The mobile money sector in Tanzania has experienced strong and continuous growth, with total transactions rising by 9% from 285.5 million in June 2024 to 310.9 million in September 2024. Major providers, including M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, and Airtel Money, each recorded over 80 million transactions in September. Smaller players like Azam Pesa also saw significant growth, with transactions increasing from 1.8 million to 5.05 million. This growth reflects the increasing reliance on mobile money for day-to-day transactions and highlights the critical role of mobile financial services in enhancing financial inclusion across the country.

1. Number of Mobile Money Transactions:

• The total number of mobile money transactions grew significantly, with 310.9 million transactions recorded in September 2024, compared to 285.5 million in June 2024. This represents a 9% increase in the number of transactions over the three-month period.
• Breakdown of monthly transactions during the quarter:
  • July 2024: 282.9 million transactions
  • August 2024: 310.9 million transactions​.

2. Transaction Breakdown by Mobile Money Providers (September 2024):

• M-Pesa: 89.68 million transactions (up from 86.97 million in June 2024).
• Tigo Pesa: 87.92 million transactions (up from 86.97 million in June 2024).
• Airtel Money: 92.67 million transactions (up from 89.25 million in June 2024).
• Halo Pesa: 35.04 million transactions (up from 33.19 million in June 2024).
• Azam Pesa: 5.05 million transactions (up from 1.80 million in June 2024).
• T-Pesa: 0.50 million transactions​.

3. Historical Growth of Mobile Money Transactions:

• Over the past five years, mobile money transactions have increased from 3.02 billion in 2019 to 5.27 billion by 2023, showing a 19% annual growth rate.
• Despite the growth in total transactions, the average number of transactions per user has slightly decreased from 117 transactions per user in 2019 to 100 transactions per user in 2023​.

Summary:

• Mobile money transactions grew by 9% in the quarter ending September 2024, with a total of 310.9 million transactions in September alone.
• M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, and Airtel Money remain the largest players in the market, with each recording over 80 million transactions in September 2024.
• Over the years, the volume of mobile money transactions has expanded significantly, showing the increasing reliance on mobile money services for financial transactions in Tanzania.

Numbers on mobile money transactions with key insights into the growth and usage of mobile financial services in Tanzania

The strong and continuous growth in the mobile money sector, with more people relying on mobile money for financial transactions. M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, and Airtel Money dominate the space, but smaller players are also showing growth. The increasing number of transactions highlights the role of mobile money in enhancing financial inclusion and providing a convenient alternative to traditional banking. It shows that mobile money is a critical tool for economic empowerment and everyday financial management in Tanzania.

1. Steady Growth in Transaction Volumes:

• The 9% increase in mobile money transactions, rising from 285.5 million to 310.9 million in just three months, indicates that more people and businesses are increasingly using mobile money services for their financial activities. This growth reflects the importance of mobile money in day-to-day transactions, such as payments, transfers, and purchases.

2. Dominance of Major Players:

• M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, and Airtel Money dominate the market, each recording over 80 million transactions in September 2024. Their combined market presence shows that Tanzanians trust these platforms for their financial needs, indicating strong brand recognition, reliability, and widespread service availability.
• The significant increase in transactions for smaller players like Azam Pesa (from 1.8 million to 5.05 million) shows that there is room for growth among newer or smaller mobile money providers, though the big three dominate most of the market.

3. Growing Financial Inclusion:

• The rise in transaction numbers suggests that more people are being included in the formal financial system through mobile money. This is particularly important in Tanzania, where access to traditional banking services can be limited, especially in rural areas. Mobile money bridges that gap, providing financial services to underserved populations.

4. Shift in Financial Behavior:

• The sustained growth in transaction volumes highlights a shift in financial behavior in Tanzania, where mobile money has become a primary method of transferring funds and conducting transactions. The convenience, accessibility, and speed of mobile money are contributing to its increasing popularity.

5. Historical Growth Indicates Long-Term Trend:

• The historical growth in mobile money transactions, from 3.02 billion in 2019 to 5.27 billion in 2023, shows that mobile money is not a temporary trend but a long-term shift in how financial transactions are conducted in Tanzania. This steady annual growth of 19% points to mobile money becoming increasingly central to the Tanzanian economy.

Source: Takwimu za Mawasiliano Robo ya mwaka inayoishia Septemba 2024

In Tanzania, mobile money services have experienced significant growth, with the number of mobile money accounts rising by 9% from 55.7 million in June 2024 to 60.8 million in September 2024. This translates to an average monthly increase of 2.3%. The volume of mobile money transactions also saw a 9% rise, from 285.5 million in June 2024 to 310.9 million in September 2024. Dominated by M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, and Airtel Money, these three providers account for nearly 90% of the market share. This growth highlights the increasing reliance on mobile platforms for financial transactions and the strong competition driving innovations in Tanzania’s digital financial landscape.

1. Number of Mobile Money Accounts:

• The total number of mobile money accounts increased from 55.7 million (June 2024) to 60.8 million (September 2024), marking an impressive growth of 9%.
• This growth translates to a monthly average increase of 2.3% in mobile money accounts during the quarter ending September 2024.

