Safaricom Reports 10.8% Revenue Growth as M-PESA and Data Drive FY2025 Performance
The Group recorded a 10.8% year-on-year increase in service revenue, reaching KShs 371.4 billion, demonstrating resilience amid both regional and global headwinds.
Safaricom PLC has released its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting strong financial performance and strategic progress despite economic challenges and currency reforms in Ethiopia. The Group recorded a 10.8% year-on-year increase in service revenue, reaching KShs 371.4 billion, demonstrating resilience amid both regional and global headwinds.
M-PESA continued to be a key growth driver, with revenue rising 15.1% to KShs 161.1 billion. The mobile money platform now processes approximately 4,500 transactions per second, reflecting its central role in Safaricom’s operations. Group mobile data revenue grew 16.5% to KShs 78.5 billion, while the total active customer base across the Group expanded by 16.4% to 57.07 million. In terms of shareholder returns, the Board proposed a final dividend of KShs 0.65 per share, bringing the total FY2025 dividend to KShs 1.20 per share, and KShs 255 billion in dividends distributed over the last five years.
Safaricom Ethiopia showed significant momentum, contributing 9.3% to Group service revenue growth. The subsidiary’s three-month active customer base doubled to 8.84 million during its third and a half year of operation. On the infrastructure front, Safaricom expanded its fibre-optic network to 18,300 km, increased 4G population coverage in Kenya to 97.9%, and deployed 1,700 5G sites covering 30% of the population. These developments support the Group’s long-term transition into a “TechCo” by 2030, emphasizing digital solutions, AI adoption, and cybersecurity.
The Group also reinforced its commitment to social impact and sustainability. The Safaricom and M-PESA Foundations invested KShs 8.9 billion in programs that reached 4.9 million people across health, education, and economic empowerment initiatives. Through the Hustler Fund, the company facilitated government revenue collections and distributed financial support to 20.6 million customers. In environmental efforts, Safaricom recycled 190.75 tonnes of e-waste and maintained an overall 98% recycling rate.
The report highlighted leadership changes with the appointment of new Board members, including Mr. Edward Okaro and Ms. Rita Kavashe. Key risks for the coming period include regulatory pressures, cyber threats, and competition from emerging low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite services. Safaricom aims to navigate these risks through strategic planning, operational efficiency, and continued investment in technology and innovation.
With strong financial results, expanding operations in Ethiopia, and a clear focus on digital transformation, Safaricom is positioning itself for sustainable growth while addressing both market and technological challenges in the evolving telecom landscape.
