Investor day is key for organizations to recalibrate with the investment community and define their new strategic roadmaps.

As business organizations continue to evolve, they are constantly challenged to stay ahead of the curve, anticipate market shifts, and adapt to changing investor expectations. Indeed, over the years, most companies that are listed on the stock exchange hold several events aimed at their investors. One that has gathered momentum in recent years is an Investor Day.

Perhaps you've already heard of it, however do you know exactly what it entails, why it is held and why does it hold such significance?

In February 2024, Safaricom PLC held its second Investor Day in Addis Ababa, providing an opportunity for the investment community to gain insights into the company's achievements and future plans as well as see the progress so far in Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia PLC .

The investor day, themed " Scaling Operations for Ethiopia’s Digital Future," brought together over 150 attendees comprised of analysts, regulators, Government representatives, Safaricom PLC Kenya and Ethiopia board members and senior management.

Investor Day has become more than just a routine event on the corporate calendar; it is a moment of significance where companies have the undivided attention of investors, analysts, and stakeholders.? It serves as a platform for organizations to communicate their vision, showcase their achievements, and outline their plans.

The output is that there is an opportunity for a strategic dialogue between companies and their investors, aimed at aligning interests, managing expectations, and charting a course towards sustainable growth.

Beyond the numbers, Investor Days have lived to underscore the transformative power of such gatherings, transcending traditional financial reporting. Indeed, during the second Safaricom investor day, Safaricom PLC had an opportunity to articulate its overarching vision for Ethiopia, shedding light on its progress and future plans in the region.

The key focus for this day was to build investor confidence by providing important and accurate information that influence decision making by investors. Indeed, we had engaging presentations, interactive sessions, and immersive experiences, that offered stakeholders a comprehensive understanding of our operations, strategies, and impact. This guidance empowers investors to make well-informed decisions in an environment where information overload can be overwhelming.

One notable aspect of the Safaricom Investor Day was the inclusion of field trips and market immersions. This provided investors with firsthand experience and insights into our operations, hence adding a tangible dimension to the investor-company relationship. This move did not only enhance transparency but also demonstrated our commitment to accountability and stakeholder engagement.

This kind of engagement also demonstrated collaboration, and long-term value creation. It reflected our dedication to foster trust and build a sustainable partnership with our investors and stakeholders. Ultimately, we were able to go beyond financial metrics and embrace a holistic approach to communication showcasing our continued success in Ethiopia's dynamic telecommunications sector.

Perhaps the most notable value proposition for investor day is that it serves as a catalyst for innovation and growth. It provides a platform for companies to showcase their strategic technological investment and how they differentiate themselves in the marketplace. For instance, Safaricom was able to provide clarity its scaling operations for Ethiopia's digital future underscoring its commitment to driving socio-economic development and empowering communities through technology.

As we look to the future, Investor Day will remain an indispensable tool for organization that is seeking to establish a solid foundation of trust, communication, and transparency with investors, ultimately positioning itself for sustained growth, enhanced investor confidence, and a positive market perception.

It is also important to always keep in mind that, investor relations go beyond numbers and sculpt a credible corporate image and foster relationships, paving the way for sustainable growth.

First published in The Business Watch.