Safaricom (NSE: SCOM), in partnership with fund managers Standard Investment Bank (SIB) and ALA Capital Limited, has launched Ziidi MMF, a money market fund that leverages the convenience of M-PESA to provide customers with a simple, fast, and efficient investment platform.
Ziidi MMF is a unit trust that allows customers to earn interest by investing funds directly from their M-PESA wallets. Interest earned is accrued daily to the Ziidi wallet, enabling investors to generate consistent returns. Since its public launch in December 2024, Ziidi MMF has attracted over 450,000 users and amassed over KES 2.85 billion in assets under management.
The fund is regulated by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) and managed by a team of experienced fund managers. This launch underscores Safaricom’s commitment to driving financial inclusion by making investment opportunities accessible to all Kenyans.
“Ziidi MMF is part of our ongoing efforts to diversify M-PESA beyond payments and enhance financial well-being,” said Dr Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom PLC. “The philosophy behind ‘Ziidi ni Ziidi’ is that every contribution, however small, is valuable. This empowers individuals to define their path to prosperity and makes wealth creation attainable for everyone.”
Invest with as Little as KES 100
Customers can easily opt into Ziidi MMF via the M-PESA app or through USSD by dialling 3345#. Upon opting in, customers can immediately begin investing. Ziidi MMF offers customers daily visibility of the interest rate earned, ensuring transparency and ease of use. While there is no maximum investment limit, the daily M-PESA transaction limit of KES 500,000 and the per-transaction limit of KES 250,000 will apply.
Recognizing the importance of flexibility, Ziidi MMF allows customers to make free deposits and withdrawals from their Ziidi MMF accounts, enabling them to manage their investments according to their financial needs. With an initial investment of just KES 100, customers can embark on their investment journey.
“As we launch Ziidi MMF, we extend an invitation to every Kenyan, regardless of their financial standing, to begin their wealth creation journey,” concluded Dr. Ndegwa. “Let Ziidi MMF be the catalyst for a future where every Kenyan has the means to achieve their financial goals.”
“We are delighted to partner with Safaricom as a fund manager for Ziidi Money Market Fund,” said James Wangunyu, SIB’s Founder & Managing Director. “We are committed to delivering exceptional returns to investors, helping them achieve their financial aspirations. Based on our track record of delivering above-market-average returns, we are confident in our ability to fulfill this promise.”
“By combining our institutional strengths with Safaricom’s extensive reach, we aim to provide an attractive investment portfolio that enhances financial inclusion among low- and middle-income earners, aligning with the government’s bottom-up economic transformation agenda,” he added.
“Ziidi MMF represents not only an opportunity for financial growth but also a reflection of Safaricom’s commitment to innovation, responsible investing, and creating long-term value for its investors,” said Sean Gichuru, ALA’s Chief Investment Officer. “This solution ensures that every Kenyan can achieve their financial goals while enjoying the convenience of managing their investments directly through their mobile devices.”
“At ALA Capital, we believe that success is not just measured by financial returns but also by the positive impact we create on our community and the world around us,” Mr Gichuru added. “We are honoured to be part of this transformative journey that aims to provide a unique and accessible investment experience.”
Customers also have the option to lock funds to avoid unplanned withdrawals.
In addition to Ziidi Money Market Fund, Safaricom plans to innovate and develop further solutions that cater to the diverse needs of its customers, all to enhance their financial health and security.