Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – July 2, 2026 – Airtel Tanzania has cemented its position as one of Tanzania's leading corporate contributors to the national economy after ranking among the country's top three dividend-paying companies, reinforcing the growing importance of public-private partnerships in driving government revenue and supporting the nation's digital transformation agenda.
During the Government's annual Gawio Day ceremony held at State House on June 30, 2026, Airtel Tanzania presented TZS 65.48 billion in dividends to the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania. The payment represents the Government's 49 percent shareholding in the telecommunications company.
Airtel Tanzania emerged as the third-largest commercial dividend payer this year, behind Twiga Minerals, which contributed TZS 221.9 billion, and NMB Bank, which paid TZS 96.9 billion.
The latest dividend brings Airtel Tanzania's cumulative payments to the Government to approximately TZS 350 billion since 2019, making it the only private telecommunications company in Tanzania that has consistently paid dividends to the state.
Government Targets Higher Returns from Public Investments
The dividend payment comes as President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan continues to champion stronger financial performance from public investments, with the aim of reducing Tanzania's dependence on external borrowing while increasing domestic financing for national development.
Speaking during the Gawio Day ceremony, President Samia announced that the Government had received a record TZS 1.327 trillion in dividends and statutory contributions this year, compared to TZS 1.028 trillion collected in 2025.
"This year we have received TZS 1.327 trillion, compared with TZS 1.028 trillion last year. That is an increase of TZS 300 billion, or 30%," she said.
The President noted that the improved performance reflects a significant shift in the role of state investments.
"We have moved from institutions consuming public funds to institutions returning money to the Government."
She added that stronger dividend collections would enable Tanzania to finance a larger share of its own development priorities and further narrow the country's financing gap.
Expressing confidence in the country's economic trajectory, President Samia said Tanzania could largely finance its own development within the next two years if the current momentum is sustained.
Record Dividend Collections
According to the Treasury Registrar, Nehemiah Mchechu, the Government collected a historic TZS 1.327 trillion in dividends and statutory contributions during the 2026 financial year.
The collections comprised:
- TZS 800 billion from commercial companies;
- TZS 406 billion from non-commercial public institutions; and
- TZS 121 billion from other sources.
Mchechu identified Twiga Minerals, NMB Bank and Airtel Tanzania as the country's three largest commercial dividend contributors this year.
Airtel Highlights Value of Public-Private Partnership
Airtel Tanzania Board Chairman Eliud Sanga described the dividend as evidence of the value created through sustained investment, sound corporate governance and effective collaboration between the private sector and Government.
"This amount is tangible proof of the value built through sustainable investment, sound business management and good governance," Sanga said.
He emphasized that Airtel's contribution extends well beyond dividend payments, pointing to the company's continued investment in digital infrastructure that supports businesses, education, public service delivery and broader economic development.
Continued Investment in Tanzania's Digital Economy
Airtel Tanzania Managing Director Charles Kamoto said the dividend reflects the trust that millions of Tanzanians continue to place in the company's products and services.
"This contribution reflects the trust that millions of Tanzanians place in our services every day and our commitment to delivering sustainable value to all shareholders," Kamoto said.
He revealed that Airtel invested more than USD 316 million between 2021 and 2025 to expand and modernize its telecommunications network across the country.
The company continues to accelerate the rollout of 4G and 5G services, expand fibre infrastructure and home broadband connectivity, and strengthen Airtel Money to deepen financial inclusion across Tanzania.
"Connectivity is no longer a luxury. It is an essential tool for economic growth, innovation, education and social inclusion," Kamoto added.
Strengthening Tanzania's Digital Future
Airtel Tanzania's continued ranking among the country's top three dividend-paying companies demonstrates the increasingly strategic role of the telecommunications sector in Tanzania's economic development.
Beyond generating substantial returns for Government through dividends, the company's ongoing investments in digital infrastructure are helping accelerate financial inclusion, improve connectivity, enable innovation and support the country's long-term digital economy ambitions.
As Tanzania continues to prioritize sustainable domestic revenue generation, Airtel Tanzania's performance stands as a compelling example of how successful public-private partnerships can simultaneously create shareholder value, strengthen public finances and drive inclusive economic growth.
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