How Tanzania’s Internet Blackout Halted Nala Payments for 18 Hours
A recent nationwide internet blackout in Tanzania sent shockwaves through the country’s digital economy, effectively halting international money transfers and various online services. For over 18 critical hours on a recent Wednesday, the remittance platform Nala was forced to cease its operations, leaving countless Tanzanians unable to access essential funds from relatives residing abroad. This unprecedented disruption underscored the profound impact of internet stability on everyday life and crucial financial transactions within the region.
The Human Cost: Beyond Just a Technical Glitch
The extensive outage coincided with a period of protests and voting across certain parts of the nation, amplifying the disruption. Benjamin Fernandes, the founder and CEO of Nala, highlighted the devastating consequences for the millions of Tanzanians who depend on platforms like his for financial lifelines. He took to X, stating, “For 18 hours, families in Tanzania couldn’t receive money from loved ones abroad. Why? Internet blackout.” Fernandes emphatically stressed that this incident transcended mere technological inconvenience, asserting, “This isn’t about tech — it’s about food, medicine, and survival.” He recounted receiving distress calls from individuals overseas desperate to send money for urgent hospital bills, only to be thwarted by the complete lack of online connectivity. This profound shutdown served as a stark revelation of just how deeply Tanzania has become reliant on internet access for daily life and critical services, a dependency that underscores the vital role African tech plays in modern economies and the functioning of essential digital services.
The 18-hour internet blackout in Tanzania exposed the fragile yet fundamental role of digital infrastructure in supporting livelihoods and enabling critical financial transactions. For remittance platforms like Nala, which bridge geographical distances to connect families, consistent internet access isn’t just a convenience but a cornerstone of their service. This incident serves as a powerful reminder for emerging African economies about the necessity of robust and reliable internet connectivity to ensure the seamless flow of remittances and the continued growth of vital digital services.
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