Category: The Citizen

Former Legal Officer Grade One at Njombe District Council, Mr Lusajo Mwakasege, has been granted leave by the High Court in Njombe to file a judicial review application challenging his dismissal, after the court found he possesses sufficient interest regarding his employment matter.

Mr Mwakasege was dismissed for being absent from work for over five working days, but he claimed this resulted from delayed payment of transfer allowances after being transferred to a new station, a situation he claimed caused his absence.

The High Court in Njombe gave him 14 days to submit a judicial review application challenging the procedure leading to his employment termination and ultimate dismissal.

That ruling came on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from Justice Victoria Nongwa, who heard Mr Mwakasege’s application against the President’s Office, Public Service Management, Public Service Commission, Njombe District Council, and the Attorney General.

The judge stated that after reviewing both parties’ arguments, the court satisfied itself that Mr Mwakasege has sufficient interest in this employment matter and gave him 14 days to submit the judicial review application, noting he raised arguable issues regarding the process used to terminate his employment.

Background of application

According to court records, Mr Mwakasege was a public servant serving in the aforementioned position at Njombe District Council following his transfer from Ubungo Municipal Council on February 22, 2019.

Following that transfer, he claimed he was not paid his transfer allowances, an issue he claimed caused his absence from work, and that rather than resolving allowance claims, his absence became a disciplinary matter culminating in dismissal.

Mr Mwakasege was accused of absenteeism exceeding five working days in 2019, with formal disciplinary charge notices issued July 3, 2019, and delivered September 17, 2019.

After responding to charges and participating in preliminary disciplinary steps, he was notified via letter dated November 5, 2019, that his employment was terminated effective October 25, 2019.

The officer disagreed with that decision and appealed, but his appeal was rejected and his dismissal upheld.

He continued administrative struggles by appealing to higher authority, but received no relief.

The court noted that in a letter dated April 19, 2022, re-sent April 9, 2025, he was informed his dismissal was confirmed and finalised by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania on March 26, 2022.

Having failed to secure relief administratively, Mr Mwakasege turned to the High Court seeking leave to file for judicial review.

In his application, he claimed the disciplinary process used was fraught with legal and procedural flaws.

Among his claims was that no mandatory preliminary investigation occurred prior to proceeding with disciplinary action.

He also claimed the investigation breached procedures, he received no full hearing opportunity, nor was he invited to comment on the inquiry committee report before the final decision.

Mr Mwakasege further claimed he was dismissed without opportunity to present mitigating arguments, and his appeal decision exceeded the legal 90-day limit.

Court ruling

Justice Nongwa stated that at the leave stage, an applicant need not fully prove their case as in the main hearing, but must demonstrate arguable issues requiring examination.

She said after reviewing arguments, the court found the applicant met leave requirements by showing sufficient interest and arguable issues.

The judge noted Mr Mwakasege’s claims regarding lack of preliminary investigation, absence of a hearing, failure to invite comments on inquiry reports, and alleged procedural breaches deserve examination in the main application.

‘Considering all these grievances, regardless of validity, I am persuaded the applicant demonstrated an arguable case for certiorari and mandamus orders,’ said the judge.

She added Mr Mwakasege exhausted all available administrative remedies, including appealing to higher authorities, leaving judicial review as his remaining option to challenge the dismissal.

‘In these circumstances, I am persuaded the applicant met standards for granting leave to seek judicial review,’ she said.

The private sector continues demonstrating its contribution to Tanzania’s economy after SBC Tanzania announced paying over Sh1 trillion in taxes during 25 years of domestic operations.

The company also announced plans to expand investment by adding a new plant at its Arusha factory and constructing a new factory in Dodoma Region to increase production and job creation.

SBC Tanzania managing director, Mr Himanshu Shekhar, made the revelation on Saturday, July 25, 2026, during the company’s 25th anniversary celebrations held in Morogoro.

He hinted that these achievements stemmed from a favourable investment environment set by the government, stakeholder cooperation, and employee dedication, enabling the company to grow into one of the country’s largest taxpayers.

He said over 25 years, the company paid over Sh1 trillion through the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), a contribution continuously supporting the government to fund social services and execute development projects.

‘Since commencing domestic operations, the company invested $100 million in total in various production activities and business expansion, whilst maintaining strategies to increase investment in coming years,’ he said.

He said the next step involves adding a new plant at the Arusha factory to boost production capacity, alongside constructing a new factory in Dodoma Region expanding production scope and bringing further employment opportunities.

