Opera, software innovator, has renewed its partnership with Safaricom to provide 1.5GB of free browsing data every month to Opera Mini users in Kenya, strengthening efforts to expand affordable internet access across the country. The offer applies automatically to all new and existing Opera Mini users on the Safaricom network who open or update the app.
The renewed collaboration comes amid rising demand for low-cost data solutions, with Kenya’s mobile data subscriptions reaching 58.5 million by June 2025, a 27.3 percent increase from the previous year, according to the Communications Authority of Kenya.
Opera reports that the free data campaign has driven a surge in usage. Monthly average users in Kenya have grown by 13 percent, while weekly usage shows that 47 percent of Kenyans now use Opera Mini as their default browser, a 40 percent rise since the start of the year.
“Our partnership with Safaricom aims to give every Kenyan the ability to connect to the web, learn, and create – without worrying about data limits,” said Jørgen Arnesen, EVP of Mobile at Opera. “Opera Mini is the smart choice for anyone who wants to stay connected while making data-conscious decisions.”
Among Safaricom subscribers, Opera Mini has recorded a 93 percent increase in daily active users and a 55 percent rise in the number of pages loaded since the campaign relaunched, reinforcing its position as one of the most data-efficient browsers in Africa.
Safaricom says the initiative aligns with its commitment to deepen digital inclusion. “This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to delivering meaningful value to our customers. By enabling 1.5GB of free browsing each month through Opera Mini, we are empowering millions of Kenyans to access the opportunities the internet provides,” said Fawzia Ali-Kimanthi, Chief Consumer Business Officer, Safaricom PLC.
Opera Mini’s data-saving technology remains central to its appeal, allowing users to save up to 90 percent of their mobile data through features such as compression, a download manager, and offline capabilities. Opera also operates local data centres, including one in Nairobi, to boost speed, reduce latency, and improve reliability even on low-bandwidth connections.
The browser has also integrated free, unlimited AI tools directly into Opera Mini, offering users capabilities such as writing assistance, summarisation, translation, and improved search. Because these AI features run within the browser, they consume significantly less data than standalone AI apps.
With AI adoption rising rapidly among younger Kenyans, Opera says integrating AI into an already popular data-saving browser ensures the technology is accessible to a wider audience.
Opera Mini also includes personalised newsfeeds, live sports scores, and a built-in ad blocker to enhance browsing efficiency.
