Safaricom Ethiopia has officially surpassed the 10 million subscriber mark, marking a significant achievement less than three years after entering the country’s telecommunications market.
The telecom operator, which launched full services in Ethiopia in October 2022, now delivers daily connectivity to users nationwide, with 7.1 million actively using mobile internet. On average, each data user consumes around 6.5 GB per month, reflecting rising digital engagement across the country.
Company officials credit the rapid expansion to widespread 4G coverage and sustained infrastructure investment. Safaricom Ethiopia now offers high-speed internet in 150 cities, with an average of 31,000 new users joining its network each day.
“We’re proud to serve 10 million customers—this milestone reflects the trust and demand for reliable communication services in Ethiopia,” said Safaricom Ethiopia CEO Wim Vanhelleputte during a press briefing.
The company has reportedly invested over 300 billion birr (approximately $5.2 billion) since launching operations, making it one of the largest foreign investors in Ethiopia’s ICT sector. Safaricom also hinted at plans to expand into mobile money and digital services as part of its next phase of growth.
Ethiopia’s telecom liberalization efforts have opened the door to competition after decades of state monopoly. As Safaricom continues to scale, analysts expect significant shifts in consumer choice, pricing, and service innovation.