Airtel Africa has unveiled the operational framework and key benefits of its AI Spam Alert Service, announcing its expansion to Kenya and Tanzania following a successful rollout in Nigeria.
In a statement released on Friday in Lagos, Airtel Nigeria said the AI-driven solution is designed to proactively protect mobile users from spam and fraudulent SMS messages, marking a significant step forward in mobile security across the continent.
The service, which is powered by a sophisticated artificial intelligence algorithm, automatically identifies and labels suspicious SMS messages as “Suspected SPAM.” It requires no user intervention or additional applications, making it accessible to all Airtel subscribers—whether they use smartphones or feature phones.
According to the telecom provider, the AI system evaluates over 250 parameters, such as sender behavior, message frequency, geographical distribution, and unusual activity patterns. This analysis is completed in under two milliseconds, ensuring near real-time alerts while preserving user privacy by not accessing the message content.
Dinesh Balsingh, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, emphasized Nigeria’s role in driving digital adoption across Africa.
“Nigeria plays a pivotal role in digital adoption on the continent, and this service underscores our commitment to protecting our customers from the growing threat of SMS fraud,” he said.
Following positive feedback from Nigerian users, Airtel has expanded the AI Spam Alert Service to its operations in Tanzania and Kenya, with plans to roll it out across its entire African footprint.
“This innovation is an integral part of our broader strategy to integrate advanced technologies that address real challenges while improving the customer experience,” Balsingh added.
He noted that early responses from users have been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the AI’s accuracy in flagging harmful messages without interfering with normal communication.
With this rollout, Airtel Africa aims to set a new standard for mobile security and reaffirm its commitment to leveraging technology to build safer digital ecosystems for its users.
Caption: Dinesh Balsingh, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, announces the expansion of Airtel Africa’s AI Spam Alert Service to Kenya and Tanzania, reinforcing the company’s commitment to digital safety across the continent.