Vodacom Surpasses 237 Million Customers as 2026 ESG Report Highlights Africa’s Digital Transformation Progress

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Vodacom Group has announced that it has crossed the 237 million customer mark across its operations in Africa, a significant milestone that underscores the company’s growing influence in connecting the continent.

This achievement was revealed alongside the release of Vodacom’s 2026 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, which provides a detailed overview of the company’s contributions to digital inclusion, education, financial services, and sustainable development across its markets.

Vodacom’s customer base has continued to expand steadily, driven by increased demand for mobile data, mobile money services, and digital solutions in both urban and rural areas. The group operates in several key African markets, including South Africa, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Egypt, and Ethiopia, where it delivers voice, data, and financial services to millions of users.

The 237 million customer milestone reflects not only population growth and improving network coverage but also Vodacom’s successful push into financial inclusion through its Vodacom M-Pesa and other digital platforms.

Key Highlights from the 2026 ESG Report

The report tracks meaningful progress in several areas:

• Digital Inclusion: Vodacom has expanded network coverage and introduced affordable data products, helping to bring millions of previously unconnected people online.
• Financial Services: Through mobile money platforms, the company has enabled greater access to payments, savings, and credit, particularly for women and rural communities.
• Education: Various initiatives, including device donations, digital learning content, and connectivity support for schools, have supported improved learning outcomes across multiple countries.
• Environmental Responsibility: The company reported advances in renewable energy adoption for its network sites and efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

Vodacom emphasised that its business strategy is closely aligned with supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, with technology serving as a key enabler for economic and social progress.

As one of the largest mobile operators on the continent, Vodacom’s growth and sustainability efforts play an important role in Africa’s digital transformation journey. The company’s services are helping to drive e-commerce, digital entrepreneurship, telemedicine, and agricultural technology adoption in many markets.

Group CEO Shameel Joosub noted that connecting people and enabling digital services remains central to Vodacom’s purpose, especially as Africa’s young population increasingly relies on mobile technology for economic participation.

The release of the 2026 ESG Report comes at a time when investors, regulators, and stakeholders are paying closer attention to how telecom companies contribute to long-term sustainable development while delivering strong business performance.

With Africa’s digital economy projected to continue its rapid expansion, Vodacom’s latest milestones suggest the company is well-positioned to support and benefit from the continent’s ongoing digital transformation in the years ahead.