“We are proud to be part of Tanzania’s development through tax payments, investment, and job creation. This success stems from great cooperation built with government, employees, and our various stakeholders,” said Mr Shekhar.

He said SBC has over 1,200 permanent employees and over 15,000 seasonal workers, whilst its operations contribute over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs through production, transport, distribution, commerce, and other services dependent on the company’s investment.

Beyond investment and tax payments, the company continues to execute corporate social responsibility activities.

During the anniversary celebrations, the company pledged to donate a tuk-tuk to the Youth with Disabilities and Children Centre Tanzania (Mihayo Tanzania) to ease transport for children and youths cared for by the centre.

Mihayo Tanzania director, Ms Linda Ngido, said the centre serves 91 total beneficiaries, including children with intellectual disabilities, youths, and vulnerable children from various areas nationwide.

She said amongst these beneficiaries, 45 children study in government special education schools, noting that 31 youths aged between 20 and 52 receive training in market gardening, handicrafts, and carpentry to enable self-reliance.

Ms Ngido said a major challenge facing them was lacking transport to serve beneficiaries living in Mazimbu and Mkundi alongside dormitory shortages, explaining that the donation would ease service delivery and reduce operational costs.

“We provide inclusive education, health services, vocational training, and life skills to orphans and youths with intellectual disabilities so they can become self-reliant and participate fully in community development,” she said.

SBC Tanzania sales manager for Morogoro and Dodoma regions, Mr Kassim Zarafi, said the 25th anniversary aimed not only at celebrating achievements, but also giving back to the community as part of the success the company attained through cooperation with Tanzanians alongside joining Mihayo Tanzania centre.

For his part, Tanzania Union of Industrial and Commercial Workers (Tuico) SBC Morogoro branch Chairman, Mr Noah Boneka said the company’s growth paralleled improved worker welfare through collective bargaining agreements, a move contributing to raising employee and family well-being alongside increasing job opportunities for many Tanzanians.

He said these developments demonstrate how private sector investment can stimulate economic growth, boost government revenue through taxes, and improve citizens’ lives through employment and social projects.

Minerals Minister Anthony Mavunde has instructed the Mbogwe resident mining officer to collaborate with mining licence holders at the Msasa mine in Runzewe West Ward, Bukombe District, to purchase modern scanner equipment to replace body searches that degrade miners’ dignity.

Mr Mavunde issued these directives on Saturday, July 25, 2026, during a public meeting held in Uyovu Runzewe during his tour inspecting development projects executed in Geita Region, following a grievance raised by a local miner speaking on behalf of his colleagues.

The miner, who introduced himself as Mr Sebastian Aron, said upon emerging from pits, they face searches including private parts inspection, degrading their dignity and prompting calls for government intervention.

‘You emerge from pits arriving at the gate to get searched; you’re told to strip your gumboots and searched down to private parts, so I don’t understand these formulas they use when I have no pocket and am carrying nothing, yet you get searched whilst coming out exhausted,’ he said.

Upon receiving the complaint, Mr Mavunde directed the resident mining officer to collaborate with mine leadership to install modern inspection systems that do not strip miners of their dignity.

Furthermore, he urged miners to desist from mineral theft and follow employer procedures without breaching laws.

‘Respect and decency must prevail during inspection exercises; let’s not strip people of their dignity. RMO (Resident Mines Office), please supervise this, sit down, converse properly, and seek solutions,’ he directed.

‘Can’t you sense things using scanners? Another method must be found rather than thrusting hands inside; set up equipment where sensors sound if someone carries a stone,’ added Mr Mavunde.

The minister added further: ‘However, Mr Sebastian, you lot must also reduce tricks; that’s the truth. You have many ways of departing with these items; someone can conceal a stone without any trouble and walk normally, so you too should reduce tricks.’

In another development, Mr Mavunde inspected the construction of a market and bus stand in Katente Ward, Ushirombo Division, Bukombe District, directing the contractor executing these projects to complete them on schedule according to the contract to unlock economic opportunities for citizens.

According to a report presented by the Acting Director of Bukombe District Council, Mr Haruni Fashe, these projects cost over Sh22 billion and are expected to be completed in December 2027, with market construction currently at 46 percent complete.

Heroes who fought in the 1978/79 Kagera War against Uganda have revealed four secret factors behind their victory, while commandos explained how they crossed the Kagera River without a bridge.

