Safaricom has announced it will spend more than $ 500 million (Sh65 billion) in Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure across East Africa, over the next three years.
Speaking at the ongoing Connected Africa Summit in Diani, Kwale County, Safaricom’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer Cynthia Kropac said this is aimed at enhancing connectivity and building a robust and scalable AI ecosystem.
Kropac noted that the investment will “transcend traditional connectivity” by “powering advanced digital services, fueling innovation across all sectors of the economy, besides propelling the region’s productivity”.
“Africa has an opportunity to define its own AI destiny. While global AI development has largely been concentrated in the West and parts of Asia, Africa must now move beyond being a passive consumer of AI technologies,” she stated.
She was speaking under the theme “Building the Rails for AI: Laying the Foundations for Africa’s Intelligent Economy”.
She added that Safaricom has already trained 5,000 employees in AI fundamentals to build an intelligent economy.
“We believe that time is rife for the region to build its own AI frameworks; to shift from being passive consumers to active creators and stewards of the continent’s digital future,” she added.
Kropac also reiterated the company’s focus on delivering seamless, intelligent and inclusive digital experiences for people across Africa.
“At Safaricom, we remain firmly committed to driving Africa’s digital future—through bold investments in connectivity, strategic partnerships and the transformative power of artificial intelligence,” she said.
“By fostering innovation and enabling access to digital solutions, the company continues to play a central role in unlocking socio-economic growth and empowering communities across the continent.”
The move also aims to provide small and large businesses across the Region with cutting-edge technology.
The Connected Africa Summit 2025 seeks to achieve the continent’s pursuit of a digitally inclusive, innovative and interconnected future.
