Safaricom (NSE: SCOM) has achieved a True Value of KSh 1.1 trillion, marking a significant milestone in the company’s 25-year journey as East Africa’s leading telecommunications provider. The figure, disclosed in the company’s 2025 Annual Sustainable Business Report, demonstrates how Safaricom’s operations extend far beyond traditional financial metrics to create substantial economic, social, and environmental value.
The company also contributed KSh 809 billion to Kenya’s GDP through its direct and indirect economic activities during the financial year.
Understanding True Value
True Value represents a comprehensive assessment of a company’s total impact, measuring not just financial returns but also economic contributions, social benefits, and environmental effects. This methodology quantifies both positive and negative externalities generated by business operations, enabling organizations to make data-driven decisions that balance corporate success with societal progress.
The increase in Safaricom’s True Value earnings stems primarily from enhanced customer value through M-PESA services, expanded support for agents and merchants, increased investment in corporate social initiatives, and significant growth in capital and operational expenditure that ripples through the broader economy.
“Over the past 25 years, Safaricom has evolved into a purpose-led technology company guided by one simple mission: to transform lives by connecting people to people, people to opportunity, and people to information,” said Dr. Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom PLC. “At the heart of this journey is sustainability, embedded not as an obligation, but as a business imperative.”
Key Achievements Across Three Pillars
Environmental Stewardship
Safaricom’s environmental initiatives delivered measurable results across multiple fronts. The company planted over 830,000 trees and restored 694 hectares of land across eight counties, engaging more than 4,000 community members in the process. Cumulatively, the company has now grown 2.3 million trees toward its 5-million target by 2030.
The company achieved CDP A-list recognition for both Climate Change and Supplier Engagement Assessment, positioning it among global leaders in environmental transparency. Waste management efforts proved equally impressive, with a 99% recycling rate that included 190 tons of e-waste and 62 tons of plastic collected through the M-PESA Green Points program. Additionally, Safaricom fenced 15 kilometers of Kakamega Forest to support conservation efforts.
Social Impact and Digital Inclusion
Digital access expanded significantly, with smartphone penetration in the network growing from 22.93 million to 27.37 million devices. The Spark Fund Accelerator Programme supported nine early-stage startups, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
Through Digifarm, Safaricom’s agricultural platform, the company disbursed KSh 945 million in credit across 169,000 loans, enabling farmers to access essential inputs and services. Notably, 36% of loan recipients were women and 17% were youth, demonstrating inclusive access to financial services. Smartphone ownership among Digifarm users increased from 44% to 50%, driven by the Lipa Mdogo device financing program.
The company maintained strong diversity metrics with 51% male and 49% female representation across all employees, while 45% of senior leadership positions are held by women. Additionally, 3.6% of staff are persons with disabilities.
Artificial intelligence played a crucial role in customer experience, enabling personalized offers that resulted in 15.2% year-on-year growth in mobile data revenue and a 14% increase in usage per customer.
Governance and Security Excellence
Safaricom received ISO 27701 certification, the highest standard in Privacy Information Management Systems, demonstrating robust protection of customer data across GSM and M-PESA services.
Enhanced transparency measures included the integration of IFRS disclosures alongside GRI reporting standards, providing stakeholders with comprehensive financial and sustainability information.
AI-powered fraud detection systems achieved an 87% reduction in fraud incidents by identifying social engineering tactics used by criminals. In anti-money laundering efforts, the technology detected illegal wildlife poaching operations channeling proceeds through M-PESA, leading to the identification of 14 individuals who were reported to the Financial Reporting Center.
Looking Ahead
Themed “Anchored on Purpose, Accelerating a Digital Future,” the report showcases how Safaricom leverages innovation, partnerships, and technology to create meaningful impact across communities. As the company enters its 14th year of publishing its Annual Sustainable Business Report, it continues to use the Sustainable Development Goals as a blueprint for measuring and driving impact in education, healthcare, financial inclusion, and community connectivity.
The KSh 1.1 trillion True Value figure underscores a fundamental shift in how businesses measure success—moving beyond profit alone to encompass the full spectrum of value creation for society, the economy, and the environment
