Thunes and Vodacom Tanzania Partner to Enhance International Payments via M-Pesa

Thunes and Vodacom Tanzania Join Forces for Enhanced International Payments

In a pioneering collaboration, Thunes, a global leader in international payment infrastructure, has teamed up with Vodacom Tanzania, the country's leading telecommunications company. This partnership is set to revolutionize the way Tanzanian merchants and consumers engage in cross-border transactions, particularly with businesses in Uganda and China. By leveraging Vodacom's M-Pesa platform, this initiative aims to streamline international payments and drive digital financial inclusion across the region.

The new international payment solution allows Vodacom's customers to pay merchants in Uganda and China directly from their mobile devices using M-Pesa. This addresses a significant demand among Tanzanian traders who often face hurdles due to expensive, slow, and insecure payment methods when conducting business in these key markets. Through this innovative solution that utilizes Thunes' Direct Global Network, Vodacom aims to eliminate these challenges by providing secure, real-time cross-border digital payments.

This partnership is pivotal as it targets two crucial trading partners for Tanzania. In 2024, China was Tanzania's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $8.8 billion. Meanwhile, trade between Tanzania and Uganda hit approximately $2.23 billion, a 64% increase over the previous year. These figures highlight the importance of facilitating easier payment methods in strengthening economic relations and supporting local businesses.

Epimack Mbeteni, the Director of M-Pesa at Vodacom Tanzania, stated, "This service is more than just a payment function; it acts as an economic empowerment catalyst for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and Tanzanian entrepreneurs looking to compete in regional and global markets. With Thunes' vast and reliable network, we enable easy, secure, and cost-effective cross-border payments that empower users, boost trade, and position M-Pesa at the forefront of Africa's digital commerce future."

Thanks to the Thunes Direct Global Network, customers can now make purchases from Ugandan merchants using MTN MoMo and from Chinese merchants via Alipay, all facilitated through the M-Pesa Super App or its USSD menu. This secure, user-friendly process removes traditional banking barriers, streamlining payments for individuals and businesses alike.

Dawei Wang, SVP Network at Thunes, commented, "Vodacom Tanzania's integration with our Direct Global Network for cross-border payment digitization marks a game-changer for local businesses. By combining Vodacom's technology with Thunes' trusted and proprietary network, Tanzanian customers can pay their partners in China and Uganda in real-time. This innovation fosters interoperability and accelerates international trade and business growth, supporting our goal of connecting the next billion end-users to the global economy."

This collaboration is a strategic lever for consumers and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in need of reliable and swift financial tools, like mobile money. A GeoPoll survey conducted in 2025 revealed that 94% of respondents in Tanzania used mobile money services, indicating the significant reliance on digital payment solutions in the country.

The alliance between Thunes and Vodacom Tanzania promises to transform the lives of millions by breaking down cross-border barriers. By linking Tanzania more closely to global giants like China and facilitating intra-African trade, this initiative contributes to building an inclusive economy and solidifying Tanzania's role as a key player in the global market.