BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY MEDIA FOR AFRICA

Safaricom Ethiopia hits 10 million active customers

By Nixon Kanali, Kenya Correspondent
Johannesburg, 02 Jul 2025
Wim Vanhelleputte, CEO of Safaricom Ethiopia.
Wim Vanhelleputte, CEO of Safaricom Ethiopia.

Safaricom Ethiopia has marked a significant milestone, having reached 10 million active customers in just four years after acquiring its operating licence.

According to the telco, the figure is based on active users during the last 90 days.

Safaricom Ethiopia said in a statement on Tuesday that this milestone represents a significant step forward in the company's commitment to enabling Ethiopia's digital transformation by establishing inclusive, high-quality mobile connectivity that empowers everyone, everywhere, and at all times.

“Achieving an active customer base of 10 million is a significant milestone for us, but it also brings with it great responsibility,” said Wim Vanhelleputte, CEO of Safaricom Ethiopia. ''Behind each SIM card, there is an individual, a family, a business, and a future. Our mission is to serve, enable, and support Ethiopia's development through world-class connectivity and innovation.”

‘’Our mission is to serve, enable, and support Ethiopia's development through world-class connectivity and innovation. We are proud of our accomplishments and remain committed to further connecting people, creating opportunities, and contributing to a truly Digital Ethiopia.”

Since launching operations, Safaricom Ethiopia has invested more than 300 billion Ethiopian birr (approximately $ 2.27 billion) to develop telecoms and digital financial services infrastructure.

The company’s growing 4G network now covers over half of Ethiopia’s population, with more than 3,140 live network sites deployed in over 150 towns and cities nationwide.

Customer adoption also continues to grow at a steady pace, with an average of 31,000 new users joining the network daily.

Of the 10 million active customers, 7.1 million are active mobile data users. Per-user data consumption has risen sharply, averaging 6.5GB per month, a 53% increase from the previous year.

This success, the company said, is powered by people. Safaricom Ethiopia employs 900 direct staff, 97% of whom are Ethiopian nationals. 

The wider ecosystem has also created over 20,000 indirect jobs through SIM-selling brand ambassadors, distribution networks, and subcontractors involved in network rollout and customer service.

As Safaricom Ethiopia looks ahead, the company said it is committed to being a reliable, inclusive, and impactful partner in the country’s digital journey.

Vanhelleputte said: “We also sincerely thank the Government of Ethiopia, our regulators, and partners whose collaboration and guidance have been instrumental in this journey. Together, we are building a more connected, inclusive, and prosperous Ethiopia.”

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