, various challenges and barriers remain that hinder effective implementation and accessibility.
Now the assessment aimed at identifying these barriers while exploring opportunities to enhance digital literacy, particularly among post-secondary-aged youth, with a focus on young women and girls.
According to Data-Reportal, at the start of 2024, Tanzania’s internet penetration stood at 31.9 percent of the total population. There are 64 million people in the country at the moment as of latest estimations based on the 2022 national census.
Other sources note a major discrepancy between rural internet connectivity stagnating at less than 14 percent and urban, which are still less than 50 percent, clocking at 44.6 percent.
The report states that building relevant higher-level digital skills for Tanzania requires creativity and innovative thinking about how to maximize access to the existing technological infrastructure hubs while Tanzania awaits improved, agile mobile internet access.
The proposed pilot project intends to investigate and provide options for expanding access to and the impact of ongoing World Bank-supported digital technology investments at the country’s higher education institutions.
Out of 54 African countries, Tanzania is the fifth largest in terms of population and the ninth largest economy in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in US Dollars.
Over the past two decades the country has experienced strong income growth resulting in the achievement of lower middle-income country status in July 2020 and which was maintained in the July 2025 assessment.