Safaricom launches network in Ethiopia as first private operator

Kenya’s Safaricom launched its network in Ethiopia on Thursday, becoming the first private operator in one of Africa’s largest telecoms markets.

State-owned Ethio Telecom has until now enjoyed a monopoly in Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous country with an estimated 118 million people.

Safaricom Ethiopia switched on its network and services in the capital Addis Ababa on Thursday following network pilots in 10 cities, it said in a statement.

Safaricom leads a consortium entering the market including South Africa’s Vodacom and Britain’s Vodafone.

Its network was supposed to launch in April but was delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic and logistical challenges.

Safaricom Ethiopia said it plans a national network rollout to reach 14 additional cities by April 2023.

“We are optimistic about how the technology and connectivity we are providing will contribute to a digital future and eventually transform people’s lives,” said Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa.

The government announced plans to partially privatise Ethio Telecom after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took power in 2018 but said in March that it had decided to postpone the process citing economic challenges.

But Abiy’s efforts to open the economy up to investment have been damaged by a nearly two-year-long war in the northern region of Tigray, which has killed thousands and uprooted millions.

Abiy and Kenyan President William Ruto were due to speak later on Thursday at Safaricom Ethiopia’s official launch ceremony in Addis Ababa. Reuters