Government develops Kiswahili AI model

DODOMA: THE government, through the Information and Communication Technologies Commission (ICTC), is in the final stages of developing a major Swahili Large Language Model aimed at advancing the use of Artificial Intelligence in delivering digital services in Kiswahili.

Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Ms Angellah Kairuki, informed the august House over the weekend that the availability of the Swahili Large Language Model will simplify the practical use of Artificial Intelligence by enabling its application in fluent Kiswahili.

Presenting the ministry’s budget estimates for 2026/2027 financial year, Ms Kairuki said the commission is continuing to collaborate with various stakeholders in the development of the model.

“The model will strengthen digital inclusion by enabling all citizens, including those in rural areas, to access ICT services powered by Artificial Intelligence in a language they understand,” she said.

Ms Kairuki added that the model will also facilitate access to accurate information and training through Artificial Intelligence, improve the availability of Swahili data for innovators and support the preservation of local languages and indigenous knowledge in the digital era.

Meanwhile, the minister said the government will continue to take firm measures to curb cybercrime.

She said that between March 2025 and March 2026, a total of 62,879 mobile phone lines were blocked after being involved in fraud conducted through communication networks.

Ms Kairuki added that the government, through the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), has also restricted the use of 60,177 national identification cards used to register SIM cards linked to fraud, as part of efforts to seal loopholes for digital crime.

She noted that the measures are part of improvements to the Communications Monitoring System, which helps detect and track communications used in illegal activities.

The Minister said the government will continue strengthening regulatory systems in the communications sector to ensure citizens are protected against fraud, which is on the rise due to technological advancement.

“As technology advances, some individuals exploit it to commit crimes. The government will continue enhancing monitoring systems to ensure the safety of citizens,” she said.

She added that, in addition to the measures taken, TCRA continues to provide public education on the safe use of communication services, including the use of 100 for customer care, *106# to verify SIM card registration, and 15040 to report fraud incidents.

On communications oversight, Ms Kairuki said the government has improved systems for verifying both domestic and international calls to ensure availability of accurate national communication data.

She said statistics for March 2026 indicate an increase in international traffic, with incoming calls reaching 16.1 million minutes, up from 12.9 million minutes recorded in March 2025, equivalent to a 24.8 per cent increase.

Outgoing international calls rose to 55.7 million minutes in March 2026 from 42.2 million minutes in March 2025, marking a 32 per cent increase.

On domestic traffic, on-net calls exceeded 112.9 billion minutes, registering an increase of 11.8 per cent, while off-net calls rose by 9.7 per cent.

Ms Kairuki also said mobile money transactions recorded significant growth, rising from 476.7 million in July 2025 to 742.7 million in March 2026, equivalent to an increase of 55.8 per cent.

She said the trend reflects a growing adoption of digital services in the country, with the government continuing to strengthen security systems to ensure citizens benefit without risking their finances.

The minister further said the communications and information technology sector has continued to register strong growth, with statistics showing that registered mobile phone lines increased from 90.4 million in March 2025 to 111.9 million in March 2026, equivalent to a 23.8 per cent rise.

She said internet users rose from 49.3 million to 58.9 million over the same period, representing an increase of 19.5 per cent, while users of mobile money services grew from 66.5 million to 81.0 million, a 21.8 per cent increase.

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Ms Kairuki added that communication infrastructure service providers increased from 38 in March 2025 to 52 in March 2026, marking a 36.8 per cent rise. Providers of Application Services and ValueAdded Services also rose from 136 to 173, an increase of 27.2 per cent.

The minister said the growth reflects improved access to ICT services driven by enabling systems and a conducive environment, in line with the vision of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.