M-Pesa Surpasses $450 Billion in Transactions: A New Milestone for Africa’s Mobile Money Giant
M-Pesa, the widely used mobile money service operated by Vodacom and Safaricom, has reached an incredible milestone. In the financial year ending March 2025, M-Pesa processed over $450 billion in total transaction value. This achievement underscores M-Pesa’s vital role in Africa’s rapidly expanding financial technology landscape.
Massive Growth and Economic Impact
Vodacom reported that M-Pesa’s transaction value rose by 18.3% compared to the previous year, a clear sign that more people are using the platform for various financial needs—including bill payments, savings, loans, and everyday shopping. Revenue generated from these financial services grew by 17.6%, now accounting for approximately 11.6% of Vodacom’s total service revenue.
This means M-Pesa is no longer just a convenience—it’s a key contributor to Vodacom’s business success and a core part of Africa’s digital economy.
A Pan-African Powerhouse
Launched in Kenya in 2007, M-Pesa has become one of the most successful mobile money platforms in the world. It now serves over 50 million users across seven African countries, providing millions with access to financial tools through their mobile phones—especially those without traditional bank accounts.
This easy-to-use system has helped bridge the financial inclusion gap, transforming lives and simplifying money management for people in both urban and remote communities.
Ethiopia: A Fast-Growing Frontier
Vodacom CEO Shameel Joosub highlighted Ethiopia as a key market for future growth. The number of M-Pesa users in Ethiopia more than doubled, reaching 8.8 million. Revenue from the country soared by nearly 239% (in local currency), showing strong early momentum in one of Africa’s most populous nations.
Growth Across Other African Markets
Other Vodacom markets, including Tanzania, Lesotho, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), also showed impressive growth:
- Tanzania: Service revenue increased by 20.5%, while profits before costs rose 25.2%.
- Lesotho & DRC: Both posted steady and consistent growth.
- Mozambique: Despite recent challenges, Vodacom remains committed to supporting recovery efforts and investing in local communities.
A Look at the Bigger Picture
Vodacom’s reach has expanded significantly in the last five years:
- Total mobile subscribers grew from 115.5 million (2020) to 211.3 million (2025).
- Financial services users, including M-Pesa, increased from 53.2 million to 87.7 million in the same period.
These numbers reflect a larger trend: mobile money is now a daily necessity for millions across Africa.
Vision 2030: Vodacom’s Ambitious Goals
Looking forward, Vodacom aims to:
- Reach 260 million customers by 2030
- Grow its financial services user base to 120 million
- Increase revenue from non-voice services (like fintech and digital platforms) from 21% to 30% of total income
- Achieve double-digit growth in revenue and profits over the next five years
This forms part of Vodacom’s broader Vision 2030 strategy, focusing on sustainable growth and deeper digital inclusion.
Conclusion
M-Pesa is Shaping Africa’s Financial Future
M-Pesa surpassing $450 billion in annual transaction value is more than just a financial milestone—it’s a sign of how deeply the platform is embedded in everyday life across Africa. From small businesses to families sending remittances, M-Pesa is helping people save time, reduce risk, and access financial services that were once out of reach.
With strong growth across key markets and a clear strategy for the future, M-Pesa is not only transforming Vodacom’s business—it’s redefining how Africa moves money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are 12 possible FAQs based on the headline: “M-Pesa Surpasses $450 Billion in Total Transaction Value – See Why”:
1. What is M-Pesa?
M-Pesa is a mobile money platform operated by Vodacom and Safaricom that allows users to send, receive, save, borrow, and pay money using their mobile phones. It was launched in Kenya in 2007 and has since expanded across multiple African countries.
2. Why is the $450 billion milestone important?
The milestone shows that M-Pesa has become a central part of Africa’s financial ecosystem, handling a massive volume of transactions and proving its reliability, trust, and relevance to everyday users.
3. How much did M-Pesa grow compared to last year?
In the financial year ending March 2025, M-Pesa’s total transaction value increased by 18.3%, showing steady and robust growth year-over-year.
4. How many people use M-Pesa?
As of 2025, over 50 million active users rely on M-Pesa across seven African countries.
5. What kind of financial services does M-Pesa offer?
M-Pesa supports:
- Peer-to-peer money transfers
- Bill payments
- Savings and loans
- Shopping
- Salary payments
- International remittances (in select markets)
6. How does M-Pesa support people without bank accounts?
M-Pesa provides financial access to the unbanked by allowing users to manage money with just a basic mobile phone—no internet or bank account needed.
7. Which countries use M-Pesa?
M-Pesa operates in Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Ghana.
8. What impact has M-Pesa had in Ethiopia?
In Ethiopia, the number of M-Pesa users more than doubled to 8.8 million, and service revenue grew by nearly 239% in local currency in 2025.
9. How important is M-Pesa to Vodacom’s business?
M-Pesa contributed around 11.6% of Vodacom’s total service revenue in 2025, highlighting its strategic importance as a financial service—not just a telecom add-on.
10. What are Vodacom’s future goals for M-Pesa?
By 2030, Vodacom aims to:
- Serve 120 million financial services users
- Grow non-voice income (including M-Pesa) to 30% of total revenue
- Achieve double-digit profit and revenue growth
11. How has M-Pesa changed financial habits in Africa?
M-Pesa has made mobile money the norm for millions, reducing reliance on cash and banks, increasing digital transactions, and empowering small businesses and individuals alike.
12. Where can I learn more or sign up for M-Pesa?
Visit the official Vodacom or Safaricom websites, or check with your mobile provider if M-Pesa is available in your country.
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