Airtel Tanzania has recorded a significant breakthrough in telecom fraud prevention, achieving a 56 percent reduction in fraud attempts during the second quarter of 2025 a sharp turnaround after leading the country in reported fraud cases for two consecutive quarters.

According to data from the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), a report signed by Director General Dr Jabir Bakari that Airtel registered the highest number of fraud incidents in both December 2024 (5,187 cases) and March 2025 (5,876 cases).

According to TCRA, in general the communications sector demonstrated stable performance during the quarter ending June 2025, showing consistency compared to the previous quarter (March 2025). All three subsectors of telecommunications, postal and courier services, and broadcasting, continued to expand in service volume and competitive offerings.

In a decisive move to combat the growing threat, Airtel recently launched Spam Alert – Kataa Matapeli in Q2 2025, Africa’s first AI-powered spam detection and fraud alert system. The service uses artificial intelligence to identify suspicious calls and messages and alert users in real-time, helping them avoid scams.

This innovative tool was introduced as part of the national #SITAPELIKI anti-fraud campaign, aligning Airtel with government-led efforts to enhance mobile user security.

Just months after the launch, the impact is already visible. Airtel’s fraud cases dropped drastically, propelling the company from the most targeted operator to the second-best performer in fraud reduction, trailing only TTCL, which reported a 58 percent decrease.

This success stands in stark contrast to other operators. Halotel recorded a 67 percent increase in fraud cases during the same period, Vodacom saw a 34 percent rise, while Yas managed only a modest 0.2 percent decline.

“This milestone is proof that focused investment in customer safety delivers real impact,” said an Airtel Tanzania representative. “After leading in fraud statistics for two quarters, we knew we had to act fast. The success of our AI-based spam alert system and ongoing public awareness campaigns is now bearing fruit.” Said officially during the launch.

The fraud prevention success is also expected to strengthen customer confidence in Airtel Money, the company’s mobile financial service. While Airtel currently holds third place in mobile money subscriptions and transaction volumes—behind Vodacom’s M-Pesa and Yas’s Mixx—its improved fraud protection measures are likely to drive increased trust and adoption.

“By embracing advanced technology and working closely with national regulators and public campaigns, Airtel has successfully turned a challenge into an opportunity—positioning itself not only as a telecom provider but also as a leader in digital security and customer protection,” said the Airtel spokesperson when speaking to The Guardian.