Vodacom Tanzania marks 25yrs uplifting ESG goals

By Phathisani Moyo, Senior contributor
Johannesburg, 27 Aug 2025
Vodacom Tanzania CEO Philip Besiimire (left) and Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, minister of state, planning & investment celebrated the telco’s 25 years with a new ESG report that highlights M-Pesa growth, 4G expansion, and climate action.
Vodacom Tanzania CEO Philip Besiimire (left) and Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, minister of state, planning & investment celebrated the telco’s 25 years with a new ESG report that highlights M-Pesa growth, 4G expansion, and climate action.

Vodacom Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development with the launch of its latest Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report.

underscoring the telco’s 25-year journey of connecting people and driving impact across the country, Vodacom Tanzania managing director and CEO, Philip Besiimire, reflected on the operator’s evolution from a connectivity pioneer into a purpose-led digital and fintech powerhouse.

“Looking back, Vodacom started with a singular focus on connectivity, and we celebrate 25 years of building that foundation this month. Today, our ambition is broader, to empower people, protect the planet, and maintain trust while driving inclusive growth,” Besiimire said.

Vodacom’s ESG initiatives span financial inclusion, digital access, and environmental responsibility.  The company’s flagship mobile money service, M-Pesa, continues to transform lives, with innovations such as M-Koba, where over 60% of savings transactions come from women’s groups, and M-Wekeza, a pioneering micro-investment platform enabling Tanzanians to build long-term financial resilience.

On the connectivity front, the giant telco has expanded 4G services to underserved regions, deepening digital participation. 

Initiatives such as Lipa Kwa Simu are accelerating commerce across businesses, government, and individuals, while programmes like m-mama are saving lives through mobile-enabled emergency transport solutions.

The largest mobile operator in Tanzania’s ESG drive also emphasises climate action. Energy efficiency measures, data centre optimisation, and reforestation initiatives like TwendeButiama are reducing the company’s carbon footprint.

“Over the past year, we strengthened our efforts to drive financial inclusion, digital access, and environmental responsibility,” Besiimire added.

The technology and telecommunications company’s event yesterday also drew senior government officials, including Prof. KitilaMkumbo, Minister of State for Planning and Investment, who urged stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors.

“The government should facilitate and not control. Creating an enabling environment is critical for the success and sustainability of ESG initiatives,” he said.

Prof. KitilaMkumbo further pointed out that with over 22.6 million customers in Tanzania and more than 211 million across Africa, Vodacom’s ESG-led approach is positioning the company as a central player in shaping inclusive digital economies.

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