Introduction

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Tanzania's sovereignty using the methodology of the Burke Institute. Sovereignty is assessed in 7 areas: political, economic, technological, informational, cultural, cognitive and military. Each aspect is assessed on the basis of official data from international and national sources (UN, World Bank, UNESCO, IMF, ITU, FAO, SIPRI, PISA, etc.) without using politicized indexes. The maximum score in each direction is 100; the sum (up to 700) is the accumulated Sovereignty Index (Burke Index).

To adapt and adjust statistical parameters, an international expert survey was conducted for each of the seven components using a single questionnaire of 10 questions with a 10-point scale and one open-ended question.

In total, at least 100 experts from 50+ countries were interviewed for each indicator, taking into account geographical representation and specialization. When calculating and analyzing the data, equalizing coefficients were used, bringing all data to a scale of 0-10 points.

The final index value is the arithmetic mean between statistical data and expert estimates.

Below is an analysis of each area, a summary table and the main conclusions about the peculiarities of Tanzania's sovereignty.

Political sovereignty — 52.7

Tanzania is an active participant in more than 70 international organizations: the United Nations, the African Union (AU), the East African Community (EAC), SADC, the World Bank, the International Standards Organization (ISO), the International Labor Organization, the IMF and many others.

The country plays a significant role in African regional initiatives, peacekeeping missions and is the host of the African Court of Human Rights. Tanzania officially recognizes international norms in a number of areas, is obliged to comply with the decisions of the African and a number of other international human rights courts, has signed the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, but since 2019 has restricted individual access of citizens to the African Court (however, formally the status as a host party has been preserved).

Recently, the Supreme Court of Tanzania criticized the refusal to enforce the decisions of the SADC Tribunal, emphasizing the obligation to comply with international treaties and the preservation of the priority of human rights.

The political system is characterized by stability — since 1964, the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party has retained power, there is a high level of institutional continuity and consensus, despite the limited development of the opposition. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has opened up a space for dialogue and relaxed bans on rallies, but the structure of competition policy remains strictly controlled by the party country.

In 2023, the Government Effectiveness Index (World Bank) was -0.46 (34.9th percentile), which is below the global average, but the country is showing signs of improvement. In the independent ratings (“Chandler Good Government Index"), the country has become one of the most improved in Africa, reaching 78th place in the world.

The EGDI value in 2024 is 0.479 (about 0.43–0.48), which corresponds to the average or slightly below the average for the African region. According to the UN, Dar es Salaam ranks 99th in the sub-rating of urban digital services, the state is modernizing through the Digital Tanzania project and the implementation of the Personal Data Protection Act.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan enjoys a “moderately high” approval level: the success of reforms, the restoration of elite dialogue and the lifting of a number of political restrictions are noted. However, the opposition (CHADEMA) continues to complain about limited political freedoms and incomplete pluralism.

There are no permanent foreign military bases in Tanzania. At the same time, the country regularly conducts major Peace Unity exercises with China, allows visits by Chinese, Indian and Russian ships, military cooperation with China is developing and promising projects for the development of port or joint defense infrastructure are possible, although there is no open agreement on the location of the base.

Tanzania has historically actively supported the African Court of Human Rights and the SADC Tribunal (it is itself the host country of the African Court); however, in 2019 it revoked the right of individual appeals from citizens, which is regarded as distancing while maintaining formal membership.

Tanzania is a unitary state, divided into the mainland and the significantly autonomous region of Zanzibar (its own president and parliament, wide internal autonomy). For the rest of the regions, the system is highly centralized; management, budget, and key decisions are controlled by the center.

There is no official system of parliamentary or civilian control of the security services; the Tanzanian Intelligence and Security Service (TISS) operates under the control of the president and the government office, reports and publications are not disclosed; the transparency of the system is limited, the structures are considered a “black box” for society and experts.

Data completeness assessment: the main indicators are available from international sources, the coverage is 90%.

Economic sovereignty — 44.1

In 2024, GDP per capita at purchasing power parity is $3,713-4221 (according to the World Bank, Trading Economics and other analytical portals). International reserves at the end of 2024 amount to $5,546.9 million (about 4.5 months of imports), which is supported by an increase in gold exports, tourism, FDI and the start of gold purchases in the reserve by the central bank.

Debt at the end of 2024 is 47.8% of GDP (approximately $39.88 billion), an increase compared to last year (46.9%). The calculations of the IMF and the national government recognize the debt as stable, covered by reserves.

