M‑Pesa hits 40 million users as it marks 19 years of financial inclusion

Safaricom mobile money platform M-Pesa has reached 40 million monthly active users in Kenya as the service marks 19 years since its launch, underscoring its role in expanding digital payments and financial inclusion across the country.

Launched on 6 March 2007, the platform began as a simple mobile-based service that allowed users to send and receive money using their phones. Over the years, it has grown into one of Africa’s most widely used digital financial services, supporting millions of individuals, small businesses and merchants.

The milestone reflects how mobile technology has transformed the way Kenyans transact, save and access financial services, particularly among populations previously excluded from traditional banking systems.

Safaricom says M-Pesa has evolved far beyond person-to-person transfers into a broader financial ecosystem offering credit, savings, investment and business payment solutions.

Among the products integrated into the platform are investment and wealth management services such as Ziidi MMF and Ziidi Trader. The platform also provides credit services including Fuliza and KCB M-Pesa, which allow users to access short-term loans directly through their mobile phones.

For businesses, Safaricom has introduced payment solutions such as Lipa na M-Pesa, Pochi la Biashara and Global Pay, which enable merchants and entrepreneurs to receive digital payments and manage transactions efficiently.

The expansion has helped position the platform as a central part of everyday economic activity across Kenya.

Safaricom highlights milestone impact

Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa said the milestone demonstrates the growing importance of digital financial services in improving livelihoods and economic opportunities.

“Our goal is to give Kenyans and Africa at large digital financial tools to empower them to be more prosperous,” Ndegwa said in a statement.

“Reaching 40 million monthly active customers in Kenya is a milestone we celebrate as we recommit to enabling every Kenyan to transact safely, grow their savings and build their wealth.”

He added that each transaction made on the platform reflects personal progress for users across the country.

“To us, every M-Pesa transaction tells a story of someone building their future,” he said.

Safaricom said it has continued investing in technology infrastructure, fraud prevention systems and customer education to strengthen security and reliability on the platform.

According to the company, these improvements aim to ensure millions of customers can safely send money, pay for goods and services, access credit and grow savings through digital channels.

Nearly two decades after its launch, M-Pesa remains a defining feature of Kenya digital economy and one of the continent’s most successful mobile financial services platforms.