Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has reported that mobile money fraud attempts in Tanzania surged by 33 percent in the first quarter of 2025 compared to December 2024, with Kilombero District emerging as the most affected area.
The latest TCRA report, covering January to March 2025, highlights a sharp rise in mobile money fraud nationwide.
The report, signed by TCRA director general Dr Jabiri Bakari, presents a comparative analysis of fraud incidents recorded by mobile operators during the final quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025.
Kilombero District recorded the highest number of attempted fraud cases, with 4,858 incidents, followed by Sumbawanga Urban with 4,469 cases, while Sumbawanga Rural registered 1,420.
Other highly affected areas included Mbeya Urban (706 cases) and Kalambo (593).
Among mobile service providers, Airtel reported the highest number of fraud attempts at 5,876, followed by TTCL (3,925), Vodacom (3,143), and Yas (2,484). Halotel reported the lowest figure with 1,724 cases.
Regionally, Rukwa and Morogoro accounted for over one-third of all reported cases, underscoring their vulnerability.
These were followed by Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, and Songwe, which ranked third, fourth, and fifth, respectively.
In contrast, Zanzibar regions—Kusini Unguja, Kaskazini Unguja, and Kaskazini Pemba—reported the fewest cases.
According to TCRA, the report reflects sectoral progress and emerging challenges in Tanzania’s communications landscape.
It also serves to assess sector development and identify areas requiring intervention.
“The progress made in the communications sector continues to demonstrate its pivotal role in driving Tanzania’s digital economy,” the report reads in part.
TCRA further emphasised the need for sustained investment in modern infrastructure and technologies.
Reviewing sub-sector laws and regulations is seen as key to unlocking the full potential of communications and improving citizens’ social and economic well-being.
The authority noted that innovation in service delivery and competitive pricing remain key drivers of increased consumer uptake.
The broadcasting sub-sector, in particular, showed marked growth in service availability, coverage, and user numbers during the reporting period.
Additionally, the Tanzania Posts Corporation and private courier firms continue to play a vital role in parcel and document delivery.
The rise of e-commerce has fuelled demand for home and office delivery services.
TCRA reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging technology in tracking courier services, aiming to enhance efficiency and meet customer expectations in the postal and courier sub-sector.
