M-PESA, Safaricom’s pioneering mobile financial service, has marked 18 years since its launch in March 2007. Now operating in over 170 countries and serving 70 million customers, M-PESA has grown into Africa’s largest fintech platform, revolutionizing mobile money transfers and digital payments.
The service currently supports over one million businesses and agents across Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Ghana, and Egypt. It also powers over 55,000 integrations through its Daraja platform, connecting 100,000+ developers and processing nearly 100 million transactions daily.
M-PESA’s Evolution into Digital Financial Services
With growing smartphone adoption and expanding 3G and 4G broadband coverage, M-PESA continues to evolve into a comprehensive digital financial services provider. In 2021, M-PESA Africa launched the M-PESA Super App and the M-PESA Business App, enabling businesses to run virtual storefronts via M-PESA Mini Apps.
“Over the last 18 years, M-PESA has transformed millions of lives by providing accessible, secure, and innovative financial services. As digital finance evolves, we remain committed to enabling seamless transactions and expanding financial inclusion across Africa,” said Dr. Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom.
Launch of Ziidi Investment Platform
As part of the 18-year celebration, Safaricom has introduced Ziidi Investment Platform, featuring the Ziidi Money Market Fund, which has already attracted over one million opt-ins. The platform is set to introduce Shariah-compliant investment options, empowering customers to grow wealth easily through M-PESA.
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“M-PESA’s future success will depend on its simplicity and integration with digital services. We are scaling the platform to support new products and enhance stability and reliability,” said Esther Waititu, Chief Financial Services Officer, Safaricom.
A Commitment to Future Innovation
M-PESA continues to drive financial inclusion, contributing significantly to Kenya’s economic growth. With more innovations in the pipeline, Safaricom remains dedicated to enhancing customer experiences, launching new digital solutions, and shaping the future of financial services in Africa.