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Public–private partnerships continue to play a central role in Tanzania’s development strategy, providing a reliable framework for expanding infrastructure, improving public services and accelerating socio-economic progress.
As one of the country’s most notable PPP success stories, Airtel Tanzania demonstrates how government–industry collaboration can advance digital inclusion and support national economic ambitions.
With the Government of Tanzania holding a 49 percent stake in the company, Airtel’s operations reflect the impact of coordinated investment and policy alignment.
Airtel Managing Director, Mr Charles Kamoto, who recently marked his first year at the helm, said the company’s achievements over the past 12 months are rooted in strong teamwork, renewed organisational energy and sustained investment.
He underscored the importance of synchronising government policy with private-sector innovation to drive the growth of the digital economy, noting that the company’s progress is largely a result of the commitment of its workforce.
During the past year, Airtel invested more than TSh130 billion to expand network coverage, upgrade digital platforms and secure additional spectrum.
These investments form part of the TZS650 billion the company has committed to the sector over the last five years.
The continued expansion has strengthened Airtel’s market position and extended telecommunications access to previously underserved regions.
A major milestone is the company’s participation in the government-backed Digital Tanzania Project, which includes the construction of 758 new telecom towers through a partnership with the Universal Communications Service Access Fund.
The initiative is expected to reduce connectivity gaps and create new digital opportunities in rural areas.
Mr Kamoto said innovation remains at the heart of Airtel’s strategy. The company has introduced AI-powered Spam Alert technology and rolled out Voice over LTE (VoLTE), a service he described as a significant step in improving call quality and advancing Tanzania’s technological landscape.
He said the VoLTE service, now fully deployed, is delivering a superior customer experience across the country.
Airtel has also strengthened its contribution to national revenue. The company remitted TSh73.9 billion in dividends to the government during the review period, reaffirming its role in supporting public investment priorities, including digital infrastructure and economic modernisation.
The Tanzania Revenue Authority recently recognised Airtel as the Most Compliant Taxpayer in the service sector, a recognition that reinforces its standing as a responsible and transparent corporate institution.
Beyond fiscal support, Airtel continues to work closely with government agencies across the mainland and Zanzibar to extend digital access, particularly in remote communities.
These partnerships ensure that business operations remain aligned with national development goals. Recent data from the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority show that Airtel leads both on-net and off-net voice traffic, reflecting the company’s strong network performance.
The regulator also noted a marked reduction in mobile fraud attempts, attributed to Airtel’s AI-driven “Kataa Matapeli” campaign, which has heightened customer awareness and improved digital security.
Airtel’s growth has been reinforced by rising customer subscriptions across mobile, machine-to-machine and digital financial services.
Strong demand for mobile money services and expanding adoption of digital solutions point to rising financial inclusion and growing public confidence in the company’s platforms.
The introduction of VoLTE during Mr Kamoto’s first anniversary event signals Airtel’s intention to remain at the forefront of technological innovation.
The company plans to deepen its investment in advanced digital tools, cybersecurity solutions and next-generation network technologies.
Through sustained investment, continued innovation, close cooperation with government institutions and consistent contributions to public revenue, Airtel has positioned itself as a key driver of Tanzania’s digital transformation.
With a clear vision and strong alignment with national priorities, the company remains well placed to expand connectivity, strengthen the digital economy and support the country’s long-term development goals.