By Veronica Mrema - Dodoma
A historic decision to reduce online content creators’ licenses by approximately 90%, a move described as a major shift in the journey to boost the digital economy in the country.
The measure has sparked new hope for young people, especially journalism graduates, who had been complaining that the high cost of licenses was a barrier to formally entering the online content industry.
The fee has been reduced from TZS 50,000 to submit an application for the license to the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority [TCRA] to only TZS 10,000.
The annual license, which previously cost TZS 500,000, will now be paid at TZS 50,000.
Young people have received significant relief, a step that opens a unique window for them to showcase their skills through digital platforms, including blogs, YouTube, and others.
It is an opportunity for youth to serve their communities professionally while observing the ethics and standards of the journalism profession in which they were trained by expert instructors at universities.
The government announced the reduction earlier today at the Annual Broadcasters’ Service Meeting in Tanzania [ABC 2026], organized by TCRA.
This decision follows extensive research and strategic meetings held over nearly a year between the Tanzania Bloggers Network [TBN] and TCRA.
Through these meetings, TBN built strong arguments for the government, analyzing how cost barriers had hindered digital journalism in the country.
Logically, the measure taken by the government aims to stimulate growth in the digital economy and formalize the operations of online media practitioners.
“The license fee for online content creators has been reduced from TZS 500,000 to TZS 50,000, with the application fee now only TZS 10,000,”.
.., announced the Deputy Minister of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Hon. Hamisi Mwinjuma, during the meeting.
These reforms also affected the group of online content aggregators, whose fees have been reduced from TZS 1,000,000 to TZS 100,000.
Another group, the “Amateur” category, has been established to allow emerging youth to formally register and develop their talents without financial barriers.
DSB TECHNOLOGY
Another reform announced at the meeting is the introduction of a new digital radio broadcasting technology in the country, known as Digital Sound Broadcasting [DSB].
TCRA Director General, Dr. Jabiri Bakari, said the technology will begin operations in five pilot regions: Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Mwanza, Arusha, and Mbeya.
The aim of introducing DSB is to enhance audio quality and broadcasting services in the country. Dr. Bakari emphasized:
“We have completed all regulatory preparations, and service providers with infrastructure are in place.
“This is a major step in keeping pace with global technological changes and strengthening broadcasting, especially in rural areas.”
RESEARCH: RADIO STILL KING
A medium used for centuries to access various content, radio continues to dominate in Tanzania.
TCRA engineer Andrew Kisaka presented the results of a broadcasting sector survey for 2025/2026, showing that radio remains the main source of news for 85% of Tanzanians.
However, the research also noted significant growth in internet use among young people.
The survey indicates that 45% of Tanzanians access news via social media before listening to the radio or watching television.
For television, the research shows that 65% of audiences use satellite/cable, while 70% prefer local content.
The government has encouraged local service providers to invest more in digital platforms [OTT] to meet current market demands.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION & LOANS
To ensure digital journalists benefit from their work, the government has directed COSOTA and TCRA to establish a plan to protect intellectual property and curb online piracy.
The government has also begun providing affordable loans to content creators for purchasing modern equipment to carry out their work.
As of December 2025, TCRA had issued a total of 707 broadcasting licenses, including 318 for online content, indicating growth in media freedom and democracy in Tanzania.
Chapisha Maoni