In a resounding testament to Tanzania's commitment to financial inclusiveness, the latest report from the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) reveals a significant surge in mobile money service subscriptions. Over the past three months, subscriptions have skyrocketed by 4.1 million, reaching a remarkable 51.7 million, according to TCRA's Communication Statistics for the Quarter ending September 30, 2023.
The report indicates a substantial increase from 47.3 million accounts in the quarter ending June 2023 to 51.4 million accounts. M-Pesa leads the market with a substantial 37 percent share of mobile money accounts, followed closely by Tigo Pesa at 30 percent, Airtel Money at 22 percent, Halopesa at 8 percent, and T-Pesa holding a 3 percent market share.
Mobile money subscriptions, as defined by the report, encompass all active SIM cards with registered mobile money service accounts that have been utilized at least once in the past three months.
Presenting the Quarterly Communication Sector Performance Report for the first quarter of the 2023-2024 fiscal year in Arusha, Dr. Jabiri Bakari, the Director General of TCRA, highlighted the substantial progress made in extending 3G and 4G services population coverage. This development, he noted, paves the way for future growth in the sector and the digital economy at large.
Dr. Bakari reiterated TCRA's dedication to public education and online safety, aligning their efforts with the global Cybersecurity Awareness Month observed in October. He emphasized the importance of responsible online behavior and urged the public to participate in the ongoing "Futa Delete Kabisa" (Delete Completely) campaign. This initiative urges users to avoid spreading unverified or obscene content online.
In the context of the burgeoning digital landscape, Dr. Bakari emphasized the sector's continuous growth in terms of quantity, quality, technological advancement, and improved regulatory frameworks during the first quarter of the 2023/2024 financial year. The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector's evolution has been a driving force behind Tanzania's economic growth, contributing approximately 1.5 percent to the national GDP.
Established two decades ago, TCRA serves as the regulatory body overseeing Tanzania's communications sector. Through regular publication of quarterly reports, TCRA ensures that stakeholders are well-informed about the sector's rapid advancements and improvements, fostering a robust and inclusive digital ecosystem.