Food self-sufficiency will reach 128% in 2024/25. The country steadily produces a lot of grain, has an excess balance even with population growth, and the food surplus is exported to its neighbors. It is supported by the systematic assistance of government programs and international partners.

The country has electrified almost all 12,300 villages, which is almost 100% coverage, and is implementing a plan to increase the share of Renewable Energy to 75% of generation by 2030: in 2024, renewable sources provided 61.8% of generation, investments are underway in hydro, solar, wind and geothermal.

The largest reserves of gold (estimated at 45 million ounces), uranium, coal (million tons), iron ore (126 million tons in Liganga), nickel, cobalt, copper, platinum, precious and technical minerals, as well as a rich mineral and agricultural base; the country is among the TOP 4 in gold production in Africa.

The state program guarantees the availability of water in 85% of rural and 95% of urban households (2024/2025); projects for drilling wells (900 new ones in 2024-2025), reconstruction and construction of reservoirs and dams are being actively implemented, and the main focus is on improving the availability and quality of water supply.

The national payment settlement system is regulated by the Bank of Tanzania (National Payment Systems Act 2015): a national payment card, mobile payments, full electronic control and monitoring have been introduced, and the infrastructure of the bank and non-governmental payment agents has been upgraded.

All domestic payments and settlements are made exclusively in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS); international trade uses TZS and USD/EUR (export/import). The issue, regulation and credit policy are carried out by the Bank of Tanzania: it conducts an independent monetary policy, issues the national currency (TZS), is solely responsible for the stability and development of the financial system; credit policy is controlled by the directives of the Central Bank and government development strategies.

Data completeness assessment: the main macroeconomic indicators are available from official sources (World Bank, IMF), coverage is 91%

Technological sovereignty — 29.6

The average expenditure on research and development (R&D) is about 0.51% of GDP according to the latest available data (2013, UN/WIPO). This level is consistently lower than the global average (~1% worldwide). Tanzania remains highly import-dependent on high-tech: software, machinery and technologies are imported en masse mainly from China, India, Japan, the United Arab Emirates and South Africa.

There are programs to support local production (especially in the field of start-ups and industry in Zanzibar), but the level of real import substitution is very low, and the share of technological export-oriented industries is minimal. In 2023, the proportion of young people studying at universities was 5.2% (UNESCO) and 7.8% (IMF/Maxinomics), which is significantly lower than the global median level (32-40%). In 2024, the number of Internet users is 21.82 million (31.9% of the population).

Some estimates, taking into account mobile subscriptions, give up to 47.9 million active users and a penetration of up to 55% with a sharp increase (4G: 88% of urban coverage, 5G: 20%). The State e-Government Authority (e-GA) implements key national digital solutions: Government Enterprise Service Bus (GoVESB, interdepartmental data exchange), e-Office (electronic document management), secure government mail and GovNet network, e-Government Security Operations Center (eGSOC, cyber threat monitoring).

Imports of machinery, software, microelectronics and materials are growing sharply: goods worth almost 11 trillion shillings were purchased from China alone in 2024, a similar trend in India, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. The main import items are equipment, machinery, electronics, transport, and petroleum products.

The Digital Tanzania strategy (2024-2034) has been adopted; the E-Government Strategic Framework has been updated: electronic document management, electronic licenses, databases, a single secure mail for government agencies, a national portal for public services, and a centralized electronic payment platform are already in operation.

The biotechnology sector is actively developing: the government is investing in biosafety, agro-biotech and medical biotechnologies, the National Biosafety Framework (2007) is functioning, and mechanisms for monitoring and controlling modern biotechnologies in agriculture and pharma are being introduced.

The robotics industry and research are extremely limited and experimental in nature: individual pilot projects in agriculture and start-ups, educational initiatives, but there is no systemic national autonomy or major developments.

There is no production of microchips, microelectronics, or modern electronic components in the country; 100% of devices and components are purchased from abroad, and local startups only perform assembly and customization tasks.

Data completeness assessment: key indicators are obtained from WIPO, ITU, UNESCO, which provides 83% coverage.

Information sovereignty — 46.8

Tanzania took the first place in Eastern, Southern and Central Africa and entered Tier 1 Global according to the ITU Cybersecurity Index (GCI–2024) — the country is considered a model for Africa, entered the 46 best countries in the world. National CERT (TZ-CERT) has been fully operational since 2012, coordinates the response to national-level incidents, conducts educational and legal initiatives, and supports international cooperation.

