No More Scam Texts!

.... Airtel Introduces Free AI-Powered Protection Against Phishing and Mobile Fraud, Enhances Spam Protection to Boost Customer Security

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 – (28-05-2025) - Airtel Zambia has unveiled the country’s first AI-powered spam protection service, a major technological innovation designed to safeguard customers from SMS-based fraud and digital threats.

The system, developed over two and a half years by more than 50 experts in 14 African countries, is tailored to work on both smartphones and feature phones—ensuring protection for all users.

Speaking during a digital security presentation, John Chibwe, Airtel Zambia’s Head of Network Services, said the solution processes over 52 million SMS messages daily, detecting and blocking spam in just two milliseconds using artificial intelligence.

“Spammers aim to deceive or steal from users,” Chibwe explained. “This system monitors unusual activity such as frequent SIM changes, abnormal SMS patterns, and device switching to identify threats in real-time.”

Chibwe highlighted the global impact of mobile fraud, noting that in 2023, the United States lost $330 million to SMS scams, emphasizing that even developed countries face significant threats.

He added that spam is no longer confined to email—which sees over 122 billion messages daily—but is increasingly prevalent in SMS, tech support scams, and social media. According to Facebook, 1 in every 20 user accounts is fake and often used for spam or phishing.

“These attacks are financially motivated and often involve fake product ads or malicious links designed to trick customers,” he said.

Unlike many security solutions that are limited to smartphones, Airtel’s tool supports all handsets, including basic feature phones still widely used across Africa.

“This inclusive approach ensures that all customers, regardless of their device, are protected,” said Chibwe, who was directly involved in the product’s development and testing.

While apps like Truecaller provide some protection, Chibwe noted they are not sufficient, especially in regions with low smartphone usage.

Airtel’s tool operates independently of apps or internet access, providing broader coverage.

Chibwe also linked digital security to economic resilience, warning that fraud undermines investor confidence and reduces returns—particularly in inflationary environments.

“By protecting communication channels, we’re also safeguarding long-term investments,” he said.

Airtel’s initiative sets a new standard for mobile security on the continent, reinforcing trust in digital communication and financial systems.

Speaking during the official launch in Lusaka, Airtel Zambia Managing Director Baday Hussam said the initiative marks a significant step in improving digital security by using artificial intelligence to detect and classify suspicious SMS messages—without infringing on user privacy.

“We are proud to be the first telecommunications company in Zambia to introduce AI-powered spam detection, giving our customers an added layer of protection at no extra cost,” said Hussam.

“This innovation is about trust, safety, and protecting the digital lives of our users.”

The newly launched system uses advanced machine learning algorithms to scan over 18 million messages daily, identifying scam texts, phishing attempts, and other forms of mobile fraud within milliseconds.

The AI system evaluates over 250 parameters, such as SMS frequency and sender behavior patterns, and operates on two layers—at both the network level and the IT system level.

This development comes amid rising concerns over mobile scams and cyber threats as Zambia continues to see rapid growth in digital adoption.

According to Hussam, Airtel’s initiative is a proactive step in responding to these risks while aligning with the government’s Eighth National Development Plan, which emphasizes digital transformation, ICT innovation, and improved service delivery.

Over the past three years, Airtel Zambia has invested over $140 million into network expansion and digital infrastructure. This includes the deployment of more than 1,117 new network sites, expansion into rural and underserved areas, and the introduction of 5G technology and eSIM services.

“We are committed to investing in smart safety technologies that benefit Zambians, especially the most vulnerable,” Hussam said.

“Your security matters. Your trust matters. Your experience on our network matters.”

He thanked the Ministry of Technology and Science for its policy support and the Bank of Zambia for regulatory guidance in fostering private sector innovation.

The AI-powered spam protection system is now active on Airtel Zambia’s network and is available to all subscribers automatically.

Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati has disclosed that Zambia’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector has emerged as a key driver of economic growth, expanding significantly despite sluggish national economic performance in 2024.

Speaking during a breakfast meeting on Tuesday, Mutati said the sector registered notable growth in a year when the national economy grew by just 1.4 percent, highlighting ICT's resilience and strategic importance to Zambia’s development.

“The ICT sector stood strong and propelled the economy forward during a difficult year,” Mutati said. “It remains a vital engine for creating opportunities, generating jobs, and improving lives.”

Over 23.4 Million Mobile Subscribers and Surge in Digital Transactions

Mutati revealed that Zambia now has over 23.4 million mobile subscribers and 11.2 million internet users, reflecting massive digital adoption.

In the first quarter of 2024 alone, the Bank of Zambia recorded over K480 billion worth of digital transactions, underscoring the sector’s growing role in financial and digital inclusion.

Despite these gains, Mutati warned of increasing digital risks, including online fraud and cybercrime, which threaten the confidence of citizens in transacting digitally. He called for urgent investments in cybersecurity and public trust.

