
Sama, a global leader in data annotation solutions powering artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, has solidified its reputation as a company that prioritizes people and the planet alongside profit. The company announced today that it has successfully recertified as a Certified B Corporation™, earning a B Impact score of 118.4—an improvement from its 2020 score of 98.5. This milestone reflects Sama’s strides in governance, workforce development, community impact, and environmental responsibility, reinforcing its mission to drive ethical AI and sustainable growth.
Understanding B Corp Certification
So, what does it mean to be a Certified B Corporation? B Corp Certification, awarded by the nonprofit B Lab, recognizes companies that meet rigorous standards for social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. To earn this status, a company must score at least 80 points on the B Impact Assessment—a tool that measures positive contributions in areas like employee welfare, community engagement, and environmental care—while also passing a risk review to evaluate potential negative impacts. Sama’s score of 118.4 far surpasses the minimum requirement and more than doubles the median score of typical businesses, highlighting its leadership in building a fair and inclusive economy.
A Commitment to People and Purpose
“We are thrilled to receive this recertification, which is a clear testament to our commitment to inclusive decision-making that considers all stakeholders,” said Annepeace Alwala, Vice President of Global Service Delivery at Sama. “It reflects our continued investment in supporting and developing our staff through financial security, health and safety, wellness, and career growth. This recognition also underscores the meaningful impact we are making on the environment and the communities we serve, while creating sustainable economic opportunities.”
Since its launch in 2008, Sama has been guided by a mission to uplift underserved individuals through the digital economy. To date, the company has impacted 69,595 people through training and employment initiatives and invested over Ksh.11.3 million (Kenyan shillings) in scholarships to support education and skill-building.
Highlights from the 2024 Annual Impact Report
Along with its B Corp recertification, Sama released its 2024 Annual Impact Report, spotlighting achievements across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts. Here’s a breakdown of the key accomplishments:
Empowering Employees and Communities
- Professional Growth: Sama introduced new professional development and mentorship programs, connecting senior leaders with emerging talent in Kenya and Uganda. These initiatives aim to nurture the next generation of skilled workers.
- Education Support: The company continued its Sama Scholarship Program, helping employees complete their degrees, and launched training programs to boost AI skills among digital workers.
- Economic Impact: Since 2008, Sama’s efforts have reached 69,595 individuals, offering training and jobs that an MIT-led Randomized Controlled Trial confirmed lead to meaningful employment and income gains.
Going Green
- Carbon Reduction: Sama cut its carbon emissions by 17.1% compared to its 2023 baseline, aligning with its Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) goals. This reduction came from practical steps like reducing employee commute emissions and scaling back business travel.
- Renewable Energy: The company transitioned 23% of its operations to renewable energy sources, marking a significant step toward sustainability.
These efforts showcase Sama’s dedication to environmental conservation while maintaining its focus on employee welfare and economic development.
Earning Recognition for Workplace Excellence
Sama’s people-first approach has earned it well-deserved accolades. The company was recently named one of the top three Inspiring Workplaces in 2025 across the Middle East and Africa—a list where it stood out as one of only two tech companies and the only data-annotation provider. Additionally, Newsweek honored Sama on its Greatest Workplaces for Women and Greatest Workplaces for Inclusion & Diversity lists, celebrating its commitment to creating a supportive and diverse work environment.
Discover more from Techish Kenya
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.