The 2026 Global Mobile Awards, held during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, have named Safaricom and Huawei as winners in the Best Fintech and Digital Commerce Innovation category. The recognition centers on the Ziidi investment platform, a digital wealth management solution developed to integrate investment opportunities directly into the mobile money environment.
Selected from a global shortlist of five finalists, the Ziidi platform was evaluated by a panel of independent industry analysts and journalists. Judges focused on solutions that demonstrate practical impact on financial inclusion and the modernization of digital commerce. The award comes as Safaricom marks 19 years since the inception of its mobile money ecosystem.
Launched as a joint effort between the Kenyan telecommunications firm and Huawei, Ziidi functions as a money market fund and stock trading interface. It allows users to transition from basic savings to active capital market participation. In Kenya, where traditional investment channels often require complex onboarding, the platform uses a digital-first approach to reach low- and middle-income demographics.
The technical infrastructure for the service is provided by Huawei, supporting real-time transactions and the scalability required for a high-volume user base. This digital framework enables users to earn interest daily and access funds without the notice periods typical of standard investment vehicles.
Operational compliance is maintained through oversight from the Capital Markets Authority. The platform currently partners with asset managers, including Standard Investment Bank and Kestrel Capital, to facilitate trades and manage fund allocations. According to company data, Ziidi has moved into the top ten money market funds in Kenya since its initial rollout.
Safaricom representatives in Barcelona noted that the platform is intended to lower entry barriers for retail investors. By removing the requirement for individual CDS accounts through the use of an omnibus structure, the system allows for the purchase of shares and corporate bonds with reduced administrative friction.
The win adds to a history of recognition for Safaricom at the GLOMO Awards, which has previously cited the firm for developments in agricultural technology and mobile app architecture. This latest award highlights the ongoing shift from simple payment processing toward a comprehensive financial services model encompassing credit, insurance, and wealth management.
Industry observers at MWC 2026 pointed to the partnership between telecommunications providers and infrastructure firms as a primary driver for these regional financial developments. The Ziidi platform serves as a case study for how mobile networks can be utilized to host complex financial instruments for a broad public audience.
Comments (0)
Leave a Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!