“Technology has a flip side—people are losing money and even lives due to fraud,” he said. “Our goal is to create a resilient digital space where people can interact and transact safely.”

He cited the example of an elderly woman in a rural area who was expecting K200 from her son in town, only for the money to be stolen through mobile fraud. “It may sound like a small amount, but for that woman, it was the difference between life and death,” he said.

To address connectivity gaps, the Minister confirmed that government and private sector partners are committed to erecting over 150 new communication towers to expand rural and underserved area access.

He also urged telecom operators to collaborate on reducing the cost of digital devices, which remains a major barrier to universal access.

“Affordable devices are key to digital inclusiveness. I hope we can move swiftly to deliver these solutions to the people who need them most,” Mutati said.

Mutati emphasized that Zambia’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy, launched in 2023, must not remain a policy document, but be transformed into a practical tool for solving sector challenges.

He said innovation must be accompanied by implementation if the country is to bridge the digital divide.

“The strategy is not a shelf document—it must assist us in tackling real-world issues in technology and inclusion,” he said.

Quoting estimates from the World Economic Forum, Mutati noted that the global digital economy is now the third largest industry, valued at $10.5 trillion in 2023.

He argued that Zambia must do its part to contribute to and benefit from this rapidly growing global ecosystem.

He added that improving digital infrastructure will not only drive private sector growth but also improve government service delivery, including the Social Cash Transfer Programme, which reaches vulnerable communities.

“Some fear digital technology—but what we do today must be a message to say: don’t be afraid,” he said. “This initiative by Airtel, supported by the Government of the Republic of Zambia, is meant to protect and empower our people.”

Minister Mutati concluded by urging continued collaboration between government and the private sector to ensure that the benefits of technology are not only widespread but also secure.

“Let us use technology to shield our people, to create trust and confidence, and to lift every Zambian into the digital age,” he said.

The Bank of Zambia (BoZ) has reported a dramatic rise in the use of Digital Financial Services (DFS) in the country, highlighting mobile money as the main driver of increased financial inclusion.

Speaking on behalf of the BoZ Governor, Deputy Director Rocker Mhango delivered the remarks during the launch of a new Airtel consumer protection initiative.

Mhango disclosed that the value of mobile payment transactions surged by an astounding 6,570.4%, from K7.29 billion in 2017 to K486.27 billion in 2024. The number of active mobile wallets grew from 1.4 million to 12.3 million, marking a 778.6% increase over the same period.

“These are the benefits that have been realized in the mobile money space. But as this sector grows, we must balance expansion with strong consumer safeguards,” Mhango said.

He emphasized that consumer protection and cybersecurity are crucial for maintaining consumer confidence in digital platforms.

Mhango praised Airtel's new initiative as a model for the kind of safeguards that need to be replicated across the industry.

The BoZ official revealed that the number of mobile money subscribers rose by 70.1%, from 11.7 million in 2017 to 19.9 million in 2024, while active mobile money agents skyrocketed by 3,966.9%, reaching 429,347 agents in 2024 from just over 10,500 in 2017.

The growth, he noted, has been driven by deliberate policy actions, including the enhancement of the National Financial Switch, which enables seamless transactions across banks and mobile money networks.

“This infrastructure now allows customers to send money instantly—24/7—between banks, from banks to mobile wallets, and even across different mobile money providers,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) has commended Airtel Zambia for launching an artificial intelligence-powered tool aimed at combating the growing threat of digital fraud.

ZICTA Director – Legal, Banji Nyundo, speaking on behalf of the Director General at the launch event, described the new tool—Scam Protector—as a timely and proactive response to escalating cybercrime.

“We commend Airtel, the largest mobile operator with over 11.2 million subscribers, for leveraging AI to introduce this critical innovation,” Nyundo said. “Scam Protector is designed to curb the spread of fraudulent messages and enhance consumer protection.”

Zambia has witnessed a sharp increase in internet subscriptions and mobile money transactions, signaling a growing digital economy. However, this growth has also led to a surge in scams and digital fraud, often targeting mobile wallets, banking apps, and messaging platforms like WhatsApp.

“These threats exploit low digital literacy among users,” Nyundo noted. “While ZICTA has intensified awareness campaigns, more protective measures are urgently needed.”

He praised Airtel’s initiative as a model for how technology can be used to improve public trust in digital platforms and urged other service providers to adopt similar safeguards.

“There is no competition when it comes to security,” Nyundo emphasized. “A vulnerability in one network can pose a systemic risk to the entire digital ecosystem.”

Airtel’s Scam Protector uses AI to detect and block fraudulent calls and messages in real time, helping users avoid financial losses and identity theft.

The launch highlights a broader push for collaboration between regulators and service providers to strengthen Zambia’s digital infrastructure and protect consumers.