Safaricom has teamed up with the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) to launch Ziidi Trader, a digital platform that allows millions of Kenyans to trade shares directly through their mobile phones.
The move integrates the local stock market into the M-PESA ecosystem, effectively lowering the barrier to entry for retail investors.
By leveraging M-PESA’s massive scale, the partners aim to democratise wealth creation, allowing users to buy and sell listed shares and corporate bonds with a few taps on their smartphones.
Ziidi Trader marks the latest expansion of the Ziidi Investment Platform.
Safaricom initially launched Ziidi MMF to encourage savings, followed by Ziidi Shariah for inclusive, Shariah-compliant investing. This new phase, however, shifts the focus toward active participation in Kenya’s capital markets.
“Ziidi Trader is a powerful step in democratizing wealth for our customers,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom PLC. “For eighteen years, M-PESA has transformed how Kenyans live, work and do business. Today, in partnership with the NSE, we are extending that impact to how our customers build and grow their wealth.”
To ensure market integrity, the platform operates under the direct oversight of the Capital Markets Authority.
This regulatory backing is intended to provide investor protection and transparency, alongside disclosures designed to support long-term, informed investing.
Consequently, the investment process has been significantly simplified.
Customers can access the service via the M-PESA App under the “Financial Services” tab.
Furthermore, the entry requirements are remarkably low; once a user accepts the terms and conditions, they can start investing with as little as a single share.
Driving financial literacy
Beyond simple transactions, the platform provides users with market insights and portfolio monitoring tools.
This aligns with a broader national agenda to improve financial literacy and modernise market access for both local and diaspora investors.
Frank Mwiti, CEO of the Nairobi Securities Exchange, noted that the partnership is essential for bringing the stock market closer to “everyday Kenyans.”
He added: “By making NSE trading available through M-PESA, we are making it easier for more people, both locally and abroad to invest and play an active role in Kenya’s economic growth.”
In addition to equities, Ziidi Trader allows users to invest in corporate bonds, offering a secure avenue to diversify financial portfolios.
Safaricom maintains that the platform’s security is underpinned by its own “trusted technology” and the NSE’s “market expertise,” ensuring data protection and smooth transaction processing.
Ultimately, Ziidi Trader represents a major step in Safaricom’s smartphone and digitisation strategy.
By making the stock market accessible to anyone with a mobile phone, the two institutions are betting on a more inclusive financial future, where every Kenyan has the tools and confidence to build long-term wealth.