Safaricom officially launched on 23rd October 2000 with just 17,000 subscribers. Over the past 25 years, it has grown into East Africa’s largest telecommunications and technology company, serving more than 60 million customers across Kenya and Ethiopia.
From its early days as a mobile service provider, Safaricom has evolved into a purpose‑led technology powerhouse, spearheading innovations such as M‑PESA, Africa’s leading mobile money platform.
Group CEO Peter Ndegwa reflected on the milestone:
“This year marks our Silver Jubilee. We marked 25 years of transforming lives through innovation and empowerment.”
Safaricom’s Projections for the Next 25 Years
As Safaricom celebrates its 25th anniversary, the company is looking ahead with bold ambitions. Its future strategy is anchored on regional expansion, digital transformation, sustainability, and customer‑centric innovation, anchored to its vision to remain a purpose‑led technology company that continues to transform lives across Africa.
“Customer Obsession helps prioritise customer experience initiatives and ensures that Agile tribe efforts are consistently anchored in the delivery of superior customer experiences without compromising commercial outcomes,” reads part of its 2025 annual report.
Regional Expansion
Safaricom’s entry into Ethiopia in 2022 marked its first major step beyond Kenya. With over 120 million people, Ethiopia represents one of Africa’s largest untapped telecom markets.
Group CEO Peter Ndegwa emphasised:
“Ethiopia is a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity. We are committed to building a world‑class network, creating jobs, and driving financial inclusion for millions of Ethiopians.”
Looking forward, Safaricom plans to deepen its Ethiopian footprint while exploring other African markets. The company’s Vision 2030 strategy identifies regional expansion as a growth frontier, leveraging its expertise in mobile money and digital services.
“This vision includes delivering personalised digital services enabled by big data and AI to improve the daily lives of customers and society, as well as becoming the preferred partner for digitisation and financial services for enterprises and the public sector.”
Safaricom Celebrates 25 Years with Over 60 Million Customers Across Kenya and Ethiopia
Digital Transformation
Safaricom is evolving from a telco into a digital ecosystem leader. Beyond connectivity, it is scaling solutions in:
- Fintech: Expanding M‑PESA into global remittance, merchant services, and credit solutions.
- Healthtech: Digital platforms for telemedicine and health financing.
- Edtech: Affordable e‑learning solutions to bridge education gaps.
Safaricom CFO Dilip Pal noted in the 2025 Annual Report:
“Our digital transformation is about diversifying revenue streams and meeting customer needs in new ways. We are building platforms that go beyond telecom to touch every aspect of life.”
“As part of our strategic goals, we have focused on leveraging technology and driving customer innovation to offer relevant products, services and solutions to meet their needs. We remain committed to protecting shareholder value by achieving a strong performance in Kenya and attaining important milestones in Ethiopia.”
Sustainability
Safaricom has pledged to become a net‑zero company by 2050, with aggressive investments in renewable energy and inclusive connectivity.
Chairman Michael Joseph highlighted:
“Sustainability is not optional it is central to our business. From powering our sites with green energy to expanding affordable internet access, we are committed to leaving no one behind.”
Safaricom’s ESG agenda also includes expanding M‑PESA access to underserved communities, supporting education and healthcare, and investing in climate‑smart agriculture initiatives.
Customer‑Centric Innovation
At the heart of Safaricom’s future is customer experience. M‑PESA remains the crown jewel, with plans to enhance its ecosystem through:
- Global remittance services to connect Kenyans abroad with families at home.
- Merchant services to support SMEs and digital commerce.
- Credit solutions tailored for MSMEs, women, and youth.
Peter Ndegwa explained:
“Our customers are at the center of everything we do. M‑PESA is no longer just a money transfer service, it is a lifestyle platform. We will continue to innovate to meet the evolving needs of Kenyans and Africans.”
Investor Confidence
Safaricom’s projections are backed by strong financials. The company remains Kenya’s most profitable, with consistent dividend payouts and a market capitalisation that makes it a cornerstone of the Nairobi Securities Exchange.
Safaricom’s next 25 years will be defined by regional expansion, digital diversification, sustainability, and customer‑centric innovation. With Ethiopia as a growth frontier, M‑PESA evolving into a global fintech platform, and ESG commitments shaping its legacy, Safaricom is positioning itself as Africa’s leading digital company.
Shangwe @25 Consumer Promotion
To celebrate its Silver Jubilee, Safaricom launched the Shangwe @25 promotion, rewarding loyal customers with KSh1 million each plus KSh250,000 for community projects.
“These celebrations go beyond prizes; they energise our ecosystem and reaffirm our promise to remain Kenya’s trusted tech company, driven by service, innovation, and empowerment.”
Latest Millionaires
- Hannah Ngige (Komarock, Nairobi), second‑hand clothes trader:
“I will invest in my business and finally start tomato farming, which has always been my dream.” Her community prize supports the maternity wing at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital.
- Wellington Juma (Kisumu), clinical officer:
“This win will help me complete my house and equip my clinic to serve more patients.”
His community allocation supports a widows’ group in Ahero. - Taala Chelanga (Elgeyo Marakwet), agribusiness enthusiast:
“I plan to invest in agribusiness and create opportunities for my community.”
- Elizabeth Wairimu (Thika), household goods trader:
“I will expand my business and stock more products to meet customer demand.”
- Sheila Cheptoo (Bomet), poultry farmer:
“This win allows me to grow my poultry business and support local initiatives.”
Earlier Winner Highlight
- Abdi Dahir (Garissa), 25‑year‑old:
“I have always dreamt of building my mother a decent house… Now, my dream will come true.” His community prize supported Sangailu Primary School with desks and water tanks.
Abdi, just 25, the firstborn of 8, knows responsibility all too well. His win means security, hope, and a fresh start for them all, a safe, new home is on the way for his parents and siblings, a dream that seemed far but is now close. And he’s not stopping there. With the 250K… pic.twitter.com/nW7P9gCiNm
— Safaricom PLC (@SafaricomPLC) December 6, 2025
Safaricom Shangwe @25 Winners (as of December 2025)
| Winner Name | Region | Community Project |
|---|---|---|
| Abdi Dahir | Garissa (North Eastern) | Donated desks and water tanks to Sangailu Primary School |
| Hannah Ngige | Komarock, Nairobi | Supported Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital maternity wing with beddings |
| Wellington Juma | Kisumu (Nyanza) | Supported a widows’ group in Ahero |
| Taala Chelanga | Elgeyo Marakwet (Rift Valley) | Plans to invest in agribusiness |
| Elizabeth Wairimu | Thika, Kiambu County (Central) | Expanding household goods business |
| Sheila Cheptoo | Bomet (Rift Valley) | Growing poultry business and supporting local initiatives |
Impact of Shangwe @25
The promotion is more than a celebration; it is a social empowerment initiative.
- Individual Empowerment: Winners are investing in businesses, farming, and healthcare.
- Community Development: Each prize includes a community allocation, reinforcing Safaricom’s impact ethos.
- Customer Engagement: The campaign strengthens loyalty and showcases Safaricom’s inclusive approach to growth.
At 25 years, Safaricom stands as a regional tech giant, blending connectivity, financial inclusion, and social impact. With ambitious projections in digital services and regional expansion, as well as customer-focused initiatives like Shangwe @25, the company is positioning itself for the next quarter-century of growth.
