Safaricom Ethiopia has achieved a significant milestone by crossing the 10 million active customer mark within just four years of being licensed and launching operations.

The milestone signals strong market confidence in Safaricom Ethiopia and its rapid growth placing the telco right at the center of supporting digital transformation in Ethiopia.

The achievement is testament of the firm’s growing footprint and commitment to building inclusive, high-quality mobile connectivity to enable people, businesses, and communities across Ethiopia.

“Achieving an active customer base of 10 million is a significant milestone for us, but it also brings great responsibility. Behind each SIM card is an individual, a family, a business, and a future,” intimated Safaricom Ethiopia CEO Wim Vanhelleputte.

He added: “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.”

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Since acquiring its operating license, Safaricom Ethiopia has invested more than ETB 300 billion (USD 2.27 billion) in creating a robust telecom and digital financial services infrastructure.

Safaricom Ethiopia has rolled out more than 3,141 live network sites in more than 150 towns and cities, providing fast 4G coverage to more than half of Ethiopia’s population.

Daily, an average of 31,000 new customers join the Safaricom Ethiopia network, a testament to the growing demand for mobile connectivity across the country.

Among the current user base:

• 7.1 million customers actively use mobile data services

• Average data consumption per user has risen to 6.5GB per month, representing a 53 per cent year-on-year increase

Safaricom Ethiopia’s expansion is mainly driven by a predominantly local workforce with the company employing 900 staff directly, 97 per cent of them being Ethiopian nationals.

Beyond direct employment, the firm has generated over 20,000 indirect jobs through its distribution network, SIM-selling brand ambassadors, and subcontractors supporting network rollout and customer service.

Safaricom Ethiopia also engages in community development programs and has set aside more than ETB 100 million to support schools across Ethiopia through donations of laptops, routers, and free internet access.

In times of crisis, the company has stepped in with humanitarian assistance to:

• Fire-affected businesses in Ashewa

• Landslide victims in Gofa Zone

• Earthquake survivors in Afar Region

• A donation of ETB 10 million to the Mekedonia Humanitarian Association

The milestone also reflects the trust and alliance of Ethiopians, government and regulatory bodies support, and staff and partner dedication to boost connectivity and digital inclusivity.

The telco says it remains focused on expanding its footprint and contributing meaningfully to Ethiopia’s socio-economic growth via innovation, inclusion, and tech-driven solutions.