Kenya's mobile money sector experienced significant growth in the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, with subscriptions increasing from 51.4 million to 53.4 million between January and March 2026, according to the Communications Authority of Kenya. This represents a quarterly growth rate of 3.9%, amounting to approximately two million new subscriptions.

Kenya has solidified its status as a leading digital financial market, bolstered by widespread mobile money adoption and a growing cashless payment ecosystem. The mobile merchant payments sector has seen consistent growth, primarily fueled by Safaricom's Lipa na M-Pesa platform, which has significantly enhanced mobile retail transaction volumes.

Safaricom's smartphone factory in Kenya assembled approximately 700,000 devices in its first year of operation, contributing to increased access to technology in the region. The factory also created around 300 jobs, highlighting the impact of local manufacturing on employment. This development is part of a broader narrative focusing on connectivity rather than just device specifications, according to Vodacom Group's FY2026 integrated report.

Paymentology has facilitated the launch of Africa's first mobile-money Tap-to-Pay feature in collaboration with Vodacom Tanzania Plc and M-Pesa Africa. This initiative aims to enhance mobile payment options across the continent.

Safaricom's Pochi La Biashara is a mobile money service designed to support small and medium-sized businesses in Kenya. It offers various features, charges, and benefits tailored to entrepreneurs, including those in sectors like retail and transportation. The service aims to streamline cash flow management for users as their businesses expand, addressing common financial challenges faced by business owners, according to Tech-ish.

M-KOPA Uganda has unlocked over Shs1 trillion in cumulative credit for more than one million customers since its inception in 2013. This milestone highlights the company's efforts to enhance access to smartphones and digital financial services for Ugandans who are typically excluded from traditional banking systems. The announcement also includes the launch of new upgrade benefits for customers.