Vodacom rolls out cross-border M-Pesa payments

DAR ES SALAAM: Vodacom Tanzania has officially launched its international payment service, M-Pesa Global Payments, a groundbreaking step that transforms business operations and simplifies payments for Tanzanian customers and merchants who travel or conduct business outside the country.

A statement issued by the company on Friday stated that the new service also advances digital financial inclusion.

Partnering with VISA, Alipay, Network International, Magnati, and MTN Uganda, customers can now make payments using the global Tap & Pay system by tapping a phone with an M-Pesa Visa card on payment terminals, pay merchants in China through Alipay via a system powered by Thunes, perform transactions in Dubai with merchants connected to the TerraPay network, and pay merchants in Uganda directly to their MTN MoMo wallets—all through the M-Pesa Super App or the M-Pesa Menu.

Elaborating on the significant features of the services, the company stated that they are secure, easy to use, and eliminate challenges associated with traditional banking systems.

“Collectively, they position M-Pesa as one of the most advanced digital payment ecosystems in Africa. This launch empowers Tanzanian customers and frequent travelers across East Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and other regions who often face high costs, delays, or security limitations in existing payment systems,” the statement read.

Director of M-Pesa at Vodacom Tanzania, Epimack Mbeteni, noted that the partnerships with VISA, Alipay, Network International, and MTN Uganda shows the company’s commitment to building a robust digital payment ecosystem.

“Together, we are enabling people to make payments across borders with the same ease, security, speed, and affordability they enjoy within Tanzania. This is the core mission of M-Pesa, to advance financial inclusion and ensure digital innovation benefits small, medium, and large entrepreneurs, as well as customers with personal payment needs. Through this collaborative strength, we are opening new business pathways, reducing operational costs, and giving customers greater freedom to participate in the digital economy,” he said.

The launch also introduces a new innovation, M-Pesa Tap & Pay in partnership with Visa, the first of its kind in Africa, enabling customers to make payments worldwide by simply tapping their phones containing a digital M-Pesa Visa card on Visa-enabled terminals.

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Visa Tanzania Country Manager, Victor Makere stated that through the partnership, they are enabling millions of M-Pesa customers to enjoy secure and convenient digital payments wherever Visa is accepted.

“Tap & Pay allows customers to pay by holding their phone close to a Visa-enabled payment terminal without entering a card number or PIN. Payments are made directly through the digital M-Pesa Visa card. This enhances security and convenience, allowing global payments without exposing sensitive information,” he said.

Chief Revenue Officer at Thunes,  Andrew Stewart, said that through the Thunes Network, M-Pesa customers can now pay merchants in China using the Alipay system swiftly and securely.

“Digitizing cross-border payments is crucial for expanding access and empowering billions of users to participate in the global economy. Through our partnership with Vodacom, we now enable Tanzanian businesses to pay Chinese merchants instantly via Alipay. This new level of integration and innovation builds trust in mobile financial systems and opens new opportunities for global trade,” he noted.

Also, the Vice President for TerraPay Sub-Saharan Africa,  Willie Kanyeki said that TerraPay, which enables international merchant payments, now allows M-Pesa users to transact with merchants in Dubai through its extensive payment network.

“At TerraPay, we believe in interconnected systems and enabling borderless payments. Our partnership with Vodacom expands safe business opportunities for Tanzanians transacting in Dubai and links African users to new global markets,” he said.

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Moreover, the Managing Director of MTN Mobile Money Uganda,  Richard Yego said that regarding digital payments in Uganda through MTN MoMo, MTN continues to play a key role in simplifying regional commerce for small and medium enterprises.

“This partnership is a major step toward a free and sustainable trade ecosystem in our region. Together with Vodacom, we are providing greater access to financial services for thousands of cross-border traders between Tanzania and Uganda, especially small and medium enterprises that form the backbone of our economy,” he stated.

Vodacom added that due to the widespread use of mobile money and the increasing adoption of smartphones in Tanzania, the resolutions are vital tools for everyday users and small and medium businesses that require fast, reliable, and convenient financial services.