UmojaSwitch (often called just “Umoja”) is a shared electronic payments and funds-transfer network in Tanzania. It functions as an interbank switch, linking multiple banks, service providers, ATMs, and digital/payment channels to permit interoperability among them. It allows customers of one bank to use ATMs or services of other member banks in the network and supports a variety of services via ATMs, mobile, agency banking, and card acquiring.

History & Ownership

The Umoja network began as a consortium in 2006, and in 2012 it formally became UmojaSwitch Company Limited.

It is owned primarily by banks. Currently, there are 18 member banks, with 10 being shareholders in UmojaSwitch.

UmojaSwitch also partners with international card networks such as Visa and UnionPay International, enabling acceptance of their cards within its network.

It is also a distributor for Diebold Nixdorf (ATM manufacturer).

UmojaSwitch owns a majority stake in UBX Tanzania Ltd, a technology company supporting its services.

Key Functions & Services
Service / Role Description
Shared ATM Network Umoja operates a shared ATM infrastructure used by member banks.
ATM Transaction Services Includes withdrawals, balance inquiries, mini-statements, PIN changes, intra-bank and inter-bank transfers, and cardless transfers.
Wallet / Mobile Money Cash-outs ATMs in the network are integrated with mobile wallets such as M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, Airtel Money, and HaloPesa for cash-out services.
Card Acquiring & Multi-card Support Supports Umoja cards as well as Visa, UnionPay, and other networks.
Interoperability & Settlement Provides real-time transaction routing, reconciliation, and settlement among banks.
Agency Banking & Digital Channels Extends financial services through agents and digital banking platforms.
Member Banks & Network

Some of the banks in the Umoja network include:

Access Microfinance Bank

Akiba Commercial Bank

Azania Bank

Bank of Africa

DCB Commercial

Letshego Bank

Maendeleo Bank

Mkombozi Commercial Bank

MUCOBA Bank

Mwalimu Commercial Bank

MwangaHakika Bank

Peoples’ Bank of Zanzibar

Tanzania Commercial Bank (TCB)

Uchumi Commercial Bank

Yetu Microfinance Bank

International Commercial Bank

United Bank for Africa (UBA)

Through partnerships, such as with NMB Bank, the network has expanded significantly, giving customers access to more than 1,000 ATMs across Tanzania.

Reach & Scale

UmojaSwitch’s own network has more than 260 ATMs, with additional access through partnerships that expand the total coverage to over 1,000 ATMs nationwide.

The network also includes POS terminals, agency banking outlets, and mobile/digital banking endpoints.

Role in Financial Inclusion & Challenges
Role & Impact

Promotes interoperability by linking multiple banks and reducing fragmentation in the payment ecosystem.

Reduces infrastructure costs for smaller banks by offering shared ATMs and digital channels.

Extends services to rural and underserved communities through agency banking and mobile integration.

Plays a role in regional integration, allowing cross-border use of cards in East Africa.

Provides access to savings and credit cooperative societies (SACCOS) by onboarding them into the network.

Challenges

Integrating diverse core banking systems while ensuring security and reliability.

Limited awareness and adoption of digital banking in rural populations.

Infrastructure barriers like weak connectivity or power supply in remote areas.

Dependence on regulatory policies for smooth operation.

Competition from other switching networks and payment providers.