World MSME Day 2025: How Safaricom is Enabling Kenyan MSMEs to Scale

As the world marks World MSME Day 2025, the spotlight turns to the micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises that form the bedrock of Kenya’s economy.
Founded by the United Nations General Assembly, this day was set aside to raise awareness of the tremendous contributions of enterprises to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs).
Globally, MSMEs account for 90% of businesses, 60 to 70% of employment and 50% of GDP, according to the World Bank. As the backbone of societies everywhere, they contribute to local and national economies, sustaining livelihoods for the very poor among us.
For Safaricom, this day is more than a symbolic gesture; it’s a reaffirmation of a mission to walk hand-in-hand with MSMEs across Kenya, empowering them with tools to grow, digitize, and thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape.
In an exclusive interview with TechTrends Media, Frankline Okata, Tribe Lead, Packaged Solutions at Safaricom, shared how the company is working to understand and meet the unique needs of MSMEs. “My job entails working closely with MSMEs across Kenya to understand their day-to-day realities and ensure our solutions reflect those needs,” he said.
“Whether it’s helping a kiosk owner adopt digital payments or supporting an online store with access to working capital and marketing tools, we want to be more than a service provider; we want to be a trusted growth partner.”
A Digital Lifeline for Kenya’s Economic Backbone
MSMEs contribute nearly 40% of Kenya’s GDP and make up more than 90% of all businesses. But beyond the numbers, their strength lies in adaptability, community impact, and grassroots innovation. Recognizing this, Safaricom Business has built a suite of tools designed specifically for MSMEs, enabling them to access everything from internet connectivity and cloud services to digital payments and working capital loans.
“Our flagship offering, M-PESA for Business, supports over 1.5 million enterprises, from informal traders to growing SMEs,” Okata noted. With features like Business Till, PayBill, Bulk Payments, and Pochi la Biashara, MSMEs are able to collect payments, manage payroll, and build credit history, all through mobile.
Beyond financial tools, Safaricom also offers Domain & Email Hosting, Cybersecurity Solutions, and a range of connectivity options such as 4G Business Routers, 5G Fixed Wireless, and Business Fibre, ensuring MSMEs stay connected in a digital-first economy.

Education, Empowerment and Driving Inclusive Innovation
Understanding that tools alone are not enough, Safaricom launched the Grow with Safaricom Business initiative in March 2024, a platform that equips MSMEs with practical skills in digitization, regulatory compliance, digital marketing, and brand building.
Held throughout the year across counties, the workshops create space for peer learning, business networking, and exposure to best practices in digital transformation. “This initiative has already empowered thousands of MSMEs to embrace technology, expand their market reach, and position their businesses for long-term growth,” Okata told TechTrends Media.
A major priority for Safaricom is financial inclusion, especially for traditionally underserved groups. “Products like Fuliza ya Biashara and Taasi Pochi offer MSMEs easy access to credit without the burden of paperwork or collateral,” said Okata. “We’ve seen rural traders and women-owned kiosks get the working capital they need to restock, pay suppliers, or scale their operations.”
Safaricom is also using data and ecosystem partnerships to offer smarter, personalised services. By analysing transaction data, the company can recommend digital tools, automate loan approvals, and even provide bundled services like secure payments, delivery tracking, and online invoicing, all designed to reduce friction and boost efficiency.
With Kenya’s youthful population driving growth in fintech, agritech, and e-commerce, Safaricom sees MSMEs not just as beneficiaries but as builders of Africa’s digital ecosystem. “We are supporting youth-led startups that integrate M-PESA APIs, farmers using tech for weather alerts and distribution, and sellers using Instagram or WhatsApp for e-commerce,” said Okata.
To meet these evolving needs, Safaricom is scaling its 5G infrastructure, integrating AI into business tools, and exploring solutions for cross-border payments, ensuring MSMEs have what they need to compete both locally and globally.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Safaricom’s vision is bold: to become Africa’s most accessible and dependable digital enabler for MSMEs. This includes continuing to invest in tools that drive entrepreneurship, expanding training programs, and collaborating with partners to unlock new value for MSMEs across sectors.
“We want to make it possible for any entrepreneur, regardless of location or size, to access digital payments, affordable connectivity, and practical tools for managing and scaling their operations,” Okata said.
As Kenya celebrates World MSME Day, Franklin Okata offered a heartfelt message to the entrepreneurs powering the nation’s economy: “Your hustle is the heartbeat of this country. Your resilience and drive power our economy. At Safaricom Business, we are committed to walking with you every step of the way. We are here to power your progress.”
Mark your calendars! TechTrends Pulse is coming back to Nairobi this August! Join top tech leaders, innovators & AI experts for a half-day of keynotes, showcases & sharp insights on business transformation. RSVP now -limited slots available! Register here.
Follow us on WhatsApp, Telegram, Twitter, and Facebook, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter to ensure you don’t miss out on any future updates. Send tips to editorial@techtrendsmedia.co.ke