25 years of connecting Tanzania: Legacy of innovation, inclusion

TANZANIA: AS Vodacom Tanzania PLC marks its 25th anniversary, the company reflects on a transformative journey defined by innovation, inclusion and national development. Since its establishment in 2000, Vodacom has evolved from a mobile telecommunications provider into a leading technology enabler, impacting nearly every aspect of Tanzanian life from digital connectivity and financial inclusion to healthcare and education.

With a subscriber base exceeding 26 million, Vodacom has extended its network to reach even the most remote regions of the country. Strategic investments in 4G and 5G infrastructure are paving the way for a digitally inclusive future, empowering small businesses, students and healthcare providers nationwide.

According to Managing Director Philip Besiimire, Vodacom has invested over 4.5tri/- in infrastructure and services, including 3.0tri/- in the past decade to expand network coverage to over 95 per cent of the Tanzanian population.

“These investments have enabled the deployment of modern technologies such as 4G and 5G, expanding broadband access to more than 70 per cent of the country and modernising Information and Technology (IT) systems, including our M-Pesa platform,” said Mr Besiimire. “As a result, Vodacom has introduced advanced financial products like Songesha, M-Kob0a and merchant payments on M-Pesa, alongside innovative connectivity services such as Nipige Tafu, Buy for a Friend and Share the Bundle.”

Over the past 25 years, Vodacom has also played a significant role in job creation, both directly through its workforce and indirectly via distribution networks and contracted services.

Today, more than 270,000 individuals earn their livelihoods through Vodacom-related employment, including freelancers and M-Pesa agents. This figure excludes additional workers employed by subcontracted companies providing services such as network maintenance, logistics, and facility support.

Vodacom’s mobile money platform, M-Pesa, has revolutionised financial access in Tanzania. Millions of users now rely on M-Pesa not only for transactions but also for savings, loans, and bill payments bridging the gap for the unbanked and fostering a more inclusive economy. The company’s digital inclusion efforts continue to champion initiatives that ensure equitable access to financial services.

The Vodacom Tanzania Foundation has been instrumental in driving social impact through hundreds of initiatives in education, health and gender empowerment. Led by Zuweina Farah, the Foundation has spearheaded Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programmes ranging from digital classrooms and e-health platforms to campaigns against gender-based violence.

“Since inception, Vodacom and its partners, including the Vodafone Foundation, have invested billions of shillings in impactful projects that have improved the lives of over 10 million Tanzanians,” noted Ms Farah.

Key initiatives include a partnership with CCBRT to support women affected by fistula and the m-mama program developed in collaboration with the Government and USAID which provides emergency transport for pregnant women and newborns to reduce maternal mortality. In education, the zero-rated e-Fahamu platform has enhanced learning outcomes for Vodacom customers across the country.

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Reflecting on the company’s growth, Mr Besiimire emphasised Vodacom’s unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience, underpinned by service excellence and robust data privacy. Sustained investments in network infrastructure have supported rising usage volumes while maintaining high service quality. The expansion and enrichment of Vodacom’s product portfolio including digital loans, payments, and the newly launched digital wealth management service, M-Wekeza have further fueled growth.

Beyond commercial success, Vodacom’s dedication to societal advancement has helped empower communities and create new customer segments. Initiatives like M-Kulima, which supports farmers, and M-Mama, which addresses maternal health, demonstrate how technology can uplift lives while fostering long-term engagement and trust.

As Vodacom celebrates this milestone, it also honours the shared journey with the people of Tanzania and reaffirms its commitment to building a more inclusive, innovative and connected future.