Safaricom celebrates 25 Years of economic impact

• Safaricom PLC reaffirms its commitment to powering digital transformation and sustainable growth across Africa.
• The company recently achieved a historic milestone, surpassing 50 million customers across its mobile network in Kenya.
• Through its flagship innovation M-PESA, which currently has over 35 million active customers, Safaricom has redefined financial services, driving economic growth, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurship.

Safaricom PLC is marking its Silver Jubilee today, celebrating 25 years of pioneering digital innovation in the wake of mobile technology since its official launch on the 23rd of October 2000.

Since its inception with tens of thousands of subscribers as a spin-off of Telkom, Safaricom has evolved from a pioneering mobile service provider into a purpose-led technology company.

In this trailblazing journey, the company continues to transform lives through improved connectivity, innovative mobile money solutions, and impactful social investments under its impact platforms, Safaricom Foundation and M-PESA Foundation.

“Today, we are not only celebrating 25 years of existence, but we are also celebrating 25 years of connecting and transforming the lives of millions of Kenyans and across the region. From the first mobile call made on our network in 2000 to becoming a key driver of Kenya’s digital economy, our story has been one of innovation, inclusion, and impact. We are deeply grateful to our customers who have walked this incredible journey of success with us. As we look to the future, we remain committed to driving digital transformation, supporting enterprise, and empowering communities to thrive in a connected world,” said Dr. Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom PLC.

Early this month, Safaricom reported a True Value of KES1.1 trillion. The telco’s latest annual Sustainable Business Report shows that the company contributed KES809 billion to Kenya’s GDP through its operations in the fiscal year ending 31^st March 2025.

The firm noted that the uptick in the True Value earnings was due to its enhanced value created for millions of customers, agents network and merchants under its M-PESA arm. Additionally, the firm benefited from rising investments cutting across social programmes as well as growth in Safaricom’s CAPEX and OPEX economic impact during the financial year.

Safaricom PLC growth powered by partnerships, innovation and customer trust

Over the past two and a half decades, the Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed company’s growth has been powered by partnerships cutting across government, corporates and SMEs. Additionally, the firm credits its growth to innovation, and “the trust of Kenyans,” it said in a statement.

The company recently achieved a historic milestone, surpassing 50 million customers across its mobile network in Kenya, an achievement that underscores the brand’s deep connection with customers.

Through M-PESA, which currently has over 35 million active customers, it has redefined financial services, driving economic growth, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurship.

The company has invested heavily in expanding its network infrastructure to ensure reliable connectivity for all Kenyans. With the rollout of 5G technology, Safaricom has positioned Kenya as a regional leader in digital innovation, enabling faster internet speeds, supporting emerging technologies, and improving service delivery across multiple sectors including convenient access to government services from any location.

Read also: MediaTek technology and Kenyan telcos enhance 5G partnership

Safaricom Ethiopia launches in 2022

Safaricom also expanded beyond Kenya’s borders, launching operations in Ethiopia in 2022. The company has extended innovations such as M-PESA into Ethiopia, contributing to Ethiopia’s digital and financial inclusion agenda, while expanding the company’s customer base. By August 2025, Safaricom Ethiopia had grown to over 10 million customers, marking a major step in the company’s regional growth strategy.

In line with its purpose of Transforming Lives, Safaricom continues to invest in communities through its Foundations. These initiatives support programs in health, education, and environmental conservation, among others, positively impacting millions of lives and reaffirming Safaricom’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Read also: Safaricom’s economic, social and environmental impact in Kenya grows to $8.5 billion