With SelcomPesa, You Can Now Send Money to 50 Countries Across Africa, Asia, Europe and North America

With SelcomPesa, You Can Now Send Money to 50 Countries Across Africa, Asia, Europe and North America
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Tanzanians can now send money through SelcomPesa to at least 50 international destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe and North America, following the expansion of the application's international transfer services. The latest update introduces payments to the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and more than 35 European countries, extending existing connections with China, India, the UAE, Türkiye and major African markets. The expansion gives individuals and businesses additional options for making overseas payments through a Tanzanian digital banking platform operated by Selcom Microfinance Bank.

Tanzanians can now send money directly from the SelcomPesa application to at least 50 international destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe and North America, following an expansion of the digital financial service's international transfer network. The latest update introduces transfers to the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and more than 35 European countries, adding to existing connections with major African markets, China, India, the United Arab Emirates and Türkiye. The expansion gives Tanzanian individuals and businesses additional options for making international payments through a locally operated digital banking platform.

Tanzania's digital financial services market has gained another international payment channel after SelcomPesa expanded its money transfer functionality to cover destinations across four continents, allowing customers to initiate transfers from their mobile phones to countries including the United States, Canada, China, India, Germany, France, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The latest version of the application, operated by Selcom Microfinance Bank, introduces international transfers to the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and more than 35 European countries, extending a service that had already established connections with several African and Asian markets. A review of the international transfer destination list within the application identifies 50 countries and territories, representing one of the more extensive sets of outward payment destinations offered through a Tanzanian digital financial application.

The expansion comes as Tanzanian consumers and businesses increasingly require payment services that extend beyond domestic mobile money transfers. Importers purchase goods from manufacturers and wholesalers in China, India, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates, while Tanzanian businesses also maintain commercial relationships with suppliers and service providers in Europe, North America and neighbouring African countries. International payments are similarly required by students studying abroad, families supporting relatives in other countries, professionals paying for services and entrepreneurs managing transactions with overseas partners. By integrating international transfers into an application that also supports domestic payments, bank transfers, savings, borrowing and card spending, SelcomPesa is expanding the range of financial transactions that customers can conduct through a single account.

The development also reflects the continuing expansion of Tanzania's financial technology industry beyond domestic transactions, where mobile money services have already become an established part of everyday economic activity. International transfers involve additional requirements, including foreign exchange conversion, settlement arrangements, recipient identification and compliance with financial regulations in both sending and receiving jurisdictions. The availability of more transfer destinations therefore represents an expansion in the international financial connections accessible to customers through SelcomPesa, particularly for people and businesses whose payment requirements extend across several countries.

SelcomPesa Expands Transfers to the United States, Canada and More Than 35 European Countries

The latest SelcomPesa application update extends its international transfer service into North America and a substantially larger number of European markets. According to the application's published release information, customers can now send money to the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and more than 35 European countries, expanding the geographic coverage of an international payments service that had previously concentrated on selected African and Asian destinations. The addition of these markets gives customers another digital channel through which to make payments associated with education, family support, business transactions and other international financial obligations.

The application's international transfer destination list includes the following countries and territories:

RegionAvailable destinations
AfricaDemocratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Asia and transcontinental marketsChina, India, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates
EuropeAndorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vatican City
North AmericaCanada, United States of America

Source: SelcomPesa international transfer destination list, November 2026, as shown in the SelcomPesa Mobile App. Türkiye is classified here as a transcontinental market.

The destination list demonstrates the growing geographic reach of international payments originating from Tanzania. In Africa, the service covers several major trading partners and neighbouring economies, including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe, alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Asia, customers can send money to China and India, two important sources of manufactured goods, machinery, pharmaceuticals, electronics and other merchandise imported into African markets. The inclusion of Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates extends the service to additional trading centres used by Tanzanian importers, while European coverage includes major economies such as Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

The North American expansion is particularly relevant for Tanzanians with financial obligations in the United States and Canada, including education expenses, professional services, family transfers and commercial payments. Both markets host universities, technology companies, suppliers and other institutions with which individuals and businesses in Tanzania may conduct transactions. The ability to initiate payments through a local digital financial application introduces an additional option alongside conventional international bank transfers and other specialist money transfer services.

The European expansion also increases the number of countries accessible through SelcomPesa. Its coverage includes large commercial markets such as Germany, France, Italy and Spain, as well as smaller European economies and territories. For customers dealing with several international partners, having these destinations available within one application can reduce the need to maintain separate payment arrangements with different service providers, although the cost and suitability of individual transfers will depend on the payment method, exchange rate and settlement conditions offered for each destination.

