Ethiopia’s first private telecom firm, Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia Private Limited Company (PLC), on Thursday officially launched its mobile telecommunications network and services in Ethiopia.
Safaricom Ethiopia began its network and services in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia and 10 other cities in the country.
Following the launch in the capital, Safaricom Ethiopia’s 2G, 3G and 4G mobile services are available in 11 cities, including the capital and the country’s second-largest city Dire Dawa.
Anwar Soussa, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Safaricom Ethiopia, speaking during the launching ceremony, described the launch as “a momentous day.”
The company further announced its plans to launch services in a total of 25 cities by April 2023 to meet the 25 percent population coverage obligation in its license.
Meanwhile, the government of Ethiopia is set to grant Safaricom a licence to launch the M-Pesa mobile money services in the country.
Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom Plc, said he was “elated to announce an agreement” with the Federal Government of Ethiopia for roll out of mobile financial services.
The announcement was made at the national launch of Safaricom in Ethiopia in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Kenyan President William Ruto.
“We congratulate Safaricom for being authorised to run mobile money in Ethiopia,” said President Ruto.
MG/as/APA