M-Pesa crosses Sh100 billion revenue as Safaricom profit rises

M-Pesa crosses Sh100 billion revenue as Safaricom profit rises
Kenya's leading mobile money platform, M-Pesa, has achieved a major financial milestone after generating more than Sh100 billion in revenue in the first half of the 2026/2027 financial year. The achievement highlights the growing importance of mobile money to businesses, consumers and the wider African economy.
According to a report by The Star Kenya published on November 5, 2026, M-Pesa generated Sh100.1 billion in revenue during the six months ending September 2026. This represents a 13.6 per cent increase compared with the same period last year.
The growth also contributed to Safaricom's strong financial
performance. The telecommunications company reported a 35.9 per cent increase in group net earnings to Sh58.2 billion, compared with the previous year. Its total service revenue also increased by 11.3 per cent to Sh226.1 billion.
In simple terms, M-Pesa generated more than Sh100 billion from its services in just six months, showing how much money moves through the platform and how valuable digital financial services have become.
##Why M-Pesa remains important
M-Pesa has become more than a platform for sending and receiving money. It allows customers to pay for goods and services, transfer money to relatives, receive business payments, access savings and use financial services through their mobile phones.
Its popularity is reflected in its transaction figures. During the six-month period, M-Pesa processed 27.4 billion transactions valued at Sh23.6 trillion. This shows the enormous role the platform plays in everyday financial activities.
Consumer payments generated Sh40.8 billion, while business payments contributed Sh31 billion. Revenue from financial services also increased by 55.3 per cent to Sh7.1 billion, showing that customers are increasingly using the platform for more than ordinary money transfers.
For small businesses, M-Pesa makes it easier to receive payments without depending entirely on cash. Customers can pay from their phones, while traders can receive money and manage transactions more conveniently.
##What it means for mobile money in Africa
M-Pesa's achievement sends an important message about the future of mobile money across Africa. With millions of people using mobile phones for financial transactions, digital payment platforms have become important tools for economic participation.
Its success also demonstrates that mobile money companies can generate significant revenue by providing services that meet everyday needs. Other African countries can draw lessons from Kenya's experience when developing their own digital payment systems.
However, continued growth will depend on affordable transaction charges, reliable networks, strong customer protection and effective measures against fraud.
The development also increases expectations for other mobile money operators to improve their services, expand digital financial products and make transactions easier for customers.
Ultimately, M-Pesa crossing the Sh100 billion revenue mark is not just a business achievement for Safaricom. It reflects how technology is changing the way Africans save, spend, transfer and receive money.
As mobile money continues to expand, M-Pesa's performance provides a clear example of how digital financial services can become a major force in Africa's economic development.