Safaricom Surpasses 50 Million Customers in Kenya & 10 Million in Ethiopia, Aims to Lead Africa by 2030

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Safaricom has today announced that it has surpassed 50 million customers across its mobile network in Kenya, from just 17,000 customers when it began in 2000.

As of July 2025, the firm surpassed 10 million customers in Ethiopia, in a mission to become Africas leading purpose-led technology company by 2030.

We are honoured by the trust that over 50 million Kenyans have placed in us. This milestone reflects the deep connection we have built with Kenyans over the past two and a half decades, and as we approach our silver jubilee, we recommit ourselves to always being a force for good and creating whats next for our customers, said Dr. Peter Ndegwa, Group CEO, Safaricom PLC.

The firm says this achievement is partly as a result of the companys yearlong customer engagement drive which started last year but its closest rival Airtel, recently announced it has hit 24 million subscribers, showing Kenyas increasing mobile penetration due to affordable devices and a growing mass market for phone and data service in a rapidly evolving market.

The countrys population is also an all-time high with statistics pointing to  57.6 million as of July 2025, according to the United Nations with the median age in Kenya at 20 years.

Over the past year, Safaricom has accelerated its focus on customer engagement and experience, through initiatives such as Sambaza Furaha and M-PESA Sokoni, which have helped the company to say thank you and bring services and joy closer to customers across the country.

From just 17,000 customers when it began in 2000 to now serving over 50 million, Safaricoms journey is deeply intertwined with the story of modern Kenya, one of innovation, resilience, and progress.

Beyond Kenya, Safaricom has successfully expanded its operations to Ethiopia, where it has also recently achieved a significant milestone, surpassing 10 million customers as of July 2025. This rapid growth in a new market underscores Safaricoms vision to become Africas leading purpose-led technology company by 2030.

Safaricom is known for M-PESA, a money transfer and payments platform, though very costly, used by over 40 million Kenyans who use it to send money or pay for goods and services.

The company has also invested heavily in connectivity by pioneering 3G, 4G and 5G networks as well as availing high-speed internet to homes and businesses.

 In the last financial year, the company contributed KES 722 billion to the Kenyan economy, sustaining over 1.28 million jobs. Additionally, more than 8 million Kenyans have benefitted from community projects delivered through the Safaricom and M-PESA Foundations, which continue to drive access to education, healthcare, and economic empowerment opportunities.