Safaricom Ethiopia is a technology and communications company operating as Ethiopia's first private telecom operator. Founded in 2021 and part of the Global Partnership for Ethiopia consortium alongside Safaricom PLC, Vodafone Group, Vodacom Group, Sumitomo Corporation, British International Investment and the International Finance Corporation, it launched commercial 4G mobile services in October 2022 across cities and towns in Ethiopia. The company reports over 15 million active customers and network coverage reaching 60% of the country's population.
Its technical scope spans telecommunications and 4G mobile networks, fibre optic connectivity, cloud computing, mobile money through M-PESA, e-commerce and consumer electronics. Engineering work therefore touches mobile network build-out and operations, fintech and mobile financial services platforms, cloud infrastructure, and connected consumer products, all deployed at national scale in a single-country market.
Safaricom Ethiopia describes itself as a purpose-led organisation focused on accelerating Ethiopia's digital transformation and inclusion, with a mission that extends beyond connectivity to creating shared value for Ethiopians. The company states that its consortium backing brings together world-class expertise and resources.
