AIRTEL Tanzania officially launched the AI-based SMS spam alert service "Airtel Spam Alert – Kataa Matapeli" in Dar es Salaam on April 28, 2025.
The service can automatically identify and alert users of both smartphones and feature phones to suspicious spam SMS in real time, without requiring users to download additional applications or perform any activation steps. Speaking at the launch event, Jerry Silaa, Tanzania’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, stated that the service complements the government’s #Sitapeliki anti-fraud campaign and serves as a key enabler for the country’s efforts to protect its citizens’ safety and guard against scams.
Charles Kamoto, Managing Director of Airtel Tanzania, noted that this initiative reflects the company’s commitment to providing customers with anti-fraud tools, aiming to help users enjoy digital services with confidence. Tanzania is the latest African country to benefit from this technology, following Nigeria and Uganda.