Internet exchange offices (IXPs) are actively operating in Tanzania - the national infrastructure is based on DarIXP, SongeaIXP, all serviced by the state NIDC. The Central Hub (Dar es Salaam) is a leading traffic exchange cluster and the center of the national NIDC data center, providing high stability, fast exchange and access to content within the country.

The main media, including radio and television, are published mainly in Swahili, the lingua franca for 47 million people, and English and local languages are also used (there are 126 languages in the country, 117 are indigenous).

The state-owned and leading private press publishes and broadcasts in two languages; regional publications in local dialects. Facebook Instagram, WhatsApp, Google/YouTube and TikTok dominate the digital services and social media market; infrastructural sustainability is low, and regulation of BigTech activity is limited.

Local players (startups, government programs) are developing, but the influence of major Western and Chinese platforms remains high. Public and private TV channels (TBC, EATV, Azam TV, Channel Ten) broadcast up to 60% of their own content (news, talk shows, educational programs, entertainment programs, film distribution, series). Imported video content dominates the Internet, while local programming is the leading share in Africa on TV and radio, supported by government grants and a cultural brand strategy.

The market is experiencing an increase in the number of local IT products (banking software, accounting systems, GovNet, e-Office, mobile applications, AgriTech, EdTech, and public service portals). Local firms are developing with the support of ICT Policy, accelerators are operating in Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam, and clusters of public-private incubators are being formed.

The number of active Internet users reaches 47.9 million (55% of the population, 2024), digitalization of public services and services is carried out within the framework of the Digital Tanzania 2024-2034 strategy; e-government covers 300+ ministries, a “single cloud” has been created, electronic licenses, e-mail, online portals.

The state-owned Tier III NIDC data center in Dar es Salaam operates, serving public and private services, providing critical infrastructure and virtual clouds for government agencies, telecom companies, banks and large corporations. The largest operators are the state-owned TTCL and private Vodacom, Airtel, Tigo, Halotel. The infrastructure is owned by the state (TTCL), but the market is diversified — 5G coverage is growing, full legal control and licensing through TCRA (Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority).

In 2023, the first Law on Personal Data (Personal Data Protection Act) was adopted in the country's history, the National Cybersecurity Strategy 2022-2027 is in effect: standards for data storage, processing and transmission have been established, legal norms of fines and sanctions for violations have been introduced for the first time, and the institution of DPO (Data Protection Officer) in companies and authorities has been strengthened.

Data completeness assessment: infrastructure indicators are available from ITU, CIRA, OECD and specialized sources, coverage is 84%.

Cultural sovereignty — 73.4

There are officially 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Tanzania.: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro, Selous, Kondoa (petroglyphs), Stonetown (Zanzibar), Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara ruins. Of these, 3 are cultural, 3 are natural, and 1 is mixed.

Tanzania is considered one of the key centers of African and world history: the ancestral homeland of mankind (Olduvai Gorge), the area of the richest archaeological excavations and traces of the most ancient civilization, protected unique natural and cultural landscapes.

Swahili is a global language widely spoken in Africa. Tanzania is a center of modern styles of music, literature, art, and a large number of festivals, and a leading participant in the pan-African cultural movement.

In 2025, state awards were awarded — the National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA), honorary awards for contributions to music, theater, fine arts, literature and cinema, as well as for the protection of cultural heritage and innovation. There are more than 125 ethnic groups in Tanzania: Maasai, Swahili, Hadza, Barbaig, etc.

The most important traditions are collectivism, eldership, initiation rituals, musical and dance practices, unique costumes and ornaments, special religious customs of Muslims and Christians (Swahili is a mixed Islamic and African culture, Maasai is pastoral). Traditional holidays, marriage ceremonies, and initiations are widely celebrated.

There are no laws on specific protection of indigenous small peoples, but the state budget includes programs to support languages and cultures, cultural and tourism initiatives. The state is recognized as responsible for the rights of small ethnic groups (decision of the African Court on Albinism, 2025), but there is no protection at the UNDRIP level, some initiatives are being implemented at the regional and donor levels.

Hundreds of monuments (museums, residences, archaeological fields, cultural centers), 300+ officially recognized objects of cultural, architectural and natural heritage at the regional and national levels. Tanzania is a participant in the Pan-African Cultural Revival; in 2025, it became the leader of projects on contemporary African music, literature, the presentation of Swahili culture around the world, active participation in exhibitions, film festivals (Zanzibar Film Festival, Bagamoyo Fest), research and environmental collaborations with UNESCO and the International College of Wildlife Conservation.

