When Safaricom, Kenya’s telecom giant, decided to cross borders into Ethiopia in late 2022, it was a bold gamble. Fast forward to mid-2025, and that decision is already paying off with 10 million+ customers now enjoying connectivity, digital services, and opportunities previously out of reach.
In the past four years, they have pumped in over USD 2.27 billion to build telecom and digital finance infrastructure across the country investment.
Let us break it down in everyday terms, what this means for you as a customer, an entrepreneur, or a shareholder.
Why Ethiopia
With over 120 million people, mostly youth, Ethiopia’s mobile market was untapped territory under one state-run monopoly. Safaricom saw the potential and dug in.
Safaricom Ethiopia now covers nearly half the population with 3,100+ towers and that number is expected to more than double by 2030 . It translates to real connections, improved learning, healthcare access, and economic opportunity.
Achieving an active customer base of 10 million is a significant milestone… Our mission is to serve, enable, and support Ethiopia’s development through world‑class connectivity and innovation.
The road from zero to 10 Million
Achieving 10 million Ethiopian customers in under two years is no small feat. That is an influx of customers using Safaricom’s data, voice, and M-PESA mobile money which now boasts 4.5 million wallets in the country.
Extensive Network Rollout
Over 3,141 4G towers now cover more than 50% of Ethiopia’s population, reaching 150+ towns and cities. On average, 31,000 new users join daily, fueling even more growth.
Jobs & Economic Boost
900+ direct employees, with 97% being Ethiopian locals and an estimated 20,000+ indirect jobs have been created through agents, distribution partners, tower maintenance teams, and more .
Service Use at Scale
Out of the 10 million active subscribers, 7.1 million use mobile data—averaging 6.5 GB/month, up 53% year-on-year. M-PESA adoption stands at 2.4 million active wallets, facilitating Birr 15.8 billion in transactions annually.
Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa highlights this growth:
“Half of the network we built in Kenya over 24 years we built in Ethiopia in 2½ years… In 5 years time our operations in Ethiopia will be delivering more than half of the growth of the Safaricom group that Kenya is achieving”
Of course, such a massive build-out meant initial losses, but Safaricom is confident. According to Reuters, losses in Ethiopia have shrunk:
- 2024: minus KSh 61 billion
- 2025 forecast: minus KSh 23–26 billion
Words from the CEO: Ndegwa’s Vision
“We have made huge progress. In 5 years time our operations in Ethiopia will be delivering more than half of the growth of the Safaricom group that Kenya is achieving. As we adopt a regional approach, we are well-positioned to scale and transform Ethiopia’s digital future which is a great commercial momentum.”
Safaricom’s Ethiopia adventure is not just corporate ambition. It a pan-African story of growth, resilience, and connection. From millions getting online for the first time to regional economic integration and share benefits for women and families. It is a ripple effect borne from bold vision.
As the network keeps growing, nurturing tech skills, financial inclusivity, and ties between Kenya and Ethiopia, one thing is clear: This is just the beginning.
For anyone watching and investing in Africa’s next wave, this is a journey worth following.