China's Alipay and WeChat Pay Connections Expand Payment Options for Tanzanian Importers

The expansion builds on previous additions to SelcomPesa's international payments network, including transfers to China through Alipay and WeChat Pay, two of the country's leading digital payment services. Earlier updates also introduced transfers to India, the United Arab Emirates and Türkiye, reflecting the commercial importance of these destinations for Tanzanian businesses and consumers. The company's application release history identifies China, the UAE and Türkiye among the destinations added in September 2026, while international transfers to India were introduced through an earlier update.

China is one of Tanzania's principal sources of imported manufactured products, including machinery, electronics, vehicles, construction materials, industrial equipment and consumer merchandise. Tanzanian traders operating in commercial centres such as Kariakoo in Dar es Salaam routinely source products from manufacturers, wholesale markets and trading companies in China, creating demand for payment arrangements that can accommodate international commercial transactions. Payment services connected to Alipay and WeChat Pay can be relevant to customers dealing with Chinese suppliers that accept these platforms, particularly where smaller commercial transactions are involved.

India represents another important commercial destination, supplying pharmaceuticals, machinery, vehicles, chemicals and various manufactured goods to Tanzania. SelcomPesa previously announced international transfers to India with a stated flat transfer fee of $5.99 for that corridor, illustrating how digital payment providers are developing country-specific transfer services. Transfer fees and foreign exchange rates are important considerations for customers because the total cost of an international payment includes both the explicit transaction charge and any exchange rate margin applied when converting funds into the recipient's currency.

The United Arab Emirates and Türkiye also occupy established positions in the trading activities of Tanzanian businesses. Dubai serves as an important commercial centre for wholesale merchandise, electronics, construction supplies and other goods distributed into East African markets, while Türkiye has expanded its commercial relationships with African economies through manufactured exports, construction services and industrial products. The availability of these destinations through SelcomPesa creates additional payment options for individuals and enterprises maintaining financial relationships with suppliers and service providers in these markets.

The wider commercial significance lies in the ability of smaller businesses to access international payment services through digital channels. Large importers and established companies generally maintain banking relationships that support foreign currency accounts, international transfers and trade finance arrangements. Smaller enterprises may face greater administrative and cost constraints when making comparatively modest payments overseas. Digital financial services that integrate international transfers with domestic banking functions can expand the options available to these businesses, particularly where they need to pay suppliers frequently or maintain commercial relationships across several markets.

International Transfers Extend Tanzania's Digital Finance Market Beyond Domestic Payments

Tanzania has developed an extensive domestic digital payments market through mobile money operators, banking applications, payment service providers and merchant payment infrastructure. The expansion of international money transfers introduces additional services into a market where consumers are already familiar with transferring funds between mobile wallets, bank accounts and merchants. SelcomPesa operates within this environment through Selcom Microfinance Bank, a financial institution regulated by the Bank of Tanzania, offering a digital account through which customers can save money, make payments, transfer funds and access other banking services.

The application's international transfer expansion follows the introduction of additional foreign currency functionality earlier in 2026. SelcomPesa announced the availability of global US dollar accounts through which customers can hold, send, receive and spend dollars within the application, alongside its Mastercard payment services. The combination of foreign currency account functionality and international transfer destinations expands the range of transactions available to customers who receive income, incur expenses or conduct business in more than one currency.

The development reflects a growing distinction between international card payments and international money transfers. A customer using a Mastercard can make payments to eligible merchants accepting the card network, while an international money transfer allows funds to be sent to a recipient through the applicable banking, wallet or payout arrangement. These services address different financial requirements, particularly where the recipient is an individual, supplier or institution that requires funds to be received rather than a card payment to be processed.

For Tanzanian businesses, international transfers can support payments for imported merchandise, professional services, software, education, equipment and other purchases from overseas suppliers. However, the method through which a recipient receives the funds varies by destination and the arrangements supported by the service. The destination list establishes the countries available for selection within the application, while the transaction process determines the recipient details, currency conversion, charges and payment arrangements applicable to a particular transfer.

International payments also have implications for the wider financial services industry because customers increasingly assess providers according to the number of countries they can reach, the total cost of a transaction, settlement speed and the reliability of the service. The availability of international transfers through digital banking applications increases the range of choices for customers who previously relied on conventional bank transfers or specialist remittance providers. Competition among payment providers can encourage improvements in service accessibility, pricing transparency and the integration of cross border payments into everyday financial accounts.

Selcom's broader payments business has previously participated in international remittance arrangements. In June 2022, the company announced a partnership with NALA to facilitate incoming transfers from the United Kingdom and United States into Tanzanian bank accounts and mobile money wallets. That arrangement focused on receiving funds in Tanzania, while SelcomPesa's current international transfer service extends outward payment capabilities for customers initiating transactions from Tanzania. The two developments demonstrate how international payment services can operate in both directions, connecting Tanzanian financial accounts with overseas sources and destinations of funds.

