Safaricom Ethiopia has crossed a major operational milestone, reaching 10 million 90-day active customers, just four years after receiving its license to operate. The landmark achievement underlines the telco’s rapid growth and its critical role in Ethiopia’s ongoing digital transformation.
The company’s swift rise in one of Africa’s most competitive telecom markets is backed by a strong infrastructure investment strategy, a growing demand for mobile connectivity, and focused community engagement.
“Achieving 10 million active customers is a proud moment for us,” said Wim Vanhelleputte, CEO of Safaricom Ethiopia. “Behind each SIM card is a person, a family, a business, and a future. We remain committed to empowering Ethiopia through world-class connectivity and innovation.”
Since its entry into the Ethiopian market in 2019, Safaricom Ethiopia has invested over 300 billion Ethiopian Birr (approximately USD 2.27 billion) in building nationwide telecom and digital financial services infrastructure.
Key developments include:
- A 4G network covering over 50% of Ethiopia’s population
- 3,141 active sites across more than 150 towns and cities
- An average of 31,000 new users joining the network every day
- 7.1 million mobile data users, with per-user data consumption growing to 6.5GB per month, a 53% increase year-over-year
These numbers signal the platform’s expanding relevance in Ethiopia’s digital landscape and reflect its growing customer trust.
Safaricom Ethiopia’s growth is anchored in local talent. The company directly employs over 900 staff, 97% of whom are Ethiopian, and has created indirect employment for over 20,000 people. These include SIM-selling agents, distribution partners, subcontractors, and network support teams.
The company has also made significant social investments, committing over 100 million ETB to education and humanitarian causes. Notable initiatives include:
- Providing laptops, routers, and free internet to schools nationwide
- Emergency assistance to fire-affected businesses in Ashewa, landslide victims in Gofa Zone, and earthquake survivors in Afar
- A donation of 10 million ETB to the Mekedonia Humanitarian Association
“This milestone is more than just a number. It reflects the trust of the Ethiopian people, the support of government and partners, and the dedication of thousands of workers building a more connected nation,” said Vanhelleputte.
Ethiopia, Africa’s second-most populous country, presents immense growth potential for digital services. Safaricom Ethiopia’s rapid customer uptake indicates strong demand for reliable, affordable, and high-speed connectivity, particularly as more citizens come online for education, business, and financial services.
The company’s entry has also opened up competition in a sector long dominated by state-owned Ethio Telecom, and contributed to efforts by the Ethiopian government to liberalize the telecom industry and attract foreign investment.
Safaricom Ethiopia is positioning itself as a long-term, inclusive partner in Ethiopia’s digital future. With its expanding network footprint, local workforce, and community-focused investments, the company aims to bridge the digital divide and support national development priorities.
“Our mission remains clear — to serve and enable Ethiopians everywhere with quality connectivity,” Vanhelleputte said. “We thank our customers, regulators, and partners for walking this journey with us. Together, we are building a more connected, inclusive, and prosperous Ethiopia.”
