Safaricom has reported a significant financial performance for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, marking a notable recovery and growth trajectory.
Financial Highlights
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Revenue Growth: Safaricom’s total revenue increased by 11.2% year-on-year to KSh 388.7 billion (approximately $3 billion), driven by strong performances in mobile data, voice services, and the M-Pesa mobile money platform.
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Profit Performance: The company achieved a net profit of $540 million (KSh 69.8 billion), an 11% increase compared to the previous year. This growth was attributed to the reduction in losses from its Ethiopian operations and robust performance in its Kenyan market.
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Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT): EBIT rose by 29.5% to KSh 151 billion, reflecting improved operational efficiency and strategic investments.
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Subscriber Growth: Safaricom’s customer base expanded by 16% to 57.1 million, with significant contributions from both Kenyan and Ethiopian markets.
Ethiopia Expansion
Safaricom’s entry into the Ethiopian market in 2022 faced initial challenges, including security concerns, inflation, and currency instability. However, the company has made substantial progress, with its Ethiopian subsidiary now serving 8.8 million customers and operating over 3,100 network sites. The losses from this venture have narrowed significantly, with expected negative EBIT ranging between KSh 23 billion and KSh 26 billion for the current fiscal year, compared to KSh 61 billion the previous year.
Dividends and Shareholder Returns
In line with its strong financial performance, Safaricom has announced a total dividend payout of KSh 48.08 billion for the year. This includes a final dividend of KSh 0.65 per share, supplementing the interim dividend of KSh 0.55 per share already distributed.
 Otlook for FY2026
Looking ahead, Safaricom projects a 50% increase in earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) for the fiscal year ending March 2026, with expectations of achieving EBIT between KSh 144 billion and KSh 150 billion. This optimistic forecast is primarily driven by the anticipated continued growth in its Kenyan operations and the expected reduction in losses from its Ethiopian venture.
Overall, Safaricom’s performance underscores its successful transition from a telecommunications company to a technology-driven enterprise, with diversified revenue streams and a strategic focus on regional expansion.
