NEW: Vodacom Tanzania revenue hits TZS 1.8trn at Q1 2026

Vodacom Tanzania held its Tenth Annual General Meeting, marking a decade of reporting to shareholders while unveiling robust financial results for the year ended 31 March 2026 and outlining continued investment in network expansion and digital services.

Service revenue rose 21.8% to TZS 1.8 trillion (over $679 million). Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased 38.8% to TZS 684.9 billion($258 million), while profit after tax grew 18.4% to TZS 107.1 billion($40 million). Underlying profit after tax surged 125.5%.

The company attributed the performance to disciplined investment. Capital expenditure rose 85.1% to TZS 323.9 billion ($122 million). Vodacom deployed 444 new 4G sites and 25 new 5G sites, modernised its network and invested heavily in IT and digital platforms. As a result, 4G population coverage reached 76.3%, up 3.8 percentage points. Smartphone users grew 31.5%.

Since 2013, the operator has built 466 rural sites under the Government’s rural connectivity programme, underscoring its commitment to nationwide coverage beyond urban centres.

Customer numbers rose 22.3% to 27.7 million. Data users increased 22.5% and M-Pesa customers grew 22.6%, reflecting broader use of mobile data and financial services across the country.

Shareholders approved a final gross dividend of TZS 23.91 per ordinary share for FY2026, payable on or before 15 October 2026 to shareholders on the register at the close of trading on 19 August 2026. Total dividends proposed for the year amounted to TZS 53.6 billion, an 18.4% year-on-year increase.

Finance Director Hilda Bujiku said the results reflected disciplined financial management and a balanced approach to capital allocation. The company had strengthened the business while investing significantly in network, technology and digital platforms, and still delivered increased value to shareholders.

ALSO READ: EQUITY GROUP PROFIT SURGES 32% TO KSH45.5BN IN H1 2026

Beyond financial returns, Vodacom Tanzania highlighted its wider economic contribution. In FY2026 the company paid TZS 848 billion in cash to public finances through taxes, levies, spectrum and regulatory fees. It spent TZS 839 billion with 381 local suppliers and partner companies, invested TZS 6.9 billion in social initiatives, and supported indirect employment for more than 320,000 Tanzanians, including freelancers and M-Pesa agents.

Chairman David Tarimo reiterated that shareholder confidence remains fundamental to the company’s ability to create sustainable long-term value. He reaffirmed the board’s commitment to disciplined investment, strong governance and responsible stewardship.

Chief Executive Officer Philip Besiimire said the company is focused on building a stronger, more resilient and future-ready business. In the year ahead, Vodacom Tanzania plans to continue investing in network infrastructure, digital financial services, technology, customer experience and innovation, while strengthening partnerships that support Tanzania’s digital and economic development.