Tanzania: Local Domain Names Increase in Three Months – TCRA

Tanzania: Local Domain Names Increase in Three Months – TCRA

DAR ES SALAAM — THE number of registered local domain names in Tanzania has increased by 2.4 per cent in three months leading up to June, thanks to awareness campaign, according to the latest report from the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA).

The total number of domain names under the country code top-level domains (ccTLD) grew to 30,698 by the end of June, up from 29,968 in March.

The rise is attributed to a successful awareness campaign, highlighting the benefits of having a local online presence.

The report indicates a growing adoption of local domain names among businesses and individuals in Tanzania, driven by the advantages of using a country-specific domain.

A key driver of this growth is the recognition of the benefits that come with a local domain.

“Businesses and organisations are realising the importance of having a .tz domain as it boosts their visibility and credibility within both local and international digital landscapes,” the report states.

The most popular domains, according to the report, are .co.tz, .or.tz and .ac.tz, mainly used by commercial entities, organisations and academic institutions, respectively.

“A local domain not only fosters trust among Tanzanian users but also aligns with the global trend of promoting national digital identities,” the report adds.

By encouraging the use of .tz domains, TCRA aims to support a stronger internet infrastructure that can meet the unique needs of Tanzanian users and businesses.

This effort is part of a broader initiative to enhance the country’s digital presence and ensure that Tanzania can compete effectively in the global digital economy.

The growth in local domain registrations also fits with Tanzania’s broader digital strategy as outlined in the National Digital Economy Strategic Framework (2024-2034).

The framework stresses “the importance of digital technologies in achieving socio-economic goals and envisions a digitally empowered economy.”

It covers a wide range of areas, including digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, digital literacy and innovation all of which support the increasing adoption of local domains and harnesses digital technologies to boost economic growth, create jobs and improve the livelihoods of Tanzanians.

The growing number of .tz domain registrations shows “Tanzania’s progress in its digital transformation journey.

As more entities recognise the advantages of local domains, the growth in domain registrations is expected to continue, further supporting the development of Tanzania’s national digital economy, the report concludes.

Source: allafrica.com

Original Media Source

Share this news

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp

This Year's Most Read News Stories

Tanzania Confirms Second Marburg Outbreak After WHO Chief Visit
Tanzania Foreign Investment News
Chief Editor

Tanzania Confirms Second Marburg Outbreak After WHO Chief Visit

Dar es Salaam — Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has declared an outbreak of Marburg virus, confirming a single case in the northwestern region of Kagera after a meeting with WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

The confirmation follows days of speculation about a possible outbreak in the region, after the WHO reported a number of deaths suspected to be linked to the highly infectious disease.

While Tanzania’s Ministry of Health declared last week that all suspected cases had tested negative for Marburg, the WHO called for additional testing at international reference laboratories.

“We never know when an outbreak might occur in a neighbouring nation. So we ensure infection prevention control assessments at every point of care as routine as a morning greeting at our workplaces.”Amelia Clemence, public health researcher

Subsequent laboratory tests conducted at Kagera’s Kabaile Mobile Laboratory and confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one positive case, while 25 other suspected cases tested negative, the president told a press conference in Dodoma, in the east of the country today (Monday).

“The epicentre has now shifted to Biharamulo district of Kagera,” she told the press conference, distinguishing this outbreak from the previous one centred in Bukoba district.

Tedros said the WHO would release US$3 million from its emergencies contingency fund to support efforts to contain the outbreak.

Health authorities stepped up surveillance and deployed emergency response teams after the WHO raised the alarm about nine suspected cases in the region, including eight deaths.

The suspected cases displayed symptoms consistent with Marburg infection, including headache, high fever, diarrhoea, and haemorrhagic complications, according to the WHO’s alert to member countries on 14 January. The organisation noted a case fatality rate of 89 per cent among the suspected cases.

“We appreciate the swift attention accorded by the WHO,” Hassan said.

She said her administration immediately investigated the WHO’s alert.

“The government took several measures, including the investigation of suspected individuals and the deployment of emergency response teams,” she added.

Cross-border transmission

The emergence of this case in a region that experienced Tanzania’s first-ever Marburg outbreak in March 2023 has raised concerns about cross-border transmission, particularly following Rwanda’s recent outbreak that infected 66 people and killed 15 before being declared over in December 2024.

The situation is particularly critical given Kagera’s position as a transport hub connecting four East African nations.

Amelia Clemence, a public health researcher working in the region, says constant vigilance is required.

“We never know when an outbreak might occur in a neighbouring nation. So we ensure infection prevention control assessments at every point of care as routine as a morning greeting at our workplaces.”

The Kagera region’s ecosystem, home to fruit bats that serve as natural reservoirs for the Marburg virus, adds another layer of complexity to disease surveillance efforts.

The virus, closely related to Ebola, spreads through contact with bodily fluids and can cause severe haemorrhagic fever.

Transparency urged

Elizabeth Sanga, shadow minister of health for Tanzania’s ACT Wazalendo opposition party, says greater transparency would help guide public health measures.

“This could have helped to guide those who are traveling to the affected region to be more vigilant and prevent the risk of further spread,” she said.

WHO regional director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti says early notification of investigation outcomes is important.

“We stand ready to support the government in its efforts to investigate and ensure that measures are in place for an effective and rapid response,” she said, noting that existing national capacities built from previous health emergencies could be quickly mobilised.

The situation coincides with leadership changes in Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, with both the chief medical officer and permanent secretary being replaced.

This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.

Source: allafrica.com

Continue Reading