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In a major stride toward advancing Tanzania’s digital economy, global payments giant Visa has officially opened a local office in Dar es Salaam, reinforcing its commitment to deepening financial inclusion and supporting the country’s transition to a cash-light economy.
The inauguration, which took place during the recently held “Visa Day,” drew participation from key government officials, regulators, and financial sector stakeholders, signaling broad support for the company’s growing role in Tanzania’s digital finance ecosystem.
Victor Makere has been appointed as Visa’s Country Manager for Tanzania, with oversight responsibilities extending to Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. Speaking at the event, Makere emphasized the company’s goal to foster secure and inclusive digital payment systems in collaboration with businesses and consumers alike.
“We aim to go beyond service provision. Our focus is on becoming an integral part of Tanzania’s economic development, particularly in critical sectors such as tourism, education, agriculture, and innovation,” he said.
Makere added that Visa’s robust global infrastructure, built on stringent standards of cybersecurity and data privacy, would enable Tanzanian enterprises to connect more seamlessly with international markets.
Governor of the Bank of Tanzania, Emmanuel Tutuba, lauded Visa’s entry as a strong endorsement of the country’s policy direction and regulatory reforms.
“Visa’s establishment here aligns perfectly with ongoing efforts to strengthen digital financial infrastructure and improve access,” Tutuba remarked.
According to the governor, e-money circulation in Tanzania reached Sh2.18 trillion as of May 2025, underlining the rapid growth of digital financial transactions. He also highlighted the nation’s over 66 million active SIM cards as a testament to widespread mobile penetration—a critical enabler of digital finance.
Tutuba further noted that regional integration frameworks such as the East African Community (EAC), Southern African Development Community (SADC), and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offer immense potential for expanding digital financial services across borders.
Michael Berner, Visa’s Head of Southern and East Africa, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which he described as the backbone of the Tanzanian economy.
“While 84% of SMEs in Tanzania already accept digital payments, 40% still depend on cash. Bridging this gap is a priority for Visa,” he said.
Visa’s expanded presence is expected to accelerate the adoption of digital payment solutions, drive innovation, and strengthen Tanzania’s positioning in the evolving landscape of financial technology in Africa.
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