Vodacom Tanzania has unveiled M-Pesa Global Payment, a major upgrade that allows Tanzanian users to make cross-border payments with merchants worldwide. Developed in collaboration with Visa, Alipay (through Thunes), TerraPay, MTN Uganda, and other partners, the service represents a significant step toward enhancing digital trade and financial inclusion across Africa.
With M-Pesa Global Payment, users can now:
- Pay at any Visa-enabled merchant worldwide using a tokenised M-Pesa Visa card
- Conduct transactions with Alipay merchants in China
- Make purchases in Dubai via TerraPay
- Send payments directly to MTN MoMo wallets in Uganda
The service is accessible via the M-Pesa menu or the M-Pesa Super App, ensuring a simple, secure, and convenient payment experience.
Boosting Cashless Transactions in Tanzania
Mobile money adoption in Tanzania has grown significantly, nearly doubling subscriptions between 2020 and 2024, signaling a shift toward cashless transactions nationwide. According to Epimack Mbeteni, Director of M-Pesa at Vodacom Tanzania, these global partnerships allow Tanzanian consumers and businesses to transact internationally as easily as locally, with speed, security, and reduced reliance on traditional banking systems.
The expansion of international payment corridors is expected to cut business costs, increase trade opportunities, and provide Tanzanian merchants access to the global digital economy.
Enabling SMEs to Trade Globally
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often face challenges in cross-border trade due to limited payment options. M-Pesa Global Payment addresses this by enabling Tanzanian businesses to pay for goods from China, Dubai, and other international markets directly from their mobile wallets.
The Visa Tap & Pay function introduces Africa’s first contactless mobile payment solution, allowing secure payments without exposing card details. Victor Makere, Visa Tanzania Country Manager, noted that tokenisation increases both convenience and security, making international transactions smoother.
Expanding Global Payment Partnerships
- Thunes: Facilitates payments through Alipay in China, connecting Tanzanian businesses to major global e-commerce platforms
- TerraPay: Expands access to Dubai, a crucial Middle Eastern trade hub
- MTN Uganda: Ensures seamless regional cross-border transactions, streamlining business for East African SMEs
These partnerships provide Tanzanian businesses and consumers with easy access to international trade, driving economic growth and regional commerce.
Conclusion: Pioneering Global Mobile Payments
With M-Pesa Global Payment, Vodacom Tanzania leads the way in international mobile money innovation, offering secure, fast, and convenient cross-border payment solutions. This upgrade empowers SMEs, strengthens Tanzania’s role in global commerce, and enhances digital financial inclusion for users nationwide.
