Tanzania to phase out physical scratch cards in shift toward cashless economy

In a public notice issued on October 8, 2026, the regulator announced that a pilot program will begin on January 1, 2027, following public awareness campaigns that commenced on October 1, 2026.

The initial phase will cover Dar es Salaam, selected districts in Dodoma, Arusha, Mwanza, and Mbeya, with a nationwide implementation date to be announced later.

Under the new arrangement, subscribers will be encouraged to purchase airtime through mobile money accounts using USSD codes or mobile applications, mobile money agents, bank ATMs, banking agents, and other authorized digital platforms.

TCRA says the transition aims to promote digital financial services, improve convenience, and reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, distribution, and disposal of physical recharge cards.

The regulator has urged consumers to use their existing vouchers before the pilot begins and familiarize themselves with available digital recharge options.

The phase-out will initially apply only to the designated pilot areas, with authorities expected to announce a nationwide cut-off date at a later stage.