By 
Safaricom, East Africa’s leading telecommunications and technology company, has announced a bold plan to invest over $500 million in Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure across the region over the next three years. This transformative investment will accelerate AI innovation, improve digital connectivity, and lay the foundation for a scalable, intelligent digital economy in East Africa.
RELATED: Nokia adds AVA software for Safaricom Kenya to drive network energy savings
The initiative was unveiled at the Connected Africa Summit 2025 in Diani, Kenya, by Cynthia Kropac, Safaricom’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer. She described the investment as a strategic step to empower innovation, enhance productivity, and reshape Africa’s digital future.
“This is more than a connectivity project—it’s a blueprint for powering intelligent digital services across all sectors. From agriculture to healthcare and financial services, AI will be the engine that drives inclusive and scalable growth,” Kropac stated.
East Africa Positioned to Lead Africa’s AI Movement
East Africa, with its status as Africa’s fastest-growing economic region (projected to grow by 5.7% in 2025–26), is uniquely positioned to lead the continent’s AI adoption. While the AI landscape in East Africa is still emerging, the region is already embracing generative AI tools, exploring AI regulations, and expanding its digital infrastructure.
Safaricom has already trained over 5,000 employees in AI fundamentals, reinforcing its commitment to building internal AI capacity and transitioning from a technology consumer to a creator and enabler of AI innovation.
Investment Focus: Building Africa’s Intelligent Economy
The $500 million AI investment will support the development of:
- State-of-the-art data centres
- Edge computing infrastructure
- AI-powered digital platforms
- Skills development programs for local developers and tech talent
These investments aim to foster homegrown AI solutions tailored to Africa’s unique needs—such as multilingual education, climate-resilient agriculture, mobile diagnostics, and financial inclusion technologies.
Regulatory and Governance Alignment
Kropac also emphasized the need for harmonized AI governance frameworks and inclusive digital policies across the continent. She pointed to the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy as a vital step toward responsible AI development, underscoring the importance of public-private partnerships, AI safety, and regional collaboration.
“Africa has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to define its own AI trajectory,” Kropac said. “Just as mobile leapfrogged landlines, AI can help us leap toward a smarter, more inclusive future.”
From Passive Consumers to AI Stewards
Under the summit’s theme, “Building the Rails for AI: Laying the Foundations for Africa’s Intelligent Economy,” Kropac called on African nations to embrace the role of active AI stewards by creating foundational infrastructure, investing in local talent, and building resilient AI ecosystems.
“We must not only consume AI—we must shape it, define it, and build it for our people,” she added.
Safaricom’s Commitment to Africa’s Digital Transformation
Safaricom’s broader vision includes:
- Expanding intelligent digital service
- Driving inclusive digital transformation
- Empowering communities through technology, partnerships, and innovation
As Africa continues to embrace a technology-first future, Safaricom remains a catalyst for socio-economic growth, enabling businesses and governments to harness the full potential of AI and digital transformation.
