Safaricom Ethiopia to Offer Full Coverage in Eastern Ethiopia by End of October

: Safaricom Ethiopia to achieve full coverage in eastern Ethiopia by October 2024, marking a major milestone in its expansion two years after launch

By Charles Wachira

 Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia is set to achieve full coverage of eastern Ethiopia by the end of October, a crucial milestone for the telecom giant, which launched operations in the country just two years ago. This move comes as part of the company’s broader expansion strategy, which aims to provide nationwide service by the time its 15-year operating license reaches the halfway point in 2028.

Executives at Safaricom Ethiopia, the Ethiopian arm of Kenya’s Safaricom PLC, shared this development during a press briefing in Addis Ababa, emphasizing the importance of expanding telecom access to underserved regions. “We are proud to announce that by the end of this month, we will be offering complete coverage across eastern Ethiopia. This is a significant achievement for us, and it marks another important step in our journey to bring connectivity to all Ethiopians,” said Anwar Soussa, CEO of Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia.

Accelerating Expansion

Safaricom Ethiopia was awarded a 15-year license in May 2021 after paying $850 million, making it the first private telecom operator in the country, which had long been dominated by state-owned Ethio Telecom. By October 2022, the company had officially launched its services in Addis Ababa, serving about 1 million customers in the first month.

Since then, the company has been aggressive in expanding its footprint across Ethiopia’s vast landscape, where connectivity had long been a challenge, particularly in rural areas. Today, Safaricom Ethiopia boasts over 4.6 million subscribers across the country, with a focus on delivering affordable, reliable, and high-quality mobile services.

“Our commitment from day one has been to extend coverage to every corner of this beautiful country,” Soussa remarked. “Our investment is not just in infrastructure, but in the people of Ethiopia. We’re working hard to bring digital inclusion to all regions, including those that have historically been left behind.”

Economic and Social Impact

This expansion into eastern Ethiopia, a region with over 25 million people, represents more than just increased telecom access—it’s part of a broader effort to stimulate economic activity. Improved mobile connectivity is expected to enhance local businesses, foster mobile banking, and boost access to digital platforms that can transform sectors like agriculture and education.

According to figures shared by Safaricom Ethiopia, the company has invested over $1 billion in network infrastructure since entering the market. The deployment of 4G and 5G networks, in particular, is expected to drive data usage and enable faster, more efficient communication across the region.

“As we continue to build our network, we are also mindful of the socio-economic impact of our services,” Soussa noted. “Connectivity is key to unlocking new opportunities for businesses and individuals, and we are proud to contribute to Ethiopia’s digital transformation.”

Looking Ahead

Safaricom Ethiopia’s aggressive expansion plan aligns with the Ethiopian government’s ongoing liberalization of the telecom sector, which is seen as a catalyst for the country’s broader economic reforms. The government has indicated that it plans to sell a 40% stake in Ethio Telecom in the coming years, further opening up the market to competition.

By the end of 2024, Safaricom aims to have deployed over 5,000 network towers across Ethiopia, reaching a coverage rate of over 75% of the population. The company is also looking into launching mobile financial services in the near future, pending regulatory approval from the National Bank of Ethiopia.

As Safaricom continues its rapid growth, challenges remain, particularly in regions with difficult terrain and security concerns. However, the company remains committed to its long-term vision for the Ethiopian market.

“Our 15-year license is more than just an entry into a new market—it’s a commitment to Ethiopia’s future. We are here for the long haul, and we’re excited to see what the next decade brings,” Soussa concluded.

With full coverage of eastern Ethiopia imminent, Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia is on course to become a key player in the country’s telecom landscape, reshaping the way millions of Ethiopians connect and communicate.

Conclusion

Safaricom Ethiopia’s milestone of achieving full coverage in eastern Ethiopia by the end of October signifies not only the rapid expansion of the company but also a broader shift in Ethiopia’s telecom industry. With substantial investments and a vision for digital inclusion, Safaricom’s efforts will likely accelerate the country’s economic growth and digital transformation. The success of the company’s rollout will be closely watched, both within Ethiopia and across the African continent, as other nations consider similar liberalization efforts.

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