Safaricom Ethiopia has reached a major milestone, serving 10 million 90 days active customers across Ethiopia, just four years after receiving its license to operate.
Wim Vanhelleputte, Chief Executive Officer of Safaricom Ethiopia, said: “Achieving an active customer base of 10 million is a significant milestone for us, but it also brings with it great responsibility. 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. We are proud of our accomplishments and remain committed to further connecting people, creating opportunities, and contributing to a truly Digital Ethiopia.”
Safaricom Ethiopia has invested over 300 billion ETB (USD 2.27 billion) to build a telecom and Digital Financial Services infrastructure in the last 4 years.
The 4G network now covers more than half of the population, with 3,141 live sites deployed across more than 150 towns and cities. Customer growth remains strong, with an average of 31,000 new customers joining daily. Their 90-day active customer base grew to 10 million, while 7.1 million customers actively used mobile data services, with per-user consumption rising to 6.5GB per month, up 53% compared to the previous year.
Safaricom Ethiopia employs 900 direct staff, 97% of whom are Ethiopian. In addition, the company has created indirect employment for more than 20,000 people through their sim-selling brand ambassadors, distribution partners, and subcontractors supporting network rollout and customer service.
The company has allocated more than 100 million ETB to support schools through donations of laptops, routers, and free internet access all over the country. The company provided assistance to fire-affected businesses in Ashewa, landslide victims in Gofa Zone, and earthquake survivors in Afar. The company also contributed 10 million ETB to the Mekedonia Humanitarian Association.