'Nation' websites drive Facebook app’s launch in Tanzania

A view of an Apple iPhone displaying the Facebook app's splash screen in front of the login page. PHOTO | AFP

Tanzanian mobile browsers will now be able to keep up to date with the latest news through a newly launched Facebook application.

Facebook’s Internet.org app will provide free access to various information on Tanzania, including news stories from Nation Media Group websites — TheCitizen.co.tz, Mwananchi.co.tz and Mwanaspoti.co.tz.

The application, which was launched by the global social networking company and local mobile telephony company Tigo, is aimed at providing citizens with affordable Internet service and free access to some basic online services.

Sports lovers in the country will be able to follow the latest sports news on mwanaspoti.co.tz through the application that works on smartphones and feature phones.

Through the leading English-language news site in the country, thecitizen.co.tz, subscribers will be updated on breaking and other news.

News updates will also be available in Kiswahili on mwananchi.co.tz for users to follow the latest news.

AFFORDABLE INTERNET

Tigo customers in Tanzania can access the app through the Google Play Store, by visiting www.internet.org on a mobile browser, via the Tigo portal and through a bookmark on Opera Mini.

The application Internet.org is a Facebook-led initiative aimed at making affordable Internet access available to those without a connection.

It enables users to browse useful content and websites without incurring data charges.

Other sites that users will be able to visit include BBC News, BBC Swahili, BrighterMonday.com, Facts for Life (a Unicef product), Girl Effect, OLX, Shule Direct, SuperSport, Tanzania Today and Wikipedia.

Social media site Facebook and Messenger will also be available on the Internet.org app.

Subscribers will also have access to weather forecasting services, AccuWeather, health support services, BabyCenter and MAMA.

Speaking during the launch, David Zacharia, Tigo’s head of data and devices, said the service will accelerate Internet penetration in the country.

“Through our partnership with Facebook we aim to increase digital inclusion by encouraging even more Tanzanians to go online.”

A recent report by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) shows that the number of Internet users in Tanzania has increased from 7.5 million in 2012 to 9.3 million by June 2014 — equivalent to 18 per cent penetration.