A newborn baby has been named after mobile phone network operator Zain after it became the first to be born at a local hospital on the day the company rebranded.

The baby boy was born on August 1, this year at 12am at the Mwananyamala Hospital- the same day Celtel was renamed Zain in 14 African countries. Its mother, 25-year-old Shakilla Sekondi of Tandale, Dar es Salaam, and father Ally Sekondi agreed to give him the name Zain Ally Sekondi.

The company showered the baby with gifts in appreciation of the recognition.

Zain communications officer Celine Njuju said her company was happy to welcome the child into "our growing family".

Head of nurses at the hospital, Ms Catherine Mbeyela thanked the company for providing the baby with gifts. She also said Zain had made significant contribution to health.