By Business Insider Reporter
Tanzania’s digital payments landscape has taken a significant leap forward after Vodacom Tanzania partnered with Thunes to enable seamless cross-border M-Pesa transactions to China and Uganda – two of the country’s most strategic trading partners.
The new solution, branded under M-Pesa Global Payments, allows Tanzanian users to pay international merchants directly from their mobile phones, marking a major shift in how small businesses and traders engage in regional and global commerce.
A breakthrough for traders and SMEs
For years, Tanzanian traders – particularly those importing goods from China or conducting business within East Africa – have faced challenges ranging from high transaction costs to delays and security risks associated with informal payment channels.
The new integration leverages Thunes’ Direct Global Network to facilitate real-time payments to merchants in Uganda via MTN MoMo and to Chinese merchants through Alipay, accessible via the M-Pesa USSD platform and Super App.
“This is more than just a payment feature; it is a catalyst for economic empowerment and a gateway for small and medium businesses and entrepreneurs in Tanzania to compete and thrive in regional and global markets,” said Epimack Mbeteni, M-Pesa Director at Vodacom Tanzania.
“Through Thunes’ expansive and trusted network, we are enabling seamless, secure, and affordable cross-border payments that empower people, fuel trade, and place M-Pesa at the centre of Africa’s digital commerce future,” he added.
Strengthening key trade corridors
The rollout is strategically aligned with Tanzania’s major trade flows. China has remained Tanzania’s largest trading partner for eight consecutive years, with bilateral trade reaching US$8.8 billion in 2024.
Meanwhile, trade between Tanzania and Uganda has expanded rapidly, hitting approximately US$2.23 billion in the same year – a 64 percent increase.
By digitising payments across these corridors, the partnership is expected to streamline transactions, reduce reliance on cash-based systems, and enhance efficiency for importers and exporters.
Driving financial inclusion at scale
The initiative comes at a time when mobile money adoption in Tanzania is near-universal. A 2025 GeoPoll survey indicates that 94 percent of respondents use mobile money services, underscoring the central role of platforms like M-Pesa in everyday financial activity.
By extending these services beyond national borders, Vodacom and Thunes are effectively transforming mobile wallets into global financial tools – particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which often lack access to formal banking systems.
A game changer for digital commerce
From Thunes’ perspective, the partnership represents a critical step towards building a globally interconnected financial ecosystem.
“Vodacom Tanzania joining the Thunes Direct Global Network to digitise cross-border payments is a game changer for local businesses,” said Dawei Wang, SVP Network at Thunes.
“By combining Vodacom’s technology with Thunes’ trusted and proprietary network, Tanzanian customers can pay partners in China and Uganda in real time. This innovation accelerates interoperability, supports international trade, and advances our vision of connecting the next billion users to the global economy,” he added.
Positioning Tanzania in the global digital economy
Analysts view the development as a strategic milestone in Tanzania’s broader digital transformation agenda.
By lowering transaction barriers and improving payment efficiency, the solution is expected to enhance competitiveness among local businesses operating in cross-border markets.
It also strengthens Tanzania’s position within Africa’s fast-growing digital payments ecosystem, where interoperability and regional integration are becoming increasingly critical.
Unlocking new growth opportunities
For traders in Dar es Salaam, Kariakoo, and other commercial hubs, the ability to pay suppliers instantly in China or Uganda could significantly reduce transaction friction, improve cash flow management, and expand market reach.
Beyond commerce, the partnership signals a broader shift towards a more inclusive and interconnected financial system – one where mobile money platforms serve as bridges between local economies and global markets. As cross-border trade continues to expand, the Vodacom–Thunes collaboration may well redefine how Tanzanian businesses transact, compete, and grow in the digital age.
