Thunes and Vodacom Tanzania Launch Cross-Border M-Pesa Payments to China and Uganda

Quick Summary

Vodacom Tanzania has partnered with Thunes to enable cross-border M-Pesa payments, allowing Tanzanian merchants and consumers to pay businesses in China and Uganda instantly. This integration leverages the Thunes Direct Global Network to provide secure, real-time digital transactions, bypassing traditional banking barriers for millions of mobile money users.

How do cross-border M-Pesa payments benefit Tanzanian traders?

Cross-border M-Pesa payments provide a vital link for Tanzanian entrepreneurs accessing global markets. By integrating with the Thunes Direct Global Network, Vodacom Tanzania allows its users to settle transactions with Chinese merchants via Alipay and Ugandan vendors through MTN MoMo. This move directly addresses the historical challenges of high transaction costs and slow settlement times that have previously hindered small-scale international trade.

• Direct mobile settlement via the M-Pesa Super App or USSD menu.
• Real-time payment processing to ensure immediate trade fulfillment.
• Secure digital infrastructure that removes the risks associated with cash-based informal trade.

"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. 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 center of Africa's digital commerce future." said Epimack Mbeteni, M-Pesa Director at Vodacom Tanzania.

What impact will this have on Tanzania's trade with China and Uganda?

Bilateral trade growth is the primary driver behind this technological integration. China remains Tanzania's largest trading partner, with trade volumes reaching $8.8 billion in 2024. Meanwhile, trade with Uganda surged by 64% in a single year to reach $2.23 billion. By facilitating cross-border M-Pesa payments, Thunes and Vodacom are digitizing these massive capital flows, making it easier for MSMEs to participate in the global economy.

• $8.8 billion in bilateral trade with China supported by new digital rails.
• 64% increase in Tanzania-Uganda trade volume year-over-year.
• 94% mobile money adoption rate in Tanzania according to 2025 GeoPoll data.

"Vodacom Tanzania joining the Thunes Direct Global Network to digitise cross-border payments is a game changer for local businesses. 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 along with international trade and business growth and supports our vision of connecting the next billion end users to the global economy." added Dawei Wang, SVP Network at Thunes.

FF NEWS TAKE:

This partnership is a significant milestone for cross-border M-Pesa payments and the broader African fintech landscape. By connecting a dominant local wallet like M-Pesa to global giants like Alipay, Thunes is effectively bypassing the fragmented correspondent banking system. This moves the needle because it democratizes international trade for MSMEs, proving that mobile-first interoperability is the most effective path to true financial inclusion in emerging markets.