Vodacom Tanzania Expands 5G and Digital Finance to Drive National Digital Economy

Vodacom Tanzania ’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Snapshot for the year ended 31 March 2025 underscores the company’s growing role as a digital and fintech leader in Tanzania. Positioning itself as a “connectivity, digital, and fintech operator,” Vodacom says its mission is to enable an inclusive, sustainable, and trusted digital society. Central to this vision is its strategy of diversifying through digital ecosystems that not only expand financial access but also strengthen the country’s digital economy.

On the connectivity front, Vodacom continued to invest heavily in network infrastructure to bridge the digital divide. The company increased its 4G sites from 2,804 to 3,275 and established 370 5G sites, extending faster internet access to both urban and underserved rural areas. The acquisition of Smile Communications Tanzania Limited has also been a key step, providing Vodacom with valuable spectrum to boost data coverage and improve service quality nationwide. With the launch of Tanzania’s first 5G network, the company is setting the stage for “smart solutions” that will transform homes, offices, and public spaces. At the same time, smartphone penetration on the network rose to 43.9% from 37.2% last year, aided by Vodacom’s financing of more than 61,000 devices through flexible payment plans.

Digital financial services remain a cornerstone of Vodacom’s operations. Its flagship super-app, M-Pesa, was once again recognized as Tanzania’s leading super-app, continuing to empower millions with secure, accessible financial services. The group savings platform M-Koba recorded significant growth, reaching 318,123 active groups with savings of TZS769.5 billion, a majority of which came from women’s savings collectives. Meanwhile, the launch of M-Wekeza introduced Tanzanians to mobile-based micro-investments, allowing participation in capital markets with as little as TZS1,000. Payment solutions also expanded rapidly, with “Lipa Kwa Simu” driving commerce across businesses and individuals, while a partnership with a digital taxi service enabled mobile payments and provided access to loans for drivers.

Beyond financial platforms, Vodacom is leveraging technology for social impact and digital skills development. The Code Like a Girl initiative trained 699 girls in coding in 2025, bringing the total to over 3,000 participants since its launch. The company also concluded the third season of its Digital Accelerator Program in partnership with Huawei and MassChallenge, supporting local startups with mentorship and exposure to advanced technologies. In education, Vodacom connected over 1,181 schools and higher learning institutions with subsidized internet access, while in healthcare, its m-mama emergency transport program was credited with saving nearly 6,000 lives through timely interventions.

Internally, Vodacom is advancing digitalization with an eye on efficiency and sustainability. It invested TZS1.4 billion in energy efficiency projects at its data centers, saving 2,861 MWh of energy in the process. Smart recharge options reduced paper use by 242 tonnes, underscoring the company’s commitment to digital-first operations. Importantly, Vodacom became one of the first companies certified under Tanzania’s new Personal Data Protection Act of 2022, reinforcing its role as a trusted digital partner. At the same time, the operator is responding to new environmental regulations by improving e-waste management. By promoting e-SIM adoption and introducing half-SIM cards, Vodacom saved 34 tonnes of plastic, demonstrating its focus on sustainable digital growth.

Together, these initiatives highlight Vodacom Tanzania’s dual mission of accelerating digital transformation while embedding sustainability and trust at the core of its operations. By investing in infrastructure, fintech innovation, social empowerment, and responsible digital practices, the company is reinforcing its position as a driver of inclusive growth in Tanzania’s evolving digital economy