Global brand access expanded in Tanzania through Unlimit's latest move, now enabling businesses to tap into M-Pesa, Mixx by Yas, and Airtel Money services.
In Tanzania, the digital payment landscape is experiencing a significant boost, thanks to the integration of major mobile wallets by global fintech company, Unlimit. This integration, which includes M-Pesa, Mixx by Yas, and Airtel Money, is set to simplify transactions, minimize customer churn, and create a smoother and more inclusive payment experience.
The integration is a catalyst for a significant shift from cash to digital payments. Unlimit reported a 76% growth in transaction volume between 2023 and 2025, a testament to the growing popularity of digital payment platforms. This move enables seamless payments across different mobile money services, fostering greater convenience and usage across Tanzania.
The expansion of Unlimit's services in Tanzania occurred in Q2 2024, following the opening of a regional office in the country. Unlimit received its Bank of Tanzania licence, further solidifying its position in the Tanzanian market.
The integration aims to address the unique financial landscape of the region, where a significant portion of the population remains unbanked. Unlimit now supports local and international cards across Africa, including Visa, Mastercard, and Verve in Nigeria, and enables bank transfers through all regional banks in Tanzania.
Tanzania's digital payment ecosystem is thriving, supported by this technological integration, favourable regulatory reforms, and rising public adoption. The country's digital payment sector has seen rapid growth, with mobile-based financial transactions reaching 18 trillion Tanzanian shillings in April 2025, up 24.1% from 14.5 trillion in April 2024.
The integration of mobile-money services has expanded Unlimit's existing offerings, providing merchants access to a vast new customer base of over 121.5 million users. This includes 60 million M-Pesa, 20 million Mixx by Yas, and 41.5 million Airtel Money users.
Policy support has played a crucial role in this transformation. Tanzania has taken positive regulatory steps, including reducing VAT on electronic payments to 16% effective from September 2025, aimed at encouraging digital payments and reducing reliance on cash. These reforms contribute to making digital payments more affordable and attractive to users.
Digital payments are becoming critical for various sectors such as utilities, agriculture, and SMEs, contributing to financial inclusion, especially in underserved regions. Internet use for online purchases and bill payments rose to 18.9% of the population aged 15 and older by early 2024, showing increasing digital financial participation.
In summary, Tanzania's digital payment ecosystem is thriving, positioning the country as a regional leader in digital finance and financial inclusion in East Africa. Unlimit's integration of Tanzania's top mobile wallets is a significant step towards a more inclusive and efficient digital payment system in the region.
[1] Source: Central Bank of Tanzania [2] Source: Tanzania Revenue Authority [3] Source: World Bank Group [4] Source: Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority [5] Source: Unlimit press release, Q2 2024
- The integration of major mobile wallets by Unlimit, such as M-Pesa, Mixx by Yas, and Airtel Money, is fostering growth in digital payments within Tanzania's business sector, contributing to the country becoming a regional leader in digital finance and financial inclusion in East Africa.
- Unlimit's expansion into Tanzania's fintech industry in Q2 2024, with the opening of a regional office and the receipt of a Bank of Tanzania license, has enabled local and international card support, as well as access to bank transfers through all regional banks in the country.
- By reducing VAT on electronic payments, Tanzania's regulatory reforms are making digital payments more affordable and attractive to users, further boosting the growth of the digital payment landscape in the mobile, fintech, and finance industries.
