10 December 2021

Kenyan mobile operator Safaricom remains focused on its ambition to enter the Ethiopian market in mid-2022, despite the risk of political instability in the country.

The news was delivered by chief executive officer (CEO) Peter Ndegwa November 9 during the presentation of the telecom company’s H1 financial results.

“We are looking forward to launching commercial operations as projected, while cognisant of the current evolving political conflict in Ethiopia, as we proceed with our plans adapting to and assessing the situation as it evolves,” he said. Ndegwa added that for now, Safaricom’s priority is the safety and security of the small number of employees who have already joined the organisation.

Conflict in the Horn of Africa nario the conflict between the government of prime minister Abiy Ahmed and the Tigrayan people took a new turn November 5 with the formation of a coalition of nine rebel groups against Addis Ababa. On the same day, several international diplomatic missions, including Sweden and the United States, called on their citizens to leave the country as soon as possible.

On July 9, 2021, the global license obtained by Safaricom in May came into effect. The telecom company aims to repeat its Kenyan success in Ethiopia by offering consumers innovative and quality services backed by a strong network.

Meanwhile, businesses will soon be able to advertise on the M-Pesa mobile money app as Safaricom upgrades the platform to offer more capabilities beyond payments and cash transfers. The move will also open up new revenue streams for the operator.