Among the factors enabling their victory were public enthusiasm, adequate military training, high soldierly discipline, and the generous patriotic spirit displayed by Tanzanian citizens.

The veterans revealed their secret to victory on Saturday, July 25, 2026, during Heroes’ Day celebrations held at the Heroes’ Grounds inside the Government City in Mtumba, Dodoma.

Retired Brigadier General Wilfred Mwakalambile stated that immediately following the war declaration, citizens spontaneously and voluntarily began contributing towards combat costs, making the conflict far lighter to bear.

Brig Gen (rtd) Mwakalambile, amongst the first soldiers to cross the Kagera River, admitted that without this popular support, the war might have been tough despite being fully prepared.

‘When Mwalimu (Julius Nyerere) declared war while in Songea, my colleagues and I were picked up by aircraft in Zanzibar. Immediately, General Kiwelu (Tumainiel) ordered me to ensure commandos crossed to the other side so we could assess enemy strength, and I led my colleagues across,’ said Brig Gen Mwakalambile.

He stated that commandos crossed to evaluate enemy capability, whereupon artillery commenced firing while the engineering squad advanced to tackle constructing the Kagera River Bridge, which had been destroyed.

‘I urge youths to remain patriotic towards their nation and preserve this peace. Those in the military should receive adequate training for their country,’ he said.

For her part, the first woman heading to war, Retired Brigadier General Mary Hiki, stated that despite the tactics they possessed, Tanzanians’ morale especially inspired them.

Brig Gen (rtd) Hiki, who remained in Uganda after the war working as a State House communications officer, said credit belonged to citizen enthusiasm and contributions, while combatant discipline remained exceptionally high.

‘I was the sole woman heading to the battlefield; however, it was decided I return due to prevailing conditions. But after capturing Uganda’s capital, Kampala, I was recalled to Uganda, remaining there long-term,’ she said.

Like her fellow retiree, she emphasised the importance of modern training for defence forces to match contemporary requirements, while urging youths to answer the call to serve their country with zeal and discipline.

More than 20 members of the opposition party Chadema, have been arraigned before courts in different regions and charged with terrorism and economic sabotage offences.

Among those charged are four university students in Mbeya, several Chadema members in Mwanza and a lecturer from the University of Dodoma (Udom), who has also been charged with terrorism-related offences in Dodoma.

The four students, all facing non-bailable terrorism charges, are Noah Mwalwange, 23, a resident of Isange and a student at the Mbeya University of Science and Technology (Must); Gwamaka Mboka, 28; Rojazi Mpwani, 21; and Augustino Wasinyo, 25, all students at the Catholic University of Mbeya (CUoM).

The four appeared before Mbeya District Court Magistrate Paul Rupia on Thursday, July 23, 2026, where they were jointly charged with participating in terrorist activities.

The prosecution alleges that they committed the offence contrary to Sections 4(1), 4(2), 4(3)(c) and 31(d) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (Chapter 19, Revised Edition 2023), read together with Paragraph 24 of the First Schedule and Sections 57(1) and 61(2) of the Economic and Organised Crime Control Act (Chapter 200, Revised Edition 2023).

According to the charge sheet, the alleged offence was committed on July 4, 2026, in the Mafiati area of Mbeya City.

The students are accused of encouraging members of the public in Mafiati to engage in terrorist acts involving extensive destruction of property with the intention of intimidating citizens of the United Republic of Tanzania.

In a separate case, Mr Jasiri Mwasumbi, 29, a resident of Kalombe and a driver by profession, was also arraigned before the same court, before Magistrate Tedy Mlimba, on the same charge of participating in terrorist activities.

Mr Mwasumbi is alleged to have committed the offence on July 5, 2026, in Kalombe, where prosecutors claim he mobilised people to carry out terrorist acts by encouraging attacks on police officers in Mbeya Region with the intention of causing death or serious injury to intimidate the public.

Defence lawyer Philipo Mwakilima told The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi that the four students and the driver were arraigned and formally charged in the evening after he had already left the court premises.

He said both cases have been adjourned to August 6, 2026, for mention.

Mwanza cases

In a separate development, 23 accused persons appeared before the Mwanza Resident Magistrate’s Court in two separate cases involving allegations of participating in meetings or discussions intended to facilitate terrorist activities.

Some of the accused are Chadema leaders. Their cases were read before Mwanza Resident Magistrate and Deputy Registrar Erick Marley.

