By Patricia Okumu

In the wake of engaging with the Ethiopian Communications Authority and other relevant partners, Safaricom Ethiopia has finally  been  granted a nationwide full-service Unified Telecommunications Service Licence .

The international consortium dubbed as The Global Partnership for Ethiopia is aimed at helping the country realise its digital potential and leverage technology to build a more prosperous society.

“For two decades, Safaricom PLC has combined the power of technology and our innovative spirit to solve customer and societal challenges. Led by our Purpose to Transform Lives, we have deepened digital and financial inclusion in Kenya by connecting people to people, people to opportunities and people to information.”

“With these lessons and experiences, we look forward to positively impacting the people of Ethiopia with a sustainable and quality mobile network that will be a vital launch pad for nationwide digital telecommunications services to over 118 million Ethiopians,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom PLC.

The consortium included British development finance agency CDC Group, Vodafone and Vodacom, and Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation. Through its 34.9% stake in Safaricom and its 6.2% direct stake in Safaricom Ethiopia, Vodacom Group holds an effective 25.7% interest in the Safaricom Ethiopia business.

In addition to the nation’s capital and second-largest city, Dire Dawa, the company’s 2G, 3G, and 4G mobile services are now accessible in 11 locations.

In order to achieve the 25% population coverage requirement in its licence, Safaricom Ethiopia claims it will begin offering services in 25 cities overall by April 2023. In addition to agreements in place for infrastructure sharing and connectivity with Ethio Telecom, Safaricom Ethiopia is constructing a fully-owned mobile network.

Speaking during the launch ceremony today, Shameel Joosub, Vodacom Group CEO expressed that this digital transformation will positively transform the lives of Ethiopians throughout the country, notably by making various Tech for Good solutions and services available in health, education, manufacturing, agriculture and digital finance.