Dar es Salaam, Jan. 7 -- FOR too long, the image of Tanzanian youth online has been dominated by tales of wasted hours, viral distractions and the “hazardous” side of internet use. Yet there is a quieter, more hopeful story emerging, one in which young people across the country are using social media not as a retreat from economic reality, but as a gateway to economic opportunity.

While concerns about addiction, misinformation and unsafe content remain valid, a growing number of young Tanzanians are discovering that time spent online can yield tangible financial returns when guided by purpose and skill.

According to recent data, there are millions of active internet users in Tanzania, and social media usage has risen sharply...