Safaricom Decode 3.0 Goes Live with 10,000+ Young Innovators Joining

Safaricom has officially kicked off its third annual Safaricom Engineering Summit, a three-day forum aimed at empowering young engineers, tech enthusiasts, and industry stakeholders to engage in knowledge exchange and discussions shaping East Africa’s digital landscape.

Under the theme “Charting East Africa’s Digital Destiny,” the summit is expected to attract over 10,000 physical attendees, with thousands more joining online. The event seeks to highlight the role of young innovators in transforming Kenya’s engineering sector through innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.

A Platform for Innovation and Technological Advancement

Safaricom CEO Dr. Peter Ndegwa emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration within the tech ecosystem.

“This year’s summit is a dynamic platform that empowers Safaricom engineers to showcase their technical prowess and connect with the broader tech community. It is a testament to our commitment to being the technology partner of choice for young innovators on the digital landscape,” said Dr. Ndegwa.

Throughout the three-day event, industry experts will lead presentations and discussions on emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Fintech, and Energy Transition. These sessions will explore how AI is reshaping business operations, enhancing efficiency, and amplifying human potential across industries.

Showcasing Cutting-Edge Engineering and Fintech Innovations

Summit participants will experience firsthand the latest advancements in Safaricom’s engineering practices and fintech solutions. Among the highlights are:

• Virtual Reality (VR) experiences and gaming innovations
• Live demonstrations of AI-driven solutions
• Showcases of partner innovations in Fintech and digital infrastructure

Safaricom aims to leverage these innovations to drive financial inclusion and enhance digital services across Kenya and Africa.

Engineering as the Backbone of Digital Transformation

Safaricom recognizes the engineering community as the driving force behind customer-centric solutions. Through Safaricom Decode, an initiative designed to showcase engineering excellence, the company is fostering an environment where tech talent can thrive.

“Safaricom plays a pivotal role in Kenya’s digital and tech ecosystem and extends its influence far beyond our borders. Through initiatives like Safaricom Decode, we will continue to empower the community to showcase their exceptional skills and exchange knowledge on best practices, so that we can cement our place as a technology hub,” added Dr. Ndegwa.

Safaricom Decode aligns with Kenya’s national digital strategies, emphasizing:

• Financial inclusion
• Responsible AI and technology use
• Sustainability in digital transformation

Safaricom’s Role in Kenya’s Digital Economy

As East Africa’s leading telecommunications company, Safaricom has been instrumental in shaping Kenya’s tech ecosystem. The company serves over 45.9 million customers and supports over 1.1 million jobs, with its total economic value estimated at KES 542 billion ($4.2 billion) as of March 2023.

Safaricom operates a robust 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G network, covering over 99% of Kenya’s population. Its flagship fintech service, M-PESA, remains Africa’s largest mobile money platform, empowering over 32.1 million customers and contributing to Kenya’s 83.7% financial inclusion rate.

Additionally, through its Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia subsidiary, the company is playing a significant role in Ethiopia’s digital transformation.