Safaricom Ethiopia has achieved a significant milestone by reaching 10 million active customers within 90 days of use, just four years after acquiring its license to operate in the country. The announcement was made on July 1, signaling Safaricom’s rapid market penetration and growing trust among Ethiopian consumers.
In a press release dated June 1, Safaricom PLC CEO Peter Ndegwa and Safaricom Ethiopia CEO Wim Vanhelleputte emphasized that this success reflects the country’s increasing embrace of mobile technology and digital financial services. The milestone, they noted, is a key step in Safaricom’s mission to drive inclusive connectivity and digital transformation in Ethiopia.
“Behind each SIM card there is an individual, a family, a business, and a future,” said Vanhelleputte.
$2.27 Billion Invested in Building Ethiopia’s Digital Infrastructure
Since entering the Ethiopian market, Safaricom has invested over 300 billion Ethiopian Birr (USD 2.27 billion) in building infrastructure for mobile connectivity and digital financial services. This includes the rollout of one of Ethiopia’s fastest and most reliable 4G networks.
The company now boasts 3,141 live 4G sites, covering more than 50% of the country’s population across over 150 towns and cities.
The 10 million-customer milestone is being driven by the onboarding of approximately 31,000 new users daily, a pace that reflects both urban and rural demand for high-quality, accessible telecommunications.
“This is not just a number. It’s a responsibility and a renewed sense of purpose,” said Vanhelleputte. “It shows our service is resonating with Ethiopians.”
Job Creation and Local Empowerment at Scale
Safaricom Ethiopia’s impact goes far beyond connectivity. The company now directly employs 900 staff, with 97% being Ethiopian nationals. Through its growing ecosystem of agents and service partners, the company has also created indirect job opportunities for more than 20,000 people.
These include:
- SIM-selling agents
- Brand ambassadors
- Distribution partners
- Network support staff
- Digital financial service representatives
This localized employment model aligns with Safaricom’s vision of fostering shared prosperity and building digital capacity across Ethiopian communities.
Government Collaboration and Stakeholder Support
According to Safaricom leadership, the company’s rapid growth has been made possible by collaboration with the Ethiopian government, regulators, local partners, and the support of its growing customer base.
“This milestone is a collective achievement,” said Safaricom PLC CEO Dr. Peter Ndegwa. “It reflects what’s possible when government and private sector work together toward a digital future.”
Dr. Ndegwa reaffirmed Safaricom’s long-term commitment to Ethiopia, emphasizing the goal of transforming lives through reliable, inclusive, and innovative connectivity.
“We are proud of our accomplishments and remain committed to connecting people, creating opportunities, and contributing to a truly Digital Ethiopia,” he said.
A Strategic Bet on One of Africa’s Largest Untapped Markets
Ethiopia, with its population of over 120 million, remains one of the largest and fastest-growing telecommunications markets in Africa. For years, the sector was dominated by a single state-run operator until Ethiopia opened up to competition in 2021.
Safaricom Ethiopia was awarded its operating license in May 2021 and launched its mobile services shortly after, marking one of the most high-profile foreign investments in the country’s telecom sector.
Since then, Safaricom has not only offered voice and data services but has also introduced M-PESA, its mobile money platform, expanding access to digital financial services for millions of previously underserved Ethiopians.
Digital Inclusion as a Core Mission
Safaricom Ethiopia’s vision is not just commercial—it’s transformational. The company has positioned itself as a partner in Ethiopia’s national digital strategy, with a focus on:
- Bridging the digital divide
- Expanding rural connectivity
- Creating access to financial tools
- Promoting digital literacy
- Supporting government e-services and digitization
This aligns with Ethiopia’s broader goals to enhance productivity, economic inclusion, and governance through technology.
“We’re building for the future,” Vanhelleputte said. “Our infrastructure is designed not just for today’s use, but for tomorrow’s digital economy.”
Looking Ahead: A Bigger Role in Regional Connectivity?
As Safaricom celebrates its 10-million-user mark in Ethiopia, questions are already being asked about what’s next. The company has expressed interest in expanding its fiber internet and enterprise solutions, and is continuing to scale its mobile money services, which could have a massive impact on financial inclusion.
Safaricom also remains a key player in the East African digital ecosystem, and its Ethiopian operations are expected to play a strategic role in regional digital trade, cross-border services, and connectivity innovation.
Quick Highlights: Safaricom Ethiopia’s Growth
- ✅ 10 million active 90-day customers as of July 1, 2025
- ✅ Over 300 billion Birr (USD 2.27B) invested in infrastructure
- ✅ 3,141 4G sites covering 150+ towns and 50%+ of population
- ✅ 31,000+ new users onboarded daily
- ✅ 900 direct employees (97% Ethiopian), 20,000+ indirect jobs
- ✅ Key player in Ethiopia’s digital transformation strategy