As of December 2025, penetration of smartphones in Tanzania has reached 41.8 percent, equating to 28.5 million smartphones in use nationwide, a clear indicator of rapid digital adoption.
DODOMA : THE Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Ms. Angellah Kairuki, has called on telecommunications companies in Tanzania to accelerate the introduction of the latest smartphone technologies to drive socioeconomic development.
Minister Kairuki said that adopting cloud-connected smartphone technologies is crucial for enhancing service delivery and expanding financial inclusion across the nation.
She delivered these remarks in Dodoma during the launch of 31 new Airtel Smart Shops across Tanzania.
The launch represents a significant step toward improving customer experience and extending high-quality services to every part of the country.
In her address, Minister Kairuki stressed the importance of continued innovation to simplify access to communication and digital financial services.
Such advancements, she noted, will empower citizens and enable businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to thrive in the digital economy.
Citing the latest Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) report from December 2025, the Minister revealed that smartphone penetration in Tanzania has reached 41.8 percent, quating to 28.5 million smartphones in use nationwide, a clear indicator of rapid digital adoption.
Minister Kairuki commended Airtel Tanzania for its ongoing investments in expanding digital access and empowering local communities.
“The launch of smart shops across the country reflects Airtel’s commitment to supporting digital adoption, improving service delivery, and expanding financial inclusion,” she stated.
Speaking at the event, Airtel Tanzania Managing Director Mr. Charles Kamoto explained that the initiative aligns with the company’s strategic goal of providing reliable and high-quality services nationwide.
“These smart shops represent the future of customer engagement. More importantly, we are creating spaces where individuals and SMEs, approximately 400 businesses per shop can access the digital tools, connectivity, and financial solutions they need to grow and succeed,” Mr. Kamoto noted.
He added that the rollout marks a major step forward in promoting digital inclusion, financial inclusion, and customer convenience.
The newly launched Smart Shops are located in Dodoma (4), Dar es Salaam (12), Arusha (4), Mwanza (6), and Zanzibar (4), ensuring broad national coverage.
Mr. Kamoto highlighted that the expansion is expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment opportunities, particularly through the growth of the Airtel Wakala network, thereby contributing to economic empowerment and youth employment.
According to Mr. Kamoto, the shops will function as one-stop digital hubs, offering mobile and internet connectivity, Airtel Money services, and smartphone financing solutions to over 22.9 million customers.
Airtel Smart Shops are designed to build on this momentum by providing affordable smartphone financing and 5G connectivity. They will also support more than 12,000 SMEs located near the new shops with access to fast, reliable internet and digital financial services.
The nationwide rollout reinforces Airtel Tanzania’s commitment to advancing digital transformation, broadening financial access, improving customer convenience, and empowering individuals and businesses throughout Tanzania.
“Customers can access services seamlessly through interactive digital platforms, ensuring faster, more convenient, and secure service,” said Mr. Kamoto.
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