Safaricom has achieved over 50 million mobile customers in Kenya and 10 million 90-day active customers in Ethiopia.
As the company prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary in October 2025, these figures signal its evolution from a local mobile operator to a regional powerhouse in digital transformation.
Building Kenya’s Digital Future
Safaricom’s journey from just 17,000 customers in 2000 to over 50 million today showcases its role in shaping modern Kenya. Yearlong campaigns like Sambaza Furaha and M-PESA Sokoni have deepened their engagement while reinforcing their commitment to customer-centric innovation.
“We are honoured by the trust that over 50 million Kenyans have placed in us,” said Dr. Peter Ndegwa, Group CEO, Safaricom PLC.
“This milestone reflects the deep connection we have built… and as we approach our silver jubilee, we recommit ourselves to being a force for good and creating what’s next for our customers.”
Economic and social contributions include:
- KES 722 billion added to Kenya’s economy in FY25
- 1.28 million jobs sustained
- KES 108 billion in taxes paid
- 8+ million Kenyans reached via education, health, and economic empowerment initiatives
M-PESA now contributes 42.4% of total service revenue, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of digital financial inclusion.
Ethiopia: Fast-Growing Frontier
Safaricom’s Ethiopia entry ended a decades-long monopoly when its consortium was awarded a license in May 2021. The rollout began in Dire Dawa in August 2022 and quickly scaled nationwide.
Today, Safaricom Ethiopia serves 10 million active users, with 7.1 million regularly using mobile data services. Average monthly usage per customer reached 6.5 GB, up 53% from the previous year.
“Achieving an active customer base of 10 million is a significant milestone,” said Wim Vanhelleputte, CEO, Safaricom Ethiopia.
“Behind each SIM card, there is an individual, a family, a business, and a future. We remain committed to further connecting people, creating opportunities, and contributing to a digital Ethiopia.”
Key developments
- ETB 300+ billion (~US$2.2 billion) invested in telecom and fintech infrastructure
- 3,141 live sites across 150+ cities and towns
- 4G coverage reaching over 50% of the population
- 31,000 new customers join daily
- M-PESA launched in August 2023
The operation currently employs 900 direct staff, 97% of whom are Ethiopian, and has generated 20,000+ indirect jobs across distribution, customer service, and network expansion.
Strategic Impact and Outlook
Safaricom Group’s FY25 results show that Ethiopia contributed nearly 10% of total revenue, with profitability expected by FY27. The company’s regional expansion and continued investment demonstrate its commitment to inclusive growth and digital resilience.
“Our next chapter will be about deepening impact, personalising customer experiences, and driving Kenya’s digital transformation agenda,” added Dr. Ndegwa.
