Safaricom Ethiopia has surpassed 15 million 90-day active subscribers, less than four years after launching commercial operations in October 2022.
Safaricom Ethiopia has built more than 3,500 network sites since receiving its licence, extending coverage to about 60% of Ethiopia's population. All its sites are 4G-enabled and 5G-ready.
"This represents one of the fastest network rollouts by a greenfield telecom operator in Africa, and one of the fastest globally for a new entrant building a nationwide network from scratch," said Safaricom Ethiopia chief executive Wim Vanhelleputte.
The operator is also moving closer to financial breakeven after five years of investment in network infrastructure, distribution, technology and operations. Safaricom has said losses in Ethiopia have narrowed significantly, with the business targeting breakeven in the financial year ending March 2027.
Safaricom Ethiopia said it has invested ETB139 million (approximately $0.87 million) directly in community development, while shareholders and partners have contributed a further ETB545 million (approximately $3.4 million).
The combined investment of ETB684 million (approximately $4.27 million) has supported communities during the company's first four years of operation.
‘“We have also witnessed the emergence of world-class talent in information technology in Ethiopia, and we have played our part in supporting that journey, said Vanhelleputte.
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