Ethiopia on Friday launched a tender for a second telecommunications licence.

Ethiopian Communications Authority releasedthe request for qualifications (RFQ) for the second new telecommunications licence, saying it is inviting “world-class telecom operators to come forward and take part in this exciting opportunity to operate within Ethiopia’s rapidly growing economy”.

It added: “There are several positive developments occurring in the Ethiopian telecommunications sector since the beginning of the liberalisation process including a strong telecommunications sector legal and regulatory framework, a legal framework to provide mobile financial services, and availability of additional spectrum.”

The regulator said responses made in accordance with the RFQ must be electronically or physically delivered to its offices, no later than 5:00 pm East Africa Time (GMT+3), on September 15, 2023.

The new licence will be the third for Ethiopia alongsideSafaricom Ethiopia, and government-owned Ethio Telecom.