Safaricom's Expansion in Ethiopia Reaches 10 Million Users Served
In the heart of Ethiopia, Safaricom is making waves in the telecommunications landscape, having achieved remarkable milestones since entering the market four years ago. The company's digital transformation efforts have not only transformed the way Ethiopians connect but also significantly impacted the country's socio-economic development.
Safaricom Ethiopia's customer base has grown exponentially, reaching an impressive 10 million active users within four years. This growth is remarkable, with an average of 31,000 new subscribers joining daily. The subscriber base doubled year-on-year, reaching 8.8 million users by March 2025 and surpassing 10 million soon after.
The company's 4G network expansion is commendable, with over 3,141 active sites covering more than 55% of Ethiopia’s population across more than 150 towns and cities. This extensive coverage supports a growing demand for reliable mobile connectivity in urban and semi-urban areas.
Mobile data is the backbone of Safaricom Ethiopia's business, contributing 75% of total revenue. The fiscal year 2025 saw mobile data revenue rise nearly 140% year-on-year to KES 6.71 billion, while overall service revenue grew 65.4% to KES 8.9 billion. There are approximately 7.1 million active mobile data users with an average monthly data usage of 6.5GB per user.
Safaricom Ethiopia has invested over US$2.2 billion (about 300 billion ETB) in telecom and digital infrastructure since entering the Ethiopian market. This includes both telecom network deployment and digital financial services infrastructure.
The company's commitment to local socio-economic development is evident. Safaricom Ethiopia employs 900 staff members, with 97% being Ethiopian nationals, and has created over 20,000 indirect jobs, stimulating local economic growth. The company also supports education and digital literacy, contributing over US$870,825 and mobilizing US$3.8 million in partnerships to provide digital training programs for young Ethiopians.
Safaricom Ethiopia is also driving financial inclusion through mobile money adoption (M-PESA), contributing to a broader national digital transformation effort. Wim Vanhelleputte, CEO of Safaricom, expresses gratitude for the trust of 10 million customers and acknowledges the collaboration of government, partners, and thousands of people in achieving this digital future. Vanhelleputte looks forward to continuing the journey of connecting people, creating opportunities, and contributing to a Digital Ethiopia. Together with partners, Safaricom Ethiopia is working to make Ethiopia more connected, inclusive, and wealthy.
- Safaricom Ethiopia's digital transformation initiatives have significantly influenced the nation's socio-economic development, bolstered by a robust 4G network expansion and substantial investments in telecom and digital infrastructure.
- The technological advancements at Safaricom Ethiopia have resulted in an impressive customer base of 10 million active users, with an average of 31,000 new subscribers daily, attesting to the growing demand for digital connectivity.
- In the financial sector, Safaricom Ethiopia's mobile money adoption (M-PESA) has played a crucial role in driving financial inclusion, while simultaneously fostering a broader national digital transformation effort.
- Beyond direct employment, Safaricom Ethiopia has created over 20,000 indirect jobs, stimulating local economic growth, and is actively involved in supporting education and digital literacy programs for young Ethiopians.
- As Safaricom Ethiopia continues to strive towards a Digital Ethiopia, its mission remains centered on connecting people, creating opportunities, and promoting a more interconnected, inclusive, and financially prosperous nation through technological innovation.
