Launched: 17/11/2020
Public Relations and Tanzania’s Experience Recovering from the COVID-19 Pandemic
ONLINE BUSINESS IS THE WAY FORWARD
COVID-19 has brought sadness, because of the level of devastation and loss of lives of some family members, co-workers and friends in many countries around the world. People in different geographical locations have changed the way they can work and communicate.
Many countries have introduced lockdown; Tanzania had a different approach as it did not introduce lockdown to its people. Instead, they observed and they still continue to observe social distancing and washing of hands with sanitisers.
Working norms in some ways have changed, for instance banks have embarked on and even encourage customers to use mobile phone banking and internet banking. Those who happen to visit the banks have to observe social distancing rules – these rules may be there to stay.
Public relations professionals in Tanzania are also not left behind with these rules; working remotely online from home, offices or hotels will force people to adapt to online business environment.
THE BIG CHALLENGE
An internet connection in different parts of the country is an obstacle; it’s only available in cities, small towns and only close to local councils. In many parts of our villages, even getting a mobile phone signal is very challenging, forget about the internet connection for 3G and 4G. The World Bank announced in July that Tanzania now ranks among the world’s middle-income countries. This is a great achievement, but continued growth can only be achieved if all villages in the country can gain internet access.
