Safaricom Aims to Transform into a Leading Tech Company by 2030
Safaricom, Kenya’s leading telecommunications provider, has set its sights on a groundbreaking transformation. By 2030, the company plans to evolve into a fully-fledged technology company, leveraging innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), and cutting-edge solutions to redefine its role in Africa’s digital ecosystem. This ambitious vision was unveiled by Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa during the third edition of the annual Safaricom Engineering Summit, dubbed Decode 3.0, held in Nairobi.
The event brought together industry experts, government officials, technologists, and students to explore the latest advancements in engineering and technology. Ndegwa emphasized Safaricom’s commitment to innovation and collaboration, highlighting the company’s plans to integrate AI, APIs, and satellite technology into its operations. “Our vision is to become Africa’s leading purpose-led technology company by 2030,” he said, underscoring the company’s dedication to driving growth through technological advancements.
Safaricom’s transformation strategy is rooted in its legacy of innovation. From pioneering mobile money service M-Pesa to introducing solutions like Fuliza and Lipa Mdogo Mdogo, the company has consistently redefined Kenya’s digital and financial landscape. Ndegwa noted that innovation is not just about groundbreaking inventions but also about small, everyday improvements that create significant impact.
Safaricom’s Vision for the Future
Safaricom’s vision to transition into a technology company by 2030 is driven by its commitment to innovation and collaboration. During the Decode 3.0 summit, Ndegwa outlined the company’s plans to integrate advanced technologies such as AI, APIs, and satellite technology into its operations. These technologies will play a crucial role in driving Safaricom’s next phase of growth and expanding its reach across Africa.
The CEO also highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving this vision. Safaricom is partnering with young engineers, students, and tech innovators to foster an open ecosystem of innovation. “Innovation thrives in an open ecosystem. M-Pesa started as a closed system, but today, we leverage open APIs and partnerships to expand its reach,” Ndegwa explained.
The company’s focus on collaboration extends beyond commercial technology. Through its M-Pesa and Safaricom Foundations, Safaricom is using technology to address societal challenges in healthcare, education, and economic empowerment. This commitment to “Tech for Good” underscores the company’s purpose-led approach to innovation.
Leveraging AI and Cutting-Edge Technologies
Artificial intelligence is at the forefront of Safaricom’s transformation strategy. The company is already leveraging AI-powered fraud detection models to combat mobile-based financial crimes such as identity theft and social engineering scams. Ndegwa revealed that by 2027, 70 percent of all customer resolutions will be handled by AI, marking a significant shift in how the company interacts with its customers.
In addition to AI, Safaricom is exploring the potential of satellite technology to enhance connectivity and expand its services to underserved areas. This focus on cutting-edge technologies reflects the company’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Ndegwa also emphasized the importance of creating a platform for early-career technologists to showcase their skills and connect with industry leaders. The Decode 3.0 summit serves as a testament to this commitment, providing a dynamic forum for technology enthusiasts to engage in insightful discussions and live demonstrations of emerging technologies.
Safaricom’s Legacy of Innovation
Safaricom’s journey from a telecommunications provider to a technology company is built on a legacy of innovation. The company’s milestone products, such as M-Pesa, Fuliza, and Lipa Mdogo Mdogo, have transformed Kenya’s digital and financial landscape, setting a benchmark for innovation in Africa.
Ndegwa highlighted that innovation is not limited to big inventions but also includes small, everyday improvements that create significant impact. “We are a company built on breaking new ground. Innovation is about finding solutions that make a difference in people’s lives,” he said.
This commitment to innovation extends to Safaricom’s approach to customer service. By integrating AI into its operations, the company aims to enhance customer experience and streamline its services. Ndegwa’s vision for the future includes hosting events like Decode in stadium-type venues to accommodate the growing interest in technology and innovation.
Collaboration as a Key Driver of Growth
Collaboration is a cornerstone of Safaricom’s growth strategy. The company is partnering with young engineers, students, and tech innovators to foster an open ecosystem of innovation. This approach has been instrumental in the success of M-Pesa, which has evolved from a closed system to a platform that leverages open APIs and partnerships to expand its reach.
Safaricom’s Chief Technology and Information Officer, James Maitai, reiterated the importance of collaboration in shaping the future of technology. “Decode 3.0 is about more than just technology. It’s about engineering our future and recognizing the potential of every line of code and every network design to transform our world,” he said.
The company’s commitment to collaboration extends to its efforts to address societal challenges. Through its M-Pesa and Safaricom Foundations, Safaricom is using technology to improve access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities for millions of Kenyans.
Tech for Good: Solving Societal Challenges
Safaricom’s transformation into a technology company is not just about commercial success; it’s also about using technology to solve societal challenges. Through its M-Pesa and Safaricom Foundations, the company has supported millions of Kenyans in healthcare, education, and economic empowerment.
This commitment to “Tech for Good” reflects Safaricom’s purpose-led approach to innovation. By leveraging technology to address societal challenges, the company is creating a positive impact on the lives of Kenyans and setting an example for other organizations to follow.
Ndegwa emphasized that Safaricom’s vision for the future is rooted in its commitment to making a difference. “Our goal is not just to be a technology company but to be a purpose-led technology company that drives positive change in society,” he said.
The Role of Leadership in Driving Innovation
Leadership plays a crucial role in Safaricom’s transformation journey. The company’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Florence Nyokabi, highlighted the importance of providing employees with the tools, skills, and confidence they need to take ownership of their work.
“Today’s leaders must not just use technology; they must think about technology. They must be able to truly understand and integrate technology in every aspect of the organization,” Nyokabi said. She emphasized that leaders must develop the ability to adapt in real-time and anticipate the future, rather than relying on historical playbooks.
This focus on leadership and innovation is reflected in Safaricom’s approach to employee development. The company is investing in training and development programs to equip its workforce with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Engineering the Future: Decode 3.0
The Decode 3.0 summit is a testament to Safaricom’s commitment to innovation and collaboration. The three-day event brought together technology enthusiasts, industry leaders, developers, and students to engage in insightful discussions and live demonstrations of emerging technologies.
Maitai highlighted the significance of the event, noting that it’s about more than just technology. “It’s about engineering our future and recognizing the potential of every line of code and every network design to transform our world,” he said.
The summit also provided a platform for early-career technologists to showcase their skills and connect with industry leaders. This focus on nurturing talent underscores Safaricom’s commitment to fostering an open ecosystem of innovation.
