Shipping lines are diverting vessels to Kenya’s Port of Mombasa after Tanzania’s Port of Dar es Salaam closed due to post-election protests, curfews, and internet disruptions. Dar es Salaam handles over 90% of Tanzania’s trade and serves landlocked neighbors including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC. The closure has stranded containers, disrupted supply chains, and increased congestion at Mombasa, straining regional logistics and raising costs for transport, freight, and goods across East Africa.

Tanzania’s post-election unrest disrupted trade and business at the Kenya-Tanzania border. Protests and heavy police presence in Namanga, Taita/Holili, Lunga Lunga/Horo Horo, and Isebania forced businesses to close and slowed cargo movement. Journalists and traders faced restricted access, while internet outages further hampered operations. Kenyan authorities warned citizens against joining demonstrations. The unrest follows Tanzania’s contested elections, which have heightened tensions and affected cross-border commerce between the two countries.

Tanzania imposed a nationwide internet shutdown on Oct. 29, 2025, during its general election, disrupting mobile data, social media, and digital services. The outage lasted over 18 hours, halting international money transfers via platforms like Nala and affecting households, businesses, and remittances totaling more than $700 million. Protests and clashes with security forces occurred in cities including Dar es Salaam and Mwanza, prompting a curfew and military deployment. The government cited national security as justification for the shutdown.

Access Bank expanded its pan-African operations by acquiring Standard Chartered Bank Tanzania’s retail banking and wealth management business for $9.62 million, following purchases of 74.85% of Standard Chartered Gambia for $6.53 million and National Bank of Kenya for $109.6 million. In H1 2025, the bank also reported ₦1.64 billion ($1.13 million) in fraud losses, up 254% from the previous year, representing 0.76% of its ₦215.92 billion ($149.1 million) profit, highlighting ongoing risks in digital banking operations.

The US, UK, and Canadian governments raised travel warnings for Tanzania, advising against all but essential travel. Authorities cite civil unrest, ongoing protests, shortages of food, fuel, and cash, limited internet, and transport disruptions. Travelers face risks from violent crime, terrorism, and targeting of LGBTQ+ individuals. Security measures, including curfews, roadblocks, and limited public gatherings, have disrupted daily life and access to services nationwide.

Widespread unrest in Tanzania after President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s disputed election victory has disrupted air travel across the country. Domestic flights were canceled, and international routes from major airports in Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, and Arusha faced delays or suspensions. A nationwide curfew, blocked roads, and intermittent internet access have left hundreds of passengers stranded. Several governments also issued travel advisories urging citizens to avoid nonessential travel.