ADDIS ABABA — Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia’s CEO Wim Vanhelleputte has publicly thanked government institutions for their crucial support in the company’s rapid expansion and service delivery achievements. In a recent interview with the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), Vanhelleputte highlighted the pivotal role of governmental collaboration in facilitating the telecom giant’s success since its entry into the Ethiopian market.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, without the backing of government entities, Safaricom Ethiopia’s rollout of commercial services and extensive network coverage would not have been feasible. Since its commercial launch in October 2022, the company has notably expanded its infrastructure, tripling the number of telecom towers from approximately 1,000 to 3,000. This expansion has enabled the provision of 4G mobile internet data services to nearly half of Ethiopia’s population.
The CEO detailed the company’s strategic partnerships, particularly with Ethio telecom, through which they have engaged in infrastructure sharing. “Out of the 3,000 towers, 60 percent were built independently by us, while the remaining 40 percent are shared with Ethio telecom,” Vanhelleputte explained. This collaboration has been vital in amplifying the reach and efficiency of Safaricom’s network.
Furthermore, Vanhelleputte noted that Safaricom has not only created over 1,000 direct jobs but also supported around 10,000 indirect jobs, significantly contributing to Ethiopia’s economic growth. With nearly 5 million active customers currently, and projections to double this number within the next year, Safaricom is in a phase of aggressive expansion.
The CEO also underscored Safaricom’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s digital transformation. The company has launched MPESA, a mobile money platform that is integral to the country’s transition to a cashless society. This platform recently began allowing users to pay their electricity bills digitally, enhancing convenience and promoting digital financial services.
Looking ahead, Vanhelleputte expressed optimism about expanding services to include more digital payment solutions and introducing banking products through MPESA. Safaricom Ethiopia aims to increase its network coverage to reach 80-90 percent of the population and continue introducing innovative digital solutions to foster a more connected and digitally inclusive Ethiopia.