In the first case, No. 16379/2026, 13 accused persons from Ilemela District are charged with committing the alleged offence between June 25 and July 7, 2026.

They are Alphaxadi Nyamwaga, Fantson Mpango, Abely Mwesa, Hassan Said, Emmanuel Wambura, Adam Idd, Damas Sadock, Petro Mabula, Abdul Kagwidi, Devid Mashaka, Philipo Masatu, Edward Mikindo and Emmanuel Doto.

The second case, No. 16375/2026, involves 10 accused persons from Nyamagana District, who are alleged to have held similar meetings between July 4 and July 7, 2026, in the Igoma area.

They are Deus Masalago, Mohamed Tosha, Fabian Nguvumali, Samweli Mtani, Samweli Kobell, Julius Makonga, Fanuel Lutana, Philipp Kulwa, Philipp Shipuluko and Hamis Mnyimvua.

According to the prosecution, the accused held the meetings with the intention of planning terrorist acts, including setting fire to government and privately owned buildings.

All the accused were remanded in custody because the Resident Magistrate’s Court lacks jurisdiction to hear terrorism cases.

Their matters have been scheduled for mention on August 6, 2026.

Speaking outside the court, defence lawyer Erick Mutta said the accused had been held in custody for nearly a month before being brought before the court on Thursday.

He said they were not granted bail because the court has no jurisdiction over terrorism cases and the offences are non-bailable.

According to Chadema Victoria Zone Secretary Zacharia Obadi, eight of the 23 accused are party leaders serving at branch and ward levels in Nyamagana and Ilemela districts.

Chadema’s Director of Legal Affairs and Human Rights, Mr Gaston Garubindi, said that, so far, 27 party leaders and members from Mwanza and Mbeya regions have been arraigned on terrorism-related charges.

“Although others continue to be held at police stations in Dar es Salaam, Iringa and Shinyanga, these 31 have already been brought before the courts and charged with terrorism offences,” he said.

“There are four being held in Dar es Salaam, three in Iringa and seven in Kishapu District, Shinyanga Region,” he added.

Mr Garubindi said the party’s legal team is continuing efforts to ensure that the detained leaders and members secure bail where legally possible.

Udom lecturer charged

In another development, University of Dodoma (Udom) lecturer Melkisedek Kaijage was arraigned before the Dodoma Resident Magistrate’s Court after being held in police custody in Dodoma Region for 15 days.

Mr Kaijage appeared in court on Thursday, July 23, 2026, before Resident Magistrate Zabibu Mpangule, where he was charged with economic sabotage and terrorism. The case was adjourned until August 5, 2026, for mention.

He was arrested on July 8, 2026, over allegations that he mobilised members of the public to participate in demonstrations that had been planned for July 7, 2026, during the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), commonly known as Sabasaba.

On July 23, 2026, the lecturer, who had been detained at Chang’ombe Police Station in Dodoma, was brought before the court to answer the charges.

He is charged under Sections 4(1), 4(2)(a) and 4(3)(c) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (Chapter 19, Revised Edition 2023), read together with Paragraph 24 of the First Schedule and Sections 57(1) and 61(2) of the Economic and Organised Crime Control Act (Chapter 200).

The prosecution alleges that on July 3, 2026, at the University of Dodoma, Mr Kaijage committed a terrorist act contrary to the laws of Tanzania.

According to the Republic, he threatened to set fire to public buildings and police residential houses within the United Republic of Tanzania with the intention of intimidating the public.

Mr Kaijage was not required to enter a plea. He remains in custody because the offences are non-bailable and the Resident Magistrate’s Court lacks jurisdiction to hear the case.

Tanzanian music heavyweights Marioo and Juma Jux are set to fly the country’s flag at the 2026 AFRIMMA Music Fest, scheduled for September 12 at Annette Strauss Square, AT and T Performing Arts Center in Dallas, Texas.

The two singers are among a lineup of African stars confirmed for the Pan-African festival, which will also feature Nigerian hitmakers BNXN and Ruger, alongside several other acts from across the continent.

The annual event celebrates African music and culture through live performances, food, fashion and cultural experiences, bringing together fans from Africa and the diaspora.

For Marioo and Jux, the festival comes at a pivotal moment in their careers. Both artistes are also in the running for Best Male Artist – East Africa at the 2026 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMMA), making the event an opportunity to not only entertain fans but also compete for one of African music’s top honours.