Legislation in the field of copyright and related rights is in force, but the protection of traditional knowledge and crafts (for example, the Maasai brand) is not fully formalized; the Maasai IP Initiative and the state program for the certification of cultural goods are in operation. Cuisine: dishes made from corn flour (ugali), cassava, tilapia, spices and coconut, influences of Indian, Arabic, European cuisine.

The central role is played by festive and communal meals, treats at celebrations and ceremonies, gastronomic festivals in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. Engagement is high, with up to 70% regularly participating in cultural, ethnic, religious, and musical ceremonies, hundreds of festivals a year, a large number of youth and educational programs, and massive coverage of traditional and new forms of culture.

Data completeness assessment: basic indicators are available in UNESCO and national statistics, coverage is 87%.

Cognitive sovereignty — 49.3

Tanzania in 2023 — HDI value: 0.555; this is the “below average/average” level in the UN classification (136-140 place in the world), the dynamics is slightly above the average for East Africa. In 2024/25 — TZS 6.17 trillion, or 12.5% of the national budget; this is about 3.7–4.4% of GDP (lower than the African median, but more than in previous years). The main expenses are for basic, secondary, higher and vocational education, infrastructure, personnel training and the development of science.

For 2022/23–82% (World Bank) among the population of 15+ years, which is higher than the long-term average for the country, but lower than the global median. Tanzania does not have official data and results on the PISA program, the country does not participate in international PISA tests (according to the latest UEF reports, PISA Science/Tanzania = 0).

The share of STEM graduates among all university graduates in 2024-26% (an increase from 2020-24%); the share of women in STEM increased from 33% to 36% in 2021-2025. Multi-stage partnership (USA, Commonwealth, UNESCO, China, Germany, foreign online courses, exchanges) — English, STEM, leadership and professional development programs, academic scholarships.

The proportion of foreign/non-national programs is up to 15% in all university programs, much higher in the language and technical sectors. There are 117 living autochthonous languages in the country from more than 125 ethnocultural groups: Swahili is a linguistic bridge, but local languages are actively being displaced (the vast majority of education, media and ICT are in Swahili and English).

Some languages are supported regionally and through cultural programs, but in general, many local dialects are declining. The National Institute of Medical Research NIMR has 7 centers across the country (Amani, Mbeya, Muhimbili, Mwanza, Tanga, Mabibo, Dodoma), strong departments at the University of Dar es Salaam and Ardhi University, the state Institute of COSTECH (science and Technology).

Approximately 10-15% of educational platforms are of national origin (university learning management systems, OpenU, distance learning portals). Most of the online resources are of foreign origin, but the contribution of local EdTech startups and government initiatives is growing.

The current state Talent Pool program, national and regional scholarships for success and learning (including STEM for women), educational grants through COSTECH, OpenU, NACTVET, international exchange programs, the development of distance education and ICT training - the scope of coverage: tens of thousands of students, graduate students, young scientists annually.

Data completeness assessment: education indicators are available in the UNDP, UNESCO, OECD, coverage is 85%.

Military sovereignty — 38.7

Military spending in 2024 amounted to $920.8 million, or 1.15–1.2% of GDP; the defense budget was approved in the amount of 3.3 trillion Tanzanian shillings with an 11.2% increase in annual spending. The total strength of the Tanzania People's Defense Force (TPDF) is about 27,000 active military personnel, the reserve is 80,000, and the paramilitary forces are 1,400 (National Service, Police, Coast Guard).

Modernization is proceeding rapidly: modern Chinese and Russian-made tanks (Type-59, T-54/55), armored personnel carriers and Mi-17 helicopters are used; modern air defense systems (FB-6A), artillery, missiles, control systems are in service, cutting-edge technology is being introduced, new aircraft are being purchased and UAVs.

The share of local production and assembly is low (up to 10%): the main weapons are imported (China, Russia, Turkey, France, the Netherlands), the military industry is limited to repairs, individual modernization and production of uniforms, overhaul of equipment. The control is carried out by TPDF, Border Troops, and police.

The southern and eastern borders are given the highest priority (combating terrorism, drug trafficking, and maritime piracy); patrols, mobile checkpoints, joint exercises with Mozambique and South Africa, new UAVs, and tracking systems are being used.

