Dear Listers,

The Kenyan government plans to sell a significant portion of its 35% stake in Safaricom PLC as part of a broader strategy to raise KSh 149 billion (about $1.16 billion) during the 2025/26 financial year to finance the national budget.

Two main approaches are being considered: a secondary Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, or a block sale targeting high-net-worth investors, potentially attracting regional and international buyers.

Safaricom, whose estimated value is at around KES 280.5 billion, is the largest and most valuable state-owned enterprise capable of generating substantial revenue compared to other parastatals. The government receives healthy dividends of about KES 16 billion annually from the company, which now has operations in neighbouring Ethiopia.

Read more: https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/economy/treasury-to-sell-safaricom-stake-in-sh149bn-plan-5056992

Is this a smart move? What say you?