Sometimes the most profound messages are the simplest ones. “Tupo Nawe, Tena na Tena” – “We are with you, again and again” – perfectly captures what Vodacom Tanzania’s 25th anniversary means. It’s about honouring a relationship that has transformed millions of lives across Tanzania since 2000.

The four-month celebration, running from June to October 2025, is bringing the celebratory message to life in a spectacular way – from the bustling streets of Dar es Salaam to the vast plains of the Serengeti. 

Most Tanzanians don’t wake up wondering if Vodacom will be there. They just know. And that trust? That’s everything. This is what Vodacom Tanzania’s 25th anniversary advert reflects.

Taking celebration to the people

Forget corporate boardrooms and formal announcements. Vodacom Tanzania is taking the party to the people with an ambitious caravan tour crisscrossing mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar: colourful convoys rolling into communities, laden with gifts, modern smartphones, and most importantly, genuine connection.

The caravan tours are proving popular across Tanzania, with employees getting genuinely involved in the community programmes. Our practical approach is delivering real results, in terms of customer engagement and community impact.

“Our campaign honours customers as the foundation of Vodacom’s 25-year success, engaging closer with customers through caravans and impactful social activities,” explains Brigita Shirima, Consumer Business Unit Director. 

Instead of asking customers to come to them, Vodacom is going where people live, work and gather. Flagship stores are becoming celebration hubs, offering free Wi-Fi, entertainment programmes, and that invaluable face-to-face interaction that reminds us why human connection remains at the heart of everything we do.

From street level to sky high

Vodacom Tanzania’s glamorous Town Hall event at the Super Dome in Dar es Salaam marked the internal launch of its 25th anniversary campaign.

While teams are connecting with customers on the ground, Vodacom Tanzania is also taking celebration to new heights – literally. Hot air balloon safaris over the Serengeti are creating once-in-a-lifetime moments that capture the magic of this milestone.

Imagine floating silently above an iconic landscape, reflecting on 25 years of progress while planning for the next 25. It’s ambitious, memorable and quintessentially Vodacom – pushing boundaries while staying grounded in purpose.

The power of 25 Days of Goodness

Perhaps the most meaningful element of the celebration is the “25 Days of Goodness” programme, through which Vodacom employees across Tanzania are directly engaging with local communities, creating impact one day at a time.

“These 25 years have been about more than just technological progress – they’ve been about impacting lives and building relationships,” says Philip Besiimire, Managing Director of Vodacom Tanzania.

When you see colleagues volunteering their time, sharing their skills and making genuine connections in communities across Tanzania, you understand what makes this company special. It’s the difference between doing business in Tanzania and being part of Tanzania. 

The numbers that tell a story

There is so much to celebrate. More than 28 million customers now trust Vodacom Tanzania – that’s nearly half the country’s population.

The 2008 launch of M-PESA introduced mobile money to Tanzania, democratising financial services and bringing banking to villages that had never seen a bank branch. Fast-forward to today, and Vodacom Tanzania is pioneering 5G services, ensuring rural farmers have access to the same cutting-edge technology as urban entrepreneurs.

From those early days of basic mobile connectivity to today’s digital ecosystem of mobile health platforms and education services, the transformation has been remarkable. 

Social media meets social impact

The campaign isn’t just happening in the physical world. #Miaka25NaVodacom and #TupoNaweTenaNaTena have been trending across social platforms, with customers sharing their own 25-year stories of connection and transformation.

Working with partners like Clouds Media Group, Vodacom Tanzania is ensuring every voice is heard. Radio activations are reaching remote communities, while online giveaways are engaging digital natives. It’s a perfect blend of traditional and modern communication.

Recognition where it’s due

One heartwarming aspect of the campaign is its focus on recognising unsung heroes – business partners and agents who’ve been part of the journey are being celebrated alongside customers. They brought Vodacom services to every corner of Tanzania, often becoming pillars of their communities in the process.

The M-PESA agents in rural villages, the business partners who believed in the vision from day one, the community leaders who helped introduce new technologies – they’re all part of this success story.

Looking forward while celebrating the past

As the campaign continues through October, there’s a balance between celebrating achievements and preparing for the future. Philip’s emphasis on continued service and connection reflects our broader Vision 2030 strategy – to be Africa’s leading purpose-driven technology company.

The technologies may evolve, the services may expand, but the fundamental promise remains unchanged: being there for Tanzanians, again and again. 

Safaricom nears its own 25th anniversary in Kenya

While Tanzania celebrates, our Kenyan colleagues are gearing up for their own Silver Jubilee celebrations in October 2025.

There are many reasons to smile, as Safaricom Kenya recently reached over 50 million customers – up from just 17 000 in 2000.

“We are honoured by the trust that over 50 million Kenyans have placed in us,” says Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom. “This milestone reflects the deep connection we have built with Kenyans over the past two and a half decades.”

It’s a reminder that across the Vodacom Group, we’re not just connecting people – we’re building the foundation for Africa’s digital future, one relationship at a time.