Area Code 28 – Mwanza/Shinyanga/Mara/Geita/Simiyu/Kagera/Kigoma

Overview of Tanzania Area Code +255 28

Area code 28 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) within the Tanzanian national numbering plan, conforming to ITU-T E.164 standards. It serves the northwestern region of the country, covering the administrative regions of Mwanza, Shinyanga, Mara, Geita, Simiyu, Kagera, and Kigoma. This area is a major economic hub due to Lake Victoria's proximity, with Mwanza being the second-largest city in Tanzania and a key commercial center.

Geographic Coverage and Major Cities

The code covers a vast area including the cities of Mwanza, Musoma (Mara), Bukoba (Kagera), Kigoma, and Shinyanga. It also serves the newer regions of Geita and Simiyu, which were carved out of neighboring regions in 2012. This area is known for its mining activities (gold in Geita), agriculture, and fishing.

Dialing Formats

International format: When dialing from abroad, callers must use the full international prefix: +255 28 XXXX XXX (or +25528XXXXXXX). The total number length after the country code is 9 digits, including the NDC. The subscriber number is 7 digits long.

Domestic format: Within Tanzania, callers dial 028 XXXX XXX (including the trunk prefix '0' before the NDC). For example, to call a landline in Mwanza from Dar es Salaam, you would dial 028 123 4567. If you are physically within the same area code, local calls may be made using only the 7-digit subscriber number, depending on the operator's dialing plan.

Numbering and Overlays

As of the latest ITU-T allocation, there is no overlay code for this region; the 28 NDC is unique to the northwestern zone. However, due to the rapid growth of mobile telephony, fixed-line penetration is limited, and many businesses and households rely on mobile phones. Fixed-line services are provided by Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation (TTCL) and a few other licensed operators.

Caller Instructions

• International callers: Dial your country's exit code (e.g., 00 or 011) followed by 255 (Tanzania's country code), then 28, and the 7-digit subscriber number. Example: 00 255 28 123 4567.
• Domestic callers outside the region: Dial 0, then 28, then the subscriber number. Example: 028 123 4567.
• Local callers within the same NDC: Check with your operator; usually, you can dial the 7-digit number directly, but some networks may require the full NDC.

When dialing from a mobile phone, always use the full national format (028...) to avoid routing errors. For international SMS or calls to fixed lines in this region, use the +25528 format.