Vodacom, Sanlam Partner to Launch M-Wekeza: A Game-Changer for Mobile Investments in Tanzania

By Guardian Correspondent , The Guardian
Published at 10:06 AM Nov 28 2024
Managing Director of M-Pesa Tanzania, Epimack Mbeteni, speaking at the launch of M-wekeza service by Vodacom in collaboration with Sanlam Investment recently in Dar es Salaam.
Photo: Guardian Correspondent
Managing Director of M-Pesa Tanzania, Epimack Mbeteni, speaking at the launch of M-wekeza service by Vodacom in collaboration with Sanlam Investment recently in Dar es Salaam.

The leading Technology and Communication Company, Vodacom Tanzania Plc, in partnership with Sanlam Investments East Africa Ltd, has today launched M-Wekeza, a groundbreaking mobile-first investment platform designed to offer M-Pesa users easy access to digital investments.

M-Wekeza empowers users to invest starting with as little as Tsh 10,000/=, while earning competitive returns of up to 13% interest per annum. This innovative service marks Vodacom M-Pesa’s entry into the capital markets ecosystem, making financial growth more accessible to Tanzanians.

M-Wekeza which aims to simplify the investment process for every Tanzanian, enabling them to grow their wealth through Sanlam Investments - a licensed and reputable partner that helps them leverage returns by investing in various instruments such as Government bonds, stock markets and other secured capital market products. This initiative is aligned with Vodacom's goal of driving financial inclusion and providing diverse, innovative financial solutions through the renowned M-Pesa platform.

Speaking at the launch event, the firms M-Pesa Director Epimack Mbeteni, expressed his excitement saying, "M-Wekeza is another step forward in our mission to empower Tanzanians by offering a wide range of digital financial services. We have designed this service to make investing easy, accessible and rewarding. Whether you are a seasoned investor or just starting, M-Wekeza provides a safe and simple way to grow your wealth by using your mobile phone."

With the Capital Markets and Securities Authority (CMSA) as the regulator for capital markets, the M-Wekeza platform will ensure transparency, security and trust in the investment process. The platform’s simplicity, combined with the strong oversight of CMSA, ensures that M-Pesa users have a reliable, secure avenue to participate in Tanzania’s growing capital markets.

"The introduction of M-Wekeza is a transformative step towards democratizing access to investments in Tanzania. Through this collaboration between Vodacom, Sanlam Investments and the CMSA, we are facilitating Tanzanians to access capital market products conveniently, making investment opportunities available to all in urban and rural areas, fostering a more financially inclusive and economically vibrant society" underscores Nicodemus Mkama, CMSA Chief Executive Officer.

‘’At Sanlam Investments East Africa, we are committed to empowering individuals with innovative financial solutions. This partnership with Vodacom marks a significant step towards driving financial inclusion in Tanzania. The M-Wekeza solution offers users daily interest on their earnings and also facilitates instant withdrawals therefore making investing simple, accessible and rewarding for everyone." Jonathan Stichbury CEO & Managing Director, Sanlam Investments East Africa Limited’’

M-Wekeza's launch reinforces Vodacom M-Pesa's position as the thought leader in offering diverse digital financial services, and it underscores Vodacom’s continued commitment to empowering Tanzanians by creating more opportunities for financial growth and inclusion.