Safaricom PLC launches 13th Sustainable Business Report

The Principal Secretary of the State Department of ICT and Digital Economy in Kenya, John Kipchumba Tanui has launched Safaricom PLC's 13th Sustainable Business Report, under the theme "Accelerating Digital Inclusion." The event, which took place alongside Safaricom PLC Board Chairman Adil Khawaja, and CEO Dr. Peter Ndegwa indicated Safaricom’s enduring commitment to transforming lives through technology while advancing Kenya’s digital economy.

Safaricom’s 24-year journey in Kenya has been instrumental in aligning the company’s efforts with key national, continental, and global development goals, including Kenya’s Vision 2030, the African Union's Agenda 2063, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Over the years, Safaricom has emerged as a leader in sustainability, touching various sectors such as education, healthcare, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and climate action.

In his remarks, Eng. Tanui lauded Safaricom’s role in advancing Kenya’s digital transformation, stressing how the company’s initiatives align with the country’s broader aspirations for socio-economic growth. “Safaricom’s work in bridging the digital divide and promoting inclusion resonates with our vision of a digitally empowered Kenya. As we continue to embrace emerging technologies, Safaricom’s efforts in education, healthcare, and sustainability are helping us realize the vision of a prosperous, inclusive digital economy,” said Tanui.

The Sustainable Business Report details Safaricom’s initiatives in areas such as digital literacy, financial inclusion, and efforts to combat climate change. Safaricom’s investment in digital literacy programs has empowered millions of students across Kenya, providing them with access to technology and enhancing their skills for the 21st century. In healthcare, the company’s partnerships have supported the development of mobile-based solutions to improve access to essential services, particularly in underserved communities.

Dr. Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom CEO, emphasized the company’s unwavering focus on sustainability and its dedication to empowering communities through technology. “At Safaricom, we believe that technology is a powerful tool for transformation. By accelerating digital inclusion, we are not only contributing to economic growth but also ensuring that no one is left behind. Our leadership in sustainability allows us to create shared value for our communities, environment, and shareholders,” Ndegwa said.

Looking to the future, Safaricom is poised to deepen its engagement in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and semiconductors. These innovations hold significant potential for enhancing Kenya’s competitiveness in the global digital economy while further driving digital inclusion across sectors. The company is committed to building a more connected society, where these technologies can be leveraged to address local challenges and create new opportunities.

Adil Khawaja, Safaricom’s Board Chairman, reiterated the company’s commitment to sustainability, noting that its efforts in climate action and empowering MSMEs have become central to its business strategy. “Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. From promoting climate resilience to supporting small businesses, our focus is on ensuring that our growth benefits all segments of society. We remain dedicated to finding innovative solutions that will drive inclusive growth,” Khawaja stated.

Safaricom’s work in climate action is particularly noteworthy, with the company implementing various initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and support environmental sustainability. Through its innovative approach, Safaricom has been a key player in driving climate resilience in Kenya, aligning its operations with global environmental goals.

By:  Kanto Okanta