Safaricom Ethiopia partners with banks for mobile airtime top-up service

Jan 17 2023

Safaricom Ethiopia has launched a strategic partnership with various banks for mobile airtime top-up service to provide ease and convenience to customers on the 07 network.

In the first phase of integration with partner banks, customers can now access the mobile airtime top-up service through USSD menus and Mobile Apps of Bank of Abyssinia, Awash Bank, and NIB International Bank.

“We are delighted to announce this new mobile airtime top-up service that directly addresses our customers’ needs by introducing a solution that fits into their digital lifestyle. This service will enable our customers to stay connected on Safaricom Ethiopia’s network and go about their daily engagements seamlessly, be it keeping in touch with family and friends or business, using our 4G Data, Voice, and SMS services. We are keen on engaging in more strategic partnerships within the financial and technology industries to further innovate and serve our customers’ needs. The Ethiopian market demands digital solutions on the go, and we believe cross-industry partnerships will continue to shape up a digital ecosystem that delivers convenience, quality, and customer experience wherever and whenever the demand arises,” said Anwar Soussa, CEO, Safaricom Ethiopia.

Customers of Bank of Abyssinia and Awash Bank can top-up their airtime through Mobile applications and USSD Codes (*815# for Bank of Abyssinia and *901# for Awash Bank). Customers of NIB International Bank can use the bank’s mobile application for the service.

Safaricom Ethiopia is also working towards expanding these services through other banks, microfinance institutions and technology companies. Customers will be able to purchase airtime at no charge on either USSD or mobile application options, while still enjoying access to airtime purchases at Safaricom Ethiopia branded shops and souks.

The new mobile airtime-top up service will allow customers to purchase up to 5,000 ETB worth of airtime and enhance their experience across 21 cities: Dire Dawa, Harar, Haramaya, Bahir Dar, Adama, Bishoftu, Mojo, Debre Birhan, Awoday, Gondar, Addis Ababa, Sebeta, Dessie, ​Kombolcha, Jimma, Shashemene, Dilla, Sodo, Jigjiga, Assela and Hawassa.

LATEST NEWS

whatsNewLive

Safaricom Surpasses 15 Million Subscribers as it Marks Five Years

03 September 2026

whatsNewLive

Safaricom Ethiopia Records 130.9% Service Revenue Growth in FY26

24 April 2026

Safaricom Ethiopia Records 130.9% Service Revenue Growth in FY26 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia May 7, 2026 - Safaricom Ethiopia has recorded a 130.9% year-on-year increase in service revenue for the financial year ending March 31, 2026, reaching ETB 15.9 billion, driven by strong customer growth, rising demand for mobile data services, and accelerated adoption of M-PESA across the country. The performance was announced today as part of the Safaricom Group FY26 Full Year Results announcement in Nairobi, Kenya, highlighting Ethiopia’s growing contribution to the Group’s long-term growth strategy. During the financial year, Safaricom Ethiopia’s 90-day active customer base grew to 13.6 million, representing a 54.2% year-on-year increase, while 30-day active customers reached 10.7 million, up 48.2% year-on-year. M-PESA continued to gain strong momentum during the year, with the number of customers more than doubling to 5.2 million, reflecting increasing adoption of digital financial services and mobile money solutions across Ethiopia. Mobile data remained the largest contributor to revenue, generating ETB 9.6 billion during the year, supported by increased smartphone usage and growing demand for digital connectivity. Voice revenue also recorded strong growth, reaching ETB 3.0 billion as customer engagement and network usage continued to rise. Safaricom Ethiopia also continued expanding its network footprint to 3,504 sites, enhancing service quality across the country. By the end of FY26, the company had achieved 59% 4G population coverage, further strengthening access to reliable connectivity and digital services for millions of Ethiopians. As part of its long-term commitment to Ethiopia, total funding into the business increased to USD 2.6 billion as of March 31, 2026, supporting network expansion, operational scale, and future growth ambitions. The Safaricom Group noted that Ethiopia contributed 15% of the Group’s total service revenue growth during the year, underlining the market’s strategic importance within the Group’s Vision 2030 growth ambitions. The Group also reported that losses in the Ethiopian business reduced significantly year-on-year, with the operation moving closer toward EBITDA breakeven targeted for FY27. Safaricom Ethiopia remains committed to accelerating digital inclusion, expanding access to connectivity, and delivering innovative mobile and financial services that support Ethiopia’s digital transformation agenda. Key FY26 Highlights ETB 15.9 billion service revenue, up 130.9% year-on-year 13.6 million 90-day active customers, up 54.2% year-on-year 10.7 million 30-day active customers, up 48.2% year-on-year 5.2 million M-PESA customers, up 119.4% year-on-year 59% 4G population coverage achieved Ethiopia contributed 15% of Safaricom Group’s service revenue growth Total funding into the business increased to USD 2.6 billion

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.