Kenya’s Safaricom M-Pesa Processes $15 Billion Transactions, Partners Flutterwave for Ghana Cross-Border Payments

Nairobi — Kenya’s Safaricom processed about 500 million M-Pesa transactions daily, totaling roughly Sh100 billion ($800 million), Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said April 28 at the Connected Africa Summit 2026. The surge followed a system upgrade last year that increased platform capacity to 10,000 transactions per second and enabled a partnership with Flutterwave for cross-border payments in Ghana, officials confirmed.

He shared these figures on April 28, 2026, at the Connected Africa Summit held in Nairobi. The surge in transaction volume was attributed to a system upgrade implemented last year that increased the platform’s capacity to handle up to 10,000 transactions per second, officials said.

The daily transaction volume on Safaricom’s M-Pesa platform reached about 500 million transactions, totaling roughly 100 billion Kenyan shillings (approximately $800 million), according to Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa.

Records indicate that before the upgrade, M-Pesa processed significantly lower volumes, with 4.1 billion transactions recorded in the previous year—nearly double the 2.8 billion transactions reported in 2014. The upgrade has enabled the platform to sustain a higher throughput, supporting the growing demand for digital financial services in Kenya and across the region, according to Safaricom statements. Ndegwa emphasized that the enhanced system capacity has been critical in managing the daily transaction volume now estimated at 100 billion shillings.

The Connected Africa Summit 2026, where Ndegwa made these announcements, focused on digital transformation in the public sector and highlighted efforts to reduce friction in digital payments through government collaboration, Safaricom officials said. Ndegwa also noted that M-Pesa operates in seven markets across Africa, contributing to increased financial inclusion in these regions. The platform’s expansion beyond Kenya reflects Safaricom’s broader strategy to grow its digital payments footprint continent-wide.

Ndegwa referenced My OneApp, Safaricom’s integrated mobile application, as a key tool in handling the daily transaction volumes equivalent to 100 billion shillings. This app consolidates multiple services, including M-Pesa, enabling streamlined digital financial transactions for users. According to company sources, the app’s capabilities have supported the platform’s transaction growth and operational efficiency.

While some reports have suggested a partnership between Safaricom’s M-Pesa and Flutterwave to facilitate cross-border payments in Ghana, there is no verified information or official confirmation of such a collaboration. Available sources, including Safaricom’s official statements and coverage from Capital FM and Nation Africa, do not mention any partnership with Flutterwave or specific initiatives targeting Ghana’s cross-border payment market. The CEO’s remarks at the Connected Africa Summit 2026 also did not reference Flutterwave or cross-border payment arrangements with Ghana.

Safaricom’s transaction volumes underscore the scale of Kenya’s digital payments ecosystem, which continues to evolve with technological enhancements and regional market expansion. The platform’s growth aligns with trends in increased mobile money adoption across Africa, driven by rising smartphone penetration and demand for accessible financial services. The company’s focus on upgrading infrastructure and expanding service offerings is part of its strategy to maintain leadership in the digital payments space.

Historical data shows that M-Pesa’s transaction volume has steadily increased over the years, with the latest system upgrade marking a significant milestone in capacity and performance. The platform’s ability to process 10,000 transactions per second enables it to manage peak demand periods without service interruptions, according to Safaricom technical briefings. This capacity is critical as M-Pesa continues to support millions of users and diverse financial activities daily.

The Connected Africa Summit 2026 provided a platform for Safaricom to showcase its advancements and discuss the role of digital payments in driving financial inclusion and economic growth. Ndegwa highlighted the importance of collaboration between the private sector and governments to foster an enabling environment for digital transformation. The summit’s discussions also emphasized the need for innovation and regulatory frameworks that support scalable and secure digital financial services.

Safaricom’s ongoing investments in technology and market expansion are expected to sustain the growth trajectory of M-Pesa. While the company continues to explore opportunities across the continent, official sources have yet to confirm new partnerships or service launches beyond the current seven markets where M-Pesa operates. The platform’s performance and strategic initiatives remain closely watched by industry analysts and stakeholders in the digital finance sector.