Safaricom unveiled a bold vision for the future dubbed ‘decode 3.0’ during its third Regional Engineering Summit, which seeks to explore and showcase the latest advancements and innovations in engineering and technology.
The event which was held in Nairobi, brought together industry experts, government officials, technologists, and students, among many more interested parties, to establish the way forward in terms of the ever-dynamic technology.
Speaking at the event, Safaricom Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Peter Ndegwa, outlined an ambitious vision for the company, emphasizing its transformation from a telecommunications provider into a fully-fledged technology company by 2030.
Ndegwa affirmed the company’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Application Programme Interface (APIs), and satellite technology to drive its next phase of growth.
“In the future, we will probably have this session in a stadium-type venue where we can accommodate even more guests,” said Ndegwa, noting the increasing interest in Decode, which has attracted nearly 10,000 attendees both physically and virtually.
Ndegwa underscored Safaricom’s legacy of innovation, pointing to milestone products such as M-Pesa, Fuliza, Sambaza, and Lipa Mdogo Mdogo, solutions that have redefined Kenya’s digital and financial landscape.
“We are a company built on breaking new ground. Innovation is not just about big inventions; sometimes, it’s the small everyday improvements that make a significant impact,” he said.
He also revealed that Safaricom is leveraging AI-powered fraud detection models to curb mobile-based financial crimes, including identity theft and social engineering scams.
“By 2027, 70 percent of all customer resolutions will be handled by AI,” he echoed.
Ndegwa highlighted collaboration as a key driver of the company’s growth, particularly in its partnership with young engineers, students, and tech innovators, noting that ‘Decode 3.0,’ serves as a platform for early-career technologists to showcase their prowess and connect with industry leaders.
“Innovation thrives in an open ecosystem. M-Pesa started as a closed system, but today, we leverage open APIs and partnerships to expand its reach,” he explained.
Beyond commercial technology, Safaricom continues to invest in Tech for Good, using technology to solve societal challenges. Through the M-Pesa and Safaricom Foundations, the company has supported millions of Kenyans in healthcare, education, and economic empowerment.
In her remarks, Safaricom Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), Florence Nyokabi, noted that the key role of leaders of today, is to provide people with tools, skills, and most importantly, the confidence, which means driving an enabling environment for them to take ownership of their work.
“The leaders of today, must not just use technology. They must think about technology. And what does thinking technology look like? They must be able to truly understand and integrate technology in every aspect of the organization,” she reiterated.
She emphasized that Today’s leaders cannot rely on historical playbooks, but must develop the ability to adapt in real time and anticipate the future.
In addition, Safaricom Chief Technology and Information Officer, James Maitai, reiterated that ‘decode 3.0,’ is about more than just technology.
“It’s about engineering our future. It’s about recognizing that every line of code, every network design, and every sustainable solution that you create has the potential to reshape our lives and transform our world. You’re not just building a system,” he highlighted.
The three-day event is expected to be a dynamic forum for technology enthusiasts, industry leaders, developers, and students to engage in insightful discussions, interactive showcases, and live demonstrations of emerging technologies, in regards to shaping the future of Kenya.
By Emmanuel Mbuthia and Jesee Otieno
