At the 2025 Connected Summit, Safaricom announced a bold vision for the continent: to become the backbone of Africa’s intelligent economy through artificial intelligence (AI). The telco giant revealed an investment of over KES 500 million in AI infrastructure, signaling a major shift from being a traditional telecom company to a technology-driven enabler of digital transformation.
Africa stands at a defining moment : a chance to shape its own AI destiny and transform lives across generations. With 75% of the population under the age of 25 and only 40% broadband coverage, expanding digital access is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity.
AI has the potential to unlock $1.2 trillion in added GDP for Africa over the next five years, revolutionizing sectors like healthcare, agriculture, education, and financial inclusion. Safaricom is leading by example—building the digital infrastructure that is transforming everyday lives and laying the groundwork for Africa’s AI-driven future.
Safaricom is leading by example. We are building the digital infrastructure that’s transforming everyday lives and laying the foundation for Africa’s intelligent economy.
Cynthia Kropac, Safaricom Chief Enterprise Business Office
Safaricom’s investment is already reshaping its core services. From customer experience to infrastructure, AI is powering smarter, faster, and more secure operations:
Customer Experience: The AI-powered chatbot Zuri is serving millions 24/7, assisting with M-PESA statements, balance checks, and bundle management.
Fraud Prevention: Sophisticated AI models help detect and block fraudulent transactions in real time, safeguarding users.
Network Optimization: AI predicts and resolves connectivity issues before users are impacted, improving reliability.
Personalized Services: Machine learning tailors offerings based on user behavior, delivering more relevant packages and offers.
Beyond infrastructure, Safaricom is investing in people. Through internal AI 101 training programs and public showcases like the Safaricom Engineering Summit (Decode 2.0), the company is nurturing the next generation of African tech talent.
Safaricom’s AI vision is built on three pillars:
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Enhancing customer experience
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Driving new revenue streams through monetization
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Boosting internal productivity through automation
And central to this strategy is the belief that Africa’s youth, if equipped with the right digital tools and skills, will define the next chapter in global innovation.
With its unprecedented KES 500 million investment, Safaricom isn’t just deploying AI—it’s building the rails that will power Africa’s intelligent economy. As the world races into the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Kenya—and indeed Africa—is poised to leapfrog, powered by data, connectivity, and a bold vision.
