The government plans to issue a request for an expression of interest next month inviting interested telecom operators to take part in the privatisation process of the state giant Ethio telecom.

So far, multiple renowned international telecom operators have been approaching the government with requests to take part in the privatisation process, according to Eyob Tekalign (PhD), state minister for Finance.

“Currently, we aren’t open for any negotiations until we start the bidding process, which we expect to be launched next month,” Eyob told Fortune.

The government targets to complete the partial privatisation process of Ethio telecom in the coming nine months. Keeping a majority share of 51pc, the government will leave the remaining shares to the overseas companies.

Before the privatisation process of the company, the government is also planning to split the company into two divisions: infrastructure and service.

“It will be restructured for competition’s sake,” Eyob said at the end of last week at a briefing for members of the media on the status of the privatisation process of Ethio telecom and the sugar factories.

The infrastructure division will be managing the international network, installation of the national fibre optic infrastructure and installation of towers. The service provider segment will oversee the retail activities of the mobile and fixed line as well as internet services.

“For the privatisation process, we will have transparent but stringent bidding procedures,” Eyob said, adding that the task is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2020.

The Ministry is also determined to open the telecom market to two international operators that will be competing with Ethio telecom. The two operators will also enter the country after passing a bidding process, which is also expected to be finalised by the third quarter of the new fiscal year.

“This is expected to increase competition in the industry and improve and expand telecom services,” said Eyob.

Ahead of the privatisation and liberalisation process, parliament has legislated a bill that formed an independent telecom regulatory body, the Ethiopian Communications Authority. The Authority is authorised to administer, monitor and enforce telecommunications regulations and issue telecom licenses.

An expert in the communication sector and a lecturer at Addis Abeba University, Yihenew Wondie (PhD), appreciates the Ministry for following the proper procedures on the privatisation of Ethio telecom.