27 November 2025 | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Vodacom Tanzania has taken a major leap in transforming digital payments and cross-border trade with the launch of M-Pesa Global Payment—a suite of new international payment capabilities designed to make global transactions faster, safer, and more convenient for Tanzanians.
Through partnerships with Visa, Alipay, Network International, Magnati, Thunes, TerraPay, and MTN Uganda, M-Pesa customers can now pay merchants across the world directly from their mobile phones—no bank account, no card swiping machine, no complications.
This development positions M-Pesa among the most advanced digital payment platforms in Africa and marks a new chapter for traders, SMEs, and consumers who rely heavily on international transactions for business and travel.
What’s New? A Unified Global Payment Experience
With M-Pesa Global Payment, customers can now:
- Tap & Pay worldwide using the new M-Pesa Visa tokenized card, a first-of-its-kind innovation in Africa.
- Pay merchants in China via Alipay, enabled through Thunes’ global network—ideal for importers and online shoppers.
- Transact with merchants in Dubai through TerraPay’s international merchant network.
- Pay merchants in Uganda directly into MTN MoMo wallets, simplifying regional trade within East Africa.
All these services are accessible directly from the M-Pesa menu or the M-Pesa Super App, making global payments as simple as local transactions.
Addressing Longstanding Trade Challenges
For years, Tanzanian traders and travelers have faced challenges when making international payments—high transaction costs, long processing times, unreliable payment channels, and strict banking requirements.
The new M-Pesa Global Payment capabilities respond directly to these pain points.
“We are enabling people and businesses to transact across borders with the same ease as they do locally—securely, instantly, and affordably,”
said Epimack Mbeteni, M-Pesa Director at Vodacom Tanzania.He added that these partnerships open new trade corridors, reduce the cost of doing business, and give customers greater freedom to participate in the global digital economy.
Innovative Partnerships Powering the Future
1. Visa – Global Tap & Pay
The M-Pesa Visa tokenized card allows customers to Tap & Pay anywhere Visa is accepted.
Visa Tanzania Country Manager Victor Makere highlighted the added safety layer brought by tokenization, ensuring secure and seamless contactless payments.
2. Thunes – Payments to China via Alipay
Thunes enables Tanzanian businesses to pay Chinese merchants instantly within the Alipay ecosystem.
According to Andrew Stewart, Thunes’ Chief Revenue Officer, this advancement enhances interoperability and supports the growth of international trade.
3. TerraPay – Transactions in Dubai
TerraPay connects M-Pesa users with select merchants in Dubai, strengthening digital commerce opportunities for Tanzanians doing business in the UAE.
4. MTN Uganda – Simplified East African Trade
Paying merchants in Uganda is now instant and direct into MTN MoMo wallets.
MTN Mobile Money Uganda Director Richard Yego emphasized the importance of this partnership in supporting cross-border SMEs.
Boosting MSMEs and Everyday Consumers
Tanzania’s strong mobile penetration and widespread adoption of mobile money make M-Pesa Global Payment a strategic driver for:
- Importers and exporters
- Small traders
- Frequent travelers
- Online shoppers
- SMEs navigating regional and global markets
With these solutions, Vodacom is helping MSMEs improve efficiency, lower transaction costs, and expand trading opportunities beyond borders.
A Big Step Toward a Fully Inclusive Digital Economy
As M-Pesa evolves into a robust international payment platform, Vodacom Tanzania is reaffirming its commitment to building an inclusive digital economy—one where technology simplifies business and brings global marketplaces within reach for every Tanzanian.
The launch of M-Pesa Global Payment is not just a product milestone; it is a major enabler of growth for Tanzania’s business ecosystem.
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