Breakdown by Mobile Money Providers:

• M-Pesa: 22.45 million accounts in September 2024 (an increase from 21.81 million in June 2024).
• Tigo Pesa: 19.49 million accounts in September 2024 (up from 18.51 million in June 2024).
• Airtel Money: 11.43 million accounts in September 2024 (up from 11.32 million in June 2024).
• Halo Pesa: 5.09 million accounts in September 2024 (up from 4.91 million in June 2024).
• Azam Pesa: 0.89 million accounts in September 2024 (up from 0.83 million in June 2024).
• T-Pesa: 1.45 million accounts in September 2024 (up from 1.44 million in June 2024).

This data shows that M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, and Airtel Money dominate the mobile money market, together accounting for 89% of the total mobile money accounts in the country​.

2. Idadi ya Miamala ya Pesa Mtandao (Number of Mobile Money Transactions):

• The total number of mobile money transactions also experienced a rise, with 310.9 million transactions in September 2024 compared to 285.5 million in June 2024, representing a 9% increase.
• Monthly breakdown of transactions during the quarter ending September 2024:
  • July 2024: 282.9 million transactions
  • August 2024: 310.9 million transactions​

Breakdown by Mobile Money Providers:

• M-Pesa: 89.68 million transactions in September 2024 (an increase from 86.97 million in June 2024).
• Tigo Pesa: 87.92 million transactions in September 2024 (up from 86.97 million in June 2024).
• Airtel Money: 92.67 million transactions in September 2024 (up from 89.25 million in June 2024).
• Halo Pesa: 35.04 million transactions in September 2024 (up from 33.19 million in June 2024).
• Azam Pesa: 5.05 million transactions in September 2024 (up from 1.80 million in June 2024).
• T-Pesa: 0.50 million transactions in September 2024​.

3. Historical Growth in Mobile Money Transactions:

• Over the past five years, the mobile money market has shown significant growth in transactions. The number of transactions increased from 3.02 billion in 2019 to 5.27 billion by 2023, representing an annual growth rate of 19%​.
• The average number of transactions per user, however, declined slightly from 117 transactions per user in 2019 to 100 transactions per user in 2023​.

4. Market Share:

• M-Pesa continues to dominate the mobile money market with a 36.9% market share, followed by Tigo Pesa with 32.1%, and Airtel Money with 18.8%​.
• Other providers, like Halo Pesa, Azam Pesa, and T-Pesa, make up the remaining 11%, indicating a highly competitive landscape but with clear leaders​.

Summary:

• Strong Growth: The mobile money market in Tanzania is growing rapidly, with both the number of accounts and transactions rising by 9% between June and September 2024.
• Market Dominance: M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, and Airtel Money dominate the market, controlling nearly 90% of the market share.
• Historical Growth: Over the last five years, the number of mobile money transactions has almost doubled, reflecting the increasing use of digital financial services across Tanzania.

Mobile money services with insights about the digital financial landscape in Tanzania:

Mobile money has become central to financial inclusion efforts, providing accessible financial services to millions who might otherwise be unbanked. The strong competition among key providers ensures that consumers continue to benefit from innovative, efficient, and increasingly affordable services. Mobile money is driving not just digital finance but also broader economic growth, especially as more people and businesses engage in digital transactions.

1. Rapid Adoption and Growth:

• The growth in the number of mobile money accounts from 55.7 million to 60.8 million (a 9% increase) in just three months shows the widespread adoption of mobile financial services. This indicates that Tanzanians are increasingly turning to mobile platforms for everyday financial activities like transfers, bill payments, and savings.

2. Mobile Money as a Key Financial Service:

• With 310.9 million mobile money transactions in September 2024 alone, mobile money has become an essential part of the financial system in Tanzania. This volume of transactions indicates that mobile money is a primary method for many people to conduct financial transactions, both in urban and rural areas.

3. Dominance of Major Providers:

• M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, and Airtel Money dominate the market, holding nearly 90% of the total market share. This indicates a high level of competition among these major players, which likely benefits consumers by offering competitive rates, better services, and innovative products. The dominance of these three providers also suggests that they have built a strong trust and user base over time.

4. Growing Inclusivity in Financial Services:

• The increase in mobile money accounts and transactions shows that digital financial services are playing a key role in financial inclusion. Individuals who may not have access to traditional banking services can easily access mobile money services, allowing them to participate in the economy and handle their finances more efficiently.

5. Competition Among Providers:

• M-Pesa remains the largest provider with a 36.9% market share, but Tigo Pesa (32.1%) and Airtel Money (18.8%) are also significant players, meaning no single company monopolizes the market. This competition ensures that providers are likely to continue improving their services, offering better pricing and convenience to users to maintain or increase their market share.

6. Increasing Transaction Volumes:

• The steady increase in the number of transactions, growing from 285.5 million in June 2024 to 310.9 million in September 2024, highlights that users are not only signing up for mobile money services but also actively using them. This rise shows a deeper integration of mobile money into everyday life, from sending money to family and friends to making business payments.

7. Digital Finance as an Economic Driver:

• Mobile money has become a major driver of the Tanzanian economy. The rise in transactions and accounts suggests that businesses, individuals, and government entities are increasingly relying on mobile money to facilitate commerce, pay salaries, and provide financial services in both urban and rural areas.

Source: Takwimu za Mawasiliano Robo ya mwaka inayoishia Septemba 2024