Safaricom discloses its progress in building a sustainable future

Safaricom’s (NSE: SCOM) True Value to the Kenyan society has increased by 12% to KES543 billion during its last financial year. This s 9.8 times more than the financial profit the company made during the same period.

“We assess the significant indirect value contribution we make to the economy, society and environment in Kenya using the KPMG True Value methodology. When monetized, the net value of the most material social, environmental and economic impacts of the company, both positive and negative, gives an indication of the total value that Safaricom creates for the people of Kenya,” said Nicholas Ng’ang’a, Chairman, Safaricom PLC Board.

In its 7^th Sustainable Business Report, the company reported it has sustained 171,369 direct and indirect jobs during the year, which was a 5 percent increase from the previous year. Additionally, the social impact of M-PESA increased by 20% to KES191.1 billion up from KES 159.6 billion in FY17.

According to the report the major drivers for this growth have been the increase in customer, agent and merchant numbers. A rise in the average number of transactions per customer, as well as the increased value paid to M-SHWARI users in interest also contributed to the growth.

“The greatest value continues to be felt by M-PESA customers who benefit from improved ability to manage and save money, as well as the wellbeing that comes with access to goods, services and opportunities that would not previously have been available to them.” Ng’ang’a said.

From an environment perspective the company reported that it has replaced 7 million single use plastic bags with eco-friendly, reusable carry bags while 97 percent waste generated within the business is either recycled or reused.

The company also announced that it has reduced the number of sites running solely on diesel powered generators and are exploring other ways in which to compensate for its carbon emissions which went up by 5%.

Contribution to GDP

6.5 percent contribution to GDP
171,369 jobs sustained, up 5 percent

Network

86 percent of population – 3G coverage
35 percent of population – 4G coverage
96 percent of population- 2G coverage

Human Resource

Employees with disability grew by 0.3 percent to 1.7 percent
32 percent women in Senior Management, up 2 percent
7 percent decline in staff dismissal for fraud
98 percent staff trained on ethics and anti-corruption

Environmental footprint

97 percent waste generated within the business recycled or reused
5 percent increase to our carbon footprint
155 Base Station Sites powered by renewable energy. Up by 16.5 percent
1.2 million households using M-Kopa solar’s clean, green energy home lighting solutions, a 128 percent increase from the 2017 FY.

Impact on education

43,000 refugee students accessing high quality education through Instant Network Schools program.
2.8 million students receiving educational support through Shupavu 291.

Impact on health