Tanzania’s civic space is shrinking, pushing young people from the streets into digital activism. Where public gatherings once enabled political debate, restrictions and surveillance now limit expression offline.

Activists sucxh as artist Wakazi use social media to promote democracy, human rights and rule of law, leveraging internet access that rose sharply from 2025 to 2026.

Young voices describe the tension between fear and the need to speak, with online criticism often dismissed or punished.

Despite risks, digital platforms provide space for organization, awareness and optimism. Even as authorities restrict access to some platforms, political debate has increasingly unfolded online for many in Tanzania.