Safaricom Ethiopia hits 10 million Customers, Demonstrates Strong Performance, Investment and Job Creation

Jul 1 2025

Safaricom Ethiopia reaches a major milestone serving 10 million 90 days active customers across Ethiopia, just four years after receiving its license to operate.

This marks a significant step forward in the company’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s digital transformation by building inclusive, high-quality mobile connectivity that empowers everyone, everywhere, and all the time.

Wim Vanhelleputte, Chief Executive Officer of Safaricom, said: “Achieving an active customer base of 10 million is a significant milestone for us, but it also brings with it great responsibility. Behind each SIM card there is an individual, a family, a business, and a future. 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.”

With over 300 billion ETB (USD 2.27 billion) investment to build a strong telecom and Digital Financial Services infrastructure in the last 4 years, Safaricom reflects on strong performance across commercial and social impact areas.

The fast 4G network now covers more than half of the population, with 3,141 live sites deployed across more than 150 towns and cities. Customer growth remains strong, with an average of 31,000 new customers joining daily, reflecting the continued relevance and demand for mobile connectivity. Our 90-day active customer base grew to 10 million, while 7.1 million customers actively used mobile data services, with per-user consumption rising to 6.5GB per month, up 53% compared to the previous year.

This growth is powered by people. Safaricom Ethiopia employs 900 direct staff, 97% of whom are Ethiopian. In addition, we have created indirect employment for more than 20,000 people through our sim-selling brand ambassadors, distribution partners, and subcontractors supporting network rollout and customer service.

In addition to network and infrastructure rollout we allocated more than 100 million ETB to support schools through donations of laptops, routers, and free internet access all over the country. Safaricom continues to stand with communities during times of need providing assistance to fire-affected businesses in Ashewa, landslide victims in Gofa Zone, and earthquake survivors in Afar. The company also contributed 10 million ETB to the Mekedonia Humanitarian Association.

This milestone of 10 million customers is more than a number. It reflects the trust of the Ethiopian people, the collaboration of government and partners, and the dedication of thousands of individuals across the country working toward a shared digital future.

Safaricom Ethiopia continues its exciting journey in Ethiopia with renewed commitment, strong foundations, and a clear mandate: to be a reliable, inclusive, and impactful partner in Ethiopia’s digital journey.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our customers for choosing Safaricom Ethiopia as their digital partner. We also sincerely thank the Government of Ethiopia, our regulators, and partners whose collaboration and guidance have been instrumental in this journey. Together, we are building a more connected, inclusive, and prosperous Ethiopia. We look forward to continuing this exciting journey with all of you.

LATEST NEWS

whatsNewLive

Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia PLC has been recognized as the #1 Top Employer in Ethiopia for the third consecutive year and named Africa’s Top Employer 2026 for the first time

03 February 2026

We are proud to share that Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia PLC has been recognized as the #1 Top Employer in Ethiopia for the third consecutive year and named Africa’s Top Employer 2026 for the first time, with an outstanding score of 98.08%. This milestone reflects our continued commitment to building a people-centered culture where our employees can thrive, grow, and make meaningful impact. As our CEO Wim Vanhellepute shared: “This recognition affirms our commitment to putting our people at the heart of everything we do. It reflects the culture we are building one that empowers our employees, nurtures talent, and creates an environment where everyone can grow and perform.” Thank you to all our employees for making this achievement possible. We are proud to share that Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia PLC has been recognized as the #1 Top Employer in Ethiopia for the third consecutive year and named Africa’s Top Employer 2026 for the first time, with an outstanding score of 98.08%. This milestone reflects our continued commitment to building a people-centered culture where our employees can thrive, grow, and make meaningful impact. As our CEO Wim Vanhellepute shared: “This recognition affirms our commitment to putting our people at the heart of everything we do. It reflects the culture we are building one that empowers our employees, nurtures talent, and creates an environment where everyone can grow and perform.” Thank you to all our employees for making this achievement possible.