The 2026 AFRIMMA Awards will be held later the same day in Dallas, where winners across various categories will be announced.

With Tanzania enjoying a strong showing at this year’s awards, Marioo and Jux will be hoping to turn their performances into memorable moments and perhaps return home with coveted AFRIMMA trophies.

South African actor S’dumo Mtshali has revealed that his role as Jonasi Gomora in the drama series The Polygamist has made him one of the most talked-about actors, with some viewers even developing dislike for him in real life because of his character’s actions.

Speaking in an interview with TimesLIVE, Mtshali said many viewers have struggled to separate him from the character he portrays, creating challenges beyond the screen.

‘I have realised that many people talk about Jonasi more than they talk about S’dumo. Some people show anger when they see me because of Jonasi’s actions, and that tells me I played the role well,’ he said.

In The Polygamist, Jonasi is portrayed as a successful businessman who appears to be an ideal husband and father on the outside.

However, behind the scenes, he lives a secret life filled with deception, betrayal and hidden relationships that create serious conflicts within his family.

Mtshali said the purpose of the series was not only to entertain audiences but also to encourage conversations about challenges affecting families and relationships in society.

He said Jonasi’s behaviour reflects situations that exist in real life, where similar experiences can happen among relatives, friends or people within communities, which is one of the reasons the series has received strong reactions from viewers.

The actor said bringing Jonasi to life was not an easy task, as he had to deeply understand the character’s mindset and behaviour to make the portrayal believable.

Due to the intensity of the role, Mtshali revealed that even his parents continued praying for him throughout the filming process.

He added that during preparation, he studied people and situations that reflected some of Jonasi’s characteristics, helping him develop a more convincing performance.

Mtshali also revealed that the novel on which The Polygamist is based contains even more intense scenes than those shown in the television adaptation.

However, producers chose to reduce some parts to ensure the story delivered its message without becoming overly extreme.

Meanwhile, author Sue Nyathi said she was pleased that the adaptation had sparked widespread discussions on social media.

She said her goal in writing the novel was to create conversations about marriage, relationships and the role of men within families.

Since its debut on Netflix, The Polygamist has continued gaining popularity across several African countries, with Jonasi Gomora emerging as one of the most discussed characters because of his controversial actions in the series.

Music icon Stevie Wonder is set to make a long-awaited return with his first studio album in more than two decades.

The legendary singer-songwriter has announced ‘Through The Eyes Of Wonder’, a new album scheduled for release in 2027. The project will be his first full-length studio release since ‘A Time to Love’, which arrived in 2005.

One of the biggest highlights of the announcement is the inclusion of four previously unreleased songs recorded during the sessions for Wonder’s landmark 1976 album, Songs in the Key of Life.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest albums ever made, Songs in the Key of Life produced timeless classics including ‘Sir Duke,’ ‘I Wish,’ ‘Isn’t She Lovely,’ ‘As,’ and ‘Another Star.’ The prospect of hearing music that was created during the same era has sparked excitement among fans and music historians alike.

Although Stevie Wonder has not yet revealed the album’s full tracklist or an exact release date, news of the project has quickly spread across the entertainment world, with many describing it as one of the most anticipated releases of 2027.

The announcement also marks a significant milestone in Wonder’s remarkable career. Over six decades, the singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has become one of the most influential artistes in modern music, earning 25 Grammy Awards and inspiring generations of musicians across genres ranging from R and B and soul to pop, jazz and gospel.

For longtime fans, ‘Through The Eyes Of Wonder’ promises more than just new music. The inclusion of songs from the Songs in the Key of Life sessions offers a rare opportunity to revisit one of the most celebrated creative periods in popular music history.

As anticipation continues to build, the album is expected to be one of the defining music events of 2027, reminding audiences that Stevie Wonder’s musical legacy continues to evolve more than 60 years after he first stepped into the spotlight.

Oryx Gas Tanzania has distributed 600 Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders worth Sh48 million to local entrepreneurs in Bagamoyo District, Coast Region, boosting ongoing national efforts to accelerate the transition to clean cooking energy.

The distribution targeted various entrepreneurial groups, including female and male food vendors (baba and mama lishe), as well as fish traders at the Bagamoyo Fish Market.

The exercise took place on Friday, July 24, 2026, during the Bagamoyo Fish Festival, an event leveraged to champion clean energy adoption and provide practical safety training on LPG usage.

