Tech giant Safaricom has hit a huge milestone in its 5G network expansion, surpassing 1,100 sites across Kenya. With 1,114 active 5G sites now covering 102 towns in all 47 counties, Safaricom's network reaches 14 percent of the population, enabling more Kenyans to experience the benefits of high-speed internet.

This expansion has brought over 780,000 active 5G smartphones online, reflecting a growing adoption of the technology.

In a statement, the company has announced that it now serves more than 11,000 enterprise customers on its 5G network, supporting a wide range of digital solutions that enhance business operations and innovation.

Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom PLC, highlighted the company’s commitment to leading Kenya’s digital transformation, noting that 5G network will play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide, enabling access to information, critical services, and communication.

Since launching Kenya’s first 5G service in October 2022, Safaricom has continued to expand its network, driving the digitization of enterprise solutions across IoT, cybersecurity, cloud services, and payments.

This has led to optimized business operations and opened up new opportunities for innovation and scalability across various industries.

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As Safaricom aims to become Africa’s leading purpose-driven technology company by 2030, the future of 5G holds immense promise for the continent. The next-generation technology is expected to unlock new possibilities in areas such as immersive experiences, gaming, smart warehousing, telemedicine, and smart irrigation, contributing to the development of Kenya’s digital economy.

However, the full potential of 5G in Africa will depend on overcoming challenges such as high infrastructure costs, regulatory hurdles, and the limited availability of 5G-compatible devices, ensuring that the benefits reach all segments of the population, including rural and underserved communities.