Vodacom Tanzania marks 25 years of digital innovation and social impact

Dar es Salaam. Vodacom Tanzania Plc is today marking its 25th anniversary, celebrating a journey that has transformed the country’s telecommunications sector, financial services, and broader social development.

Since its launch on 15 August 2000, the company has invested Sh4.5 trillion in Tanzania’s digital infrastructure and services, evolving from a mobile operator into a leading technology enabler with far-reaching impact on millions of citizens.

Speaking ahead of the anniversary, Vodacom managing director Philip Besiimire said the company now serves more than 26 million subscribers and provides coverage to over 95 percent of the population.

In a statement on Thursday, August 14, 2025 he noted that the company’s substantial infrastructure investment, particularly in 4G and 5G networks, has expanded digital inclusion and empowered schools, hospitals, businesses, and individuals across both rural and urban areas. Of the Sh4.5 trillion invested over the years, Sh3 trillion has been deployed in the past decade alone.

“These investments have enabled the roll-out of advanced technologies, expanded broadband access to more than 70 percent of the country, and modernised IT systems, including our M-Pesa platform,” Mr Besiimire said.

Innovation and financial inclusion

Vodacom has introduced a range of innovative products tailored to customer needs. Through M-Pesa, services such as Songesha (an overdraft facility), M-Koba (digital group savings), and merchant payments have transformed the way Tanzanians manage money.

Connectivity-focused products such as Nipige Tafu, Buy for a Friend, and Share the Bundle have improved affordability and access for ordinary users.

A key legacy is M-Pesa itself, credited with revolutionising financial inclusion in Tanzania.

From fewer than 10 percent of citizens two decades ago, financial inclusion has expanded to over 70 percent, largely through mobile money.

Millions who were once excluded from formal banking can now save, borrow, pay bills, and send money securely via their phones.

Jobs and livelihoods

Beyond its technological footprint, Vodacom has become a major contributor to employment, supporting more than 270,000 livelihoods directly and indirectly through distribution networks, M-Pesa agencies, freelance opportunities, and outsourced services such as logistics and maintenance.

This ecosystem positions Vodacom not only as a telecoms leader but also as a driver of economic activity across Tanzania.

Vodacom has also invested significantly through the Vodacom Tanzania Foundation.

Led by director Zuweina Farah, the foundation has channelled billions of shillings into education, health, and gender empowerment, benefiting more than 10 million Tanzanians.

“Our Corporate Social Investment projects have touched lives through digital classrooms, e-health solutions, and campaigns against gender-based violence,” Ms Farah said.

Flagship initiatives include the m-mama programme, run in collaboration with the government and USAID, which provides emergency transport for pregnant women and newborns to reduce maternal mortality.

Another partnership with CCBRT supports women living with fistula.

In education, the zero-rated e-Fahamu platform has broadened access to digital learning materials nationwide.

As it marks 25 years, Vodacom is positioning itself for the future.

New products such as M-Wekeza, a digital wealth management service, and tailored platforms like M-Kulima for farmers and M-mama for maternal health, illustrate how technology is being applied to tackle pressing social and economic challenges.

“Beyond connectivity, our goal is to empower communities and build an inclusive, innovative, and connected future for all Tanzanians,” Mr Besiimire said.

For Vodacom, today’s milestone is not just a celebration of past achievements but a reaffirmation of its long-term commitment to innovation, inclusion, and Tanzania’s national development.