Lower International Payment Costs Could Benefit Small Businesses and Individuals

The economic relevance of international digital transfers extends beyond the number of countries accessible through an application. For individuals and small enterprises, the cost of sending money can influence whether overseas transactions are commercially practical, particularly where relatively small amounts are transferred frequently. International payments may involve transaction fees, foreign exchange margins, correspondent banking charges and other costs associated with processing and settlement. The overall expense can represent a substantial proportion of a small payment, making pricing and service accessibility important factors in the choice of provider.

For a Tanzanian entrepreneur purchasing merchandise from China or the United Arab Emirates, the cost of transferring money forms part of the landed cost of imported products alongside shipping, insurance, customs duties, taxes and domestic transport. A business importing frequently may make several payments to suppliers during a trading cycle, meaning that payment fees and currency conversion costs accumulate over time. For firms operating on relatively narrow margins, lower international payment expenses can improve working capital management and reduce the costs associated with maintaining commercial relationships with overseas suppliers.

The same considerations apply to individuals making payments for education, healthcare, professional services or family support. A Tanzanian student studying in the United Kingdom, Canada or another overseas destination may require financial assistance from relatives at home, while families supporting members living abroad need transfer services that can accommodate different currencies and banking arrangements. Access through an application allows senders to initiate payments without relying exclusively on physical banking channels, making international financial transactions more accessible to customers who already manage their finances through mobile devices.

The introduction of new transfer corridors also provides opportunities for financial institutions to develop services around the needs of international traders, professionals and households. Businesses increasingly operate across national boundaries through digital commerce, remote services and regional supply chains, creating demand for payment solutions that connect domestic financial accounts with overseas recipients. As these activities expand, international transfer services become part of the infrastructure supporting trade and financial participation.

For Tanzania, the availability of transfers to 50 destinations through SelcomPesa represents an expansion of outward digital payment access. The country's domestic financial services market has already demonstrated that mobile technology can make financial transactions available to large numbers of consumers without requiring every transaction to take place at a bank branch. Extending those capabilities to international payments allows digital financial providers to serve additional customer needs, particularly those associated with cross border commerce, education and family financial obligations.

SelcomPesa's Expansion Adds New International Payment Connections for Tanzania

SelcomPesa's latest application update adds the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and more than 35 European countries to an international transfer network that already includes important African and Asian markets. Together, the destinations visible in the application span 50 countries and territories, giving customers a wider selection of places to which they can initiate international money transfers from Tanzania.

The expansion also reflects the continued development of SelcomPesa as a digital banking application offering several financial services through one account. Alongside international transfers, the platform provides domestic bank and mobile wallet transfers, merchant payments, savings services, borrowing facilities, US dollar account functionality and Mastercard payment options. The addition of more international destinations extends those capabilities to customers with financial relationships outside Tanzania.

For businesses, the most commercially relevant destinations include China, India, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa and major European markets. For individuals, the addition of the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom expands payment options for education, household support and other overseas obligations. These international connections increase the range of transactions that can be initiated through Tanzanian digital financial services, bringing cross border payments into the same applications already used for domestic financial activity.

The development provides another indication of how Tanzania's financial services industry is expanding from domestic money movement towards international transactions, with locally operated banking and payment platforms increasingly connecting customers to markets across Africa and beyond.

FAQ

How many countries can Tanzanians send money to using SelcomPesa? The SelcomPesa international transfer destination list reviewed in November 2026 displays 50 countries and territories across Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.

Can I send money from Tanzania to the United States using SelcomPesa? Yes. The latest SelcomPesa application update includes the United States among its international transfer destinations.

Does SelcomPesa support money transfers to Canada and the United Kingdom? Yes. Canada and the United Kingdom are included in the expanded international transfer service announced in the application's latest release.

Can I send money to China using SelcomPesa? Yes. SelcomPesa supports international transfers to China, including payment connections through Alipay and WeChat Pay.

Which African countries are available for international transfers through SelcomPesa? The destination list includes Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Does SelcomPesa allow international transfers to European countries? Yes. Its latest application update advertises international transfers to more than 35 European countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands.

How can I access SelcomPesa's international money transfer service? Customers can access international transfers through the SelcomPesa mobile application, where they can select a destination under the International Transfer service and follow the applicable transaction process.

Is SelcomPesa a licensed financial institution? SelcomPesa is a digital financial application operated by Selcom Microfinance Bank, which is regulated by the Bank of Tanzania.

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