Karen Basiye, Safaricom’s Director of Sustainable Business, Social Impact, and Foundations, has been named Schwab Foundation Corporate Social Innovator of the Year 2026.
The Schwab Foundation Awards 2026 celebrate 21 social entrepreneurs and innovators who are driving systemic change around the world.These leaders are values-driven innovators pioneering transformative business, social development and environmental models that are helping build a more equitable and sustainable world.
Presented by the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, in partnership with the World Economic Forum, the award goes beyond individual excellence. It underscores a powerful philosophy often described as the Spirit of Safaricom—the belief that business success is inseparable from societal progress.
At the forefront of integrating social and environmental impact into corporate operations, Karen Basiye has helped redefine how technology-driven companies can become agents of positive change. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing climate action, expanding digital inclusion, and ensuring that innovation reaches underserved and vulnerable communities.
Under her stewardship, sustainability is not treated as a compliance exercise but as a strategic driver. Karen champions the use of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) not as checklists, but as tools for building a net-positive future,one where technology does more than connect people; it transforms lives.
As Africa accelerates its digital and green transitions, leaders like Karen Basiye stand out for proving that corporate leadership, when grounded in purpose, can deliver both economic value and lasting social impact.
Her recognition sends a powerful message that women leaders are shaping the future of responsible business on the global stage.
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