The reserve is 80,000 people; mobilization is activated in case of an emergency, the system is completed by graduates of the National Service, former military personnel, and civilian support. Full decision autonomy; the country cooperates with China, the United States, Russia, Turkey, India, and regional (SADC, EAC) structures, but does not belong to permanent military blocs (abandons alliances); determines the strategy itself.

The national military industry is limited to repair, assembly, IT/electronics, uniforms; there is no large military-industrial complex and weapons production, most of the contracts are import/ localization /repair.

There are no nuclear, chemical, bacteriological or other WMDs; Tanzania has committed to adhere to a policy of complete non-proliferation, prohibiting the appearance of such weapons on its territory under all international treaties. There are no national military satellites.

Military intelligence and security service —TISS) operates mainly through terrestrial channels, space, geospatial, and satellite resources are imported through strategic partnerships (including China, Russia, and the EU). There are no system intelligent military satellite capabilities.

All parameters are reflected in the annual reports of SIPRI, UNODA, the Ministry of Defense, the official portals of state-owned companies (Embraer, IMBEL) and the UN/NGO industry databases - 86% coverage

Final Summary Table

The main conclusions

Strengths. Economic dynamics and natural resources. The country has demonstrated steady GDP growth (6-7% per year over the past two decades), is increasing exports, attracting large foreign investments, has a large raw material base (gold, coal, metals, gas, uranium) and confident food self-sufficiency (corn, rice, grain exports).

Demographic potential and young population A large and growing market (more than 69 million people, the median age is 17 years), the projected doubling of the labor force by 2050 is a prospect for economic development and urbanization; the rapid growth of mass education and digital literacy, the development of infrastructure and mobile communications.

High degree of political stability. The control and continuity of power, the institutional leadership of the CCM, and the gradual expansion of dialogue and reform mechanisms remain in place.

The security level is higher than in many neighboring countries. Developed tourism and cultural sphere Tourism is the driver of the economy: more than 5 million tourists in 2024, unique UNESCO sites (Kilimanjaro, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Stonetown), cultural identity (Swahili, Maasai, African pan-movement), dozens of festivals, a powerful contribution to world culture, musical and culinary traditions.

Energy and digital transformation 100% electrification of villages, the growing share of renewable energy sources (more than 61% of generation), widespread digitalization of public services, the center for the development of African cloud solutions and national cybersecurity, the rapid growth of the Internet (up to 55% coverage).

Weaknesses. Raw social and educational parameters Pronounced poverty (up to 42% of the population live below the $3 per day line), insufficient access to basic resources and uneven quality of education in the hinterland; in terms of higher education/literacy, there is a noticeable lag behind world standards.

Import dependence in high-tech and key sectors Dependence on external supplies in high-tech, microelectronics, and software; the share of its own military-industrial complex, real import substitution, and production is insignificant (up to 10%).

Limited innovation and scientific base Spending on R&D is below the global median, there are a limited number of research centers and university platforms, and there is little development of robotics, microelectronics, and biotechnologies outside the agricultural sector.

Vulnerability to demographic, climate, and infrastructural challenges Rapid population growth and urbanization require large-scale investments in medicine, housing, and infrastructure; droughts, lack of irrigation systems, disasters, and migration issues continue to pose social risks. Limitations of transparency and controllability of state institutions.

The lack of effective mechanisms of civilian control over the special services, the closed structure of defense and intelligence, the lack of real political competition; not all the rights of small nations and cultures are fully protected.

Overall assessment. The cumulative index of Tanzania's sovereignty is 334.6 out of 700 possible points (average — 47.8%), which places the country in the top 150 in the world top. Tanzania is a growing African leader with a powerful resource and agricultural base, dynamic demographics, active development of tourism, culture, digital and energy technologies, and a high level of internal stability and security.

However, significant challenges include poverty, lack of infrastructure and a modernized social, educational, and innovation system, import dependence in the technology sector, and limited autonomy of the national military-industrial complex.

The next decade will be crucial for the country's transition to a “medium-sized economy” with the support of sustainable reforms and international investment. The sovereignty profile indicates that Tanzania is a state with formally full sovereignty, internal stability, support for cultural and personnel autonomy, and component independence in infrastructure, energy, and financial system.

However, scientific, technical, industrial and defense sovereignty is limited by high import dependence in critical sectors, and internal social challenges require further systemic reforms.

The current strategy of the state is the integration of regional, digital and new technological solutions while maintaining the independence of political and economic decisions.