Speaking at the event, Bagamoyo Constituency Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals, Ms Subira Mgalu, commended Oryx Gas for its proactive support of government initiatives.

She noted that the initiative will significantly mitigate the grave health risks linked to dirty cooking fuels such as firewood and charcoal.

‘Oryx Gas has remained a key partner in driving the clean cooking agenda through concrete action. By distributing these cylinders today, they are directly supporting the government’s vision,’ said Ms Mgalu.

She stressed that before the clean cooking campaign, spearheaded by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Africa’s champion for clean cooking energy, widespread reliance on biomass fuels severely compromised public health.

‘A significant number of Tanzanians have been losing their lives annually due to health complications caused by inhaling toxic fumes from firewood and charcoal,’ said Ms Mgalu.

Oryx Energies Tanzania Managing Director, Mr Imani Mtafya, reiterated the firm’s commitment to supporting the government’s target of ensuring 80 percent of Tanzanians use clean cooking energy by 2034, up from 29 percent recorded at the commencement of the clean cooking energy campaign.

Mr Mtafya revealed that between 2021 and 2026, the company distributed over 72,000 LPG cylinders valued at Sh5.7 billion across the country to drive adoption and phase out environmentally destructive fuels.

‘To meet rising national demand and match government policy, the company is also expanding its supply chain footprint,’ he said.

‘We are currently investing Sh40 billion in the construction of a new gas storage depot. This infrastructure expansion will ensure seamless nationwide LPG distribution,’ added Mr Mtafya.

Officiating the festival, Bagamoyo District Commissioner, Mr Shaibu Ndemanga, outlined the district’s strategic roadmap for energy transition.

He praised Oryx Gas’s contribution, noting that equipping fish fryers at the Bagamoyo market with gas cylinders marks a decisive step away from charcoal and firewood dependency.

‘The government continues to collaborate with private sector stakeholders to make LPG appliances accessible and affordable, safeguarding both public health and Tanzania’s forests,’ he said.

Airtel Africa has reported a strong start to its 2026/27 financial year, with first-quarter revenue rising by thirty-one percent as growing demand for mobile data and digital financial services continued to drive growth across its operations.

The telecommunications company, which operates in 14 African countries, including Tanzania, said revenue for the quarter ended June 30 increased to $1.853 billion, up from $1.415 billion recorded during the same period last year.

Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Africa, Mr. Sunil Taldar, said profit after tax rose 27 percent to $198 million, while revenue in constant currency grew by 21.1percent, reflecting sustained growth across voice, data and mobile money services.

Regional performance remained strong, with revenue in Nigeria increasing 29.8 percent, while East Africa and Francophone Africa recorded growth of 17.8 percent and 18 percent, respectively.

The company also expanded its customer base by 11.6 percent to 189 million subscribers. Data customers increased by 15.5 percent to 87.3 million, while mobile money customers grew by 23.3 percent to 56.5 million, supported by rising smartphone adoption and greater use of digital services.

Smartphone penetration reached 51 percent, while average monthly data usage per customer increased from 7.8 gigabytes to 10.6 gigabytes over the past year. The rise in data consumption helped drive a 56.3 percent increase in overall data traffic.

Airtel Africa said the annualised transaction value processed through Airtel Money exceeded $245 billion, representing a 51.5 percent increase compared with the previous year. Mobile money revenue rose by 38.9 percent to $404 million, highlighting the growing importance of digital financial services to the company’s business.

“We have started this year with another pleasing performance,” Mr. Taldar said.

He attributed the results to higher smartphone adoption, stronger customer engagement with digital services and continued investment in network infrastructure across the company’s markets.

To meet growing demand, Airtel Africa increased capital expenditure during the quarter, investing $389 million to strengthen its network. The company deployed more than 920 new sites, the highest first-quarter rollout in its history, while extending its fibre network to 82,100 kilometres to improve coverage, capacity and service quality.

Tanzania boxers begin Commonwealth Games medal hunt todayDespite the increased investment, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 36.6 percent to $928 million, with the EBITDA margin improving to 50.1 percent.

Net cash generated from operating activities increased by 38.3 percent to $786 million, reflecting resilient underlying operations despite higher energy costs.

Looking ahead, Mr. Taldar said Airtel Africa remains on track to pursue a London listing for its Airtel Money business, subject to regulatory approvals, as the company seeks to unlock long-term value and broaden access to international investors.