Tanzania will begin stopping the use of physical airtime scratch cards from January 1, 2027, starting in selected areas, as the country accelerates its shift toward a cashless economy.Citizen
TCRA’s initial rollout areas
The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) announced the plan in a public notice issued on October 8, 2026. A public awareness campaign began on October 1, 2026, ahead of the pilot phase.
The initial rollout will cover the entire Dar es Salaam region, as well as selected districts in Dodoma (including Dodoma City, Chamwino, Kondoa Urban and Kongwa), Arusha (Arusha City, Arusha District, Meru and Karatu), Mwanza (Nyamagana, Ilemela and Misungwi), and Mbeya (Mbeya City, Mbeya District and Mbarali). A nationwide implementation date is expected to be announced later.Taifadaily
How subscribers can buy airtime
Under the new arrangement, users will be encouraged to buy airtime through mobile money accounts using USSD codes or mobile applications, mobile money agents, bank ATMs, banking agents, and other authorized digital platforms. In the pilot areas, unused scratch cards will no longer work after January 1, 2027, and holders will need to contact their mobile network operators at authorized service centres for assistance.Riotimesonline
TCRA said the move aims to promote digital financial services, improve convenience for consumers, reduce the environmental impact of producing, distributing and disposing of physical cards, and support a more efficient and technology-driven communications sector. It forms part of broader government efforts to reduce cash transactions and advance digital payments across the economy.Citizen
Preparing for the transition
The change applies to all major operators serving Tanzania’s largely prepaid mobile market. Authorities have urged consumers to use existing vouchers before the pilot begins and to familiarize themselves with digital recharge options. While the transition targets urban and well-connected areas first, its expansion nationwide will depend on lessons from the initial phase and the readiness of digital infrastructure.