whatsNewLive

British Foreign Secretary Visits Safaricom Ethiopia, Underscoring UK Commitment to Investment and Job Creation

02 February 2026

British Foreign Secretary Visits Safaricom Ethiopia, Underscoring UK Commitment to Investment and Job Creation Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | 1 February 2026 – Safaricom Ethiopia today hosted the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Rt Hon Yvette Cooper, during her official visit to Ethiopia, highlighting the growing role of British investment in supporting economic development and job creation in the country. The visit reflects Safaricom Ethiopia’s position as one of the most significant British-linked investments in Ethiopia, with British International Investment (BII) and Vodafone as part of its shareholders. The Foreign Secretary was accompanied by a delegation of British investors and representatives from the British Embassy. Other major British companies operating in Ethiopia, including MOENCO and Unilever, were also in attendance and briefed the Foreign Secretary on their ongoing investments and contributions to the local economy. Welcoming the delegation, Safaricom Ethiopia’s Chief Executive Officer, Wim Vanhelleputte, provided an overview of the company’s rapid growth, expanding network footprint, and its impact on employment and digital inclusion across the country. “We were pleased to welcome Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to Safaricom Ethiopia,” said Wim Vanhelleputte. “Her visit is a strong signal of the continued confidence and support we receive from our shareholders and partners. It also reflects the importance of long-term, responsible investment in building sustainable businesses and meaningful economic opportunities.” The Foreign Secretary’s visit forms part of a broader assessment of how investment can support economic opportunity and address the root causes of irregular migration. Safaricom Ethiopia is among the largest private-sector employers in the country, directly and indirectly supporting more than 20,000 jobs through its operations, partners, and distribution network. Safaricom Ethiopia continues to play a central role in Ethiopia’s digital transformation, contributing to financial inclusion, connectivity, and job creation, while reinforcing the strong economic ties between Ethiopia and the United Kingdom.

whatsNewLive

Demystifying Excellence at the 4th Excellence Summit 2026

26 January 2026

Demystifying Excellence at the 4th Excellence Summit 2026 Safaricom Ethiopia’s CEO, Wim Vanhelleputte, participated in a high-level panel discussion at the 4th Excellence Summit 2026, joining Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, and Bart De Keninck, CEO of Heineken. The session brought together leaders from organizations recognized for outstanding performance across sectors. All three companies were winners at the 12th Ethiopian Quality Awards, presented on December 2, 2025, by His Excellency Taye Atske Selassie, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, in recognition of excellence in quality, leadership, and organizational performance. Drawing on Safaricom Ethiopia’s journey, Wim highlighted the value of operating within a well-established international industry, where proven standards and processes already exist. He emphasized that leveraging these frameworks enabled Safaricom Ethiopia to build a strong foundation efficiently, without the need to reinvent systems from scratch. He stressed that excellence begins with getting the fundamentals right starting with people. Investing in young talent with the right mindset, providing continuous coaching, and complementing them with experienced leaders are critical to building resilient and high-performing organizations. Wim also underscored the importance of operational clarity and focus. For Safaricom Ethiopia, priority was given to building core infrastructure and a reliable distribution network, supported by a strong ecosystem and clear standards for partners and contractors. Sustainable progress, he noted, is achieved by addressing challenges step by step rather than attempting to do everything at once. Reflecting on the Ethiopian Quality Award assessment, Wim described the process as rigorous, scientific, and well-structured, guided by a clear and detailed methodology. He shared that the Safaricom Ethiopia team is already preparing to ensure an even stronger performance in the upcoming assessment cycle. At the heart of Safaricom Ethiopia’s excellence journey is strong people management driven by effective leadership, clear processes, and empowered teams anchored in the company’s purpose of transforming lives for a digital future. The summit served as a valuable experience-sharing platform, fostering dialogue and learning among leading organizations committed to excellence.