Safaricom Consortium Deposits Full License Fee

Jun 5 , 2021


[ssba-buttons]

The Global Partnership for Ethiopia, a consortium of large telecom operators who won the country's very first private telecom license a few weeks ago, has deposited the full licensing fee amounting to 850million dollars into the government's coffers. The consortium, which includes Safaricom, Vodafone, Vodacom, Sumitomo Corporation and the CDC Group, was awarded a 15-year license while MTN, which offered 600 million dollars, lost out in its bid for the other license up for grabs.  The consortium has pledged to invest 8.5 billion dollars within a decade in the form of capital expenditure and operational cost, on top of the license fee. Planning to begin operation in 2022, it is expected to create 1.4 million jobs, attain full 4G Network coverage and launch a 5G network. The fund earned from the license fee is expected to go into the Liability & Asset Management Corporation, established recently with a capital of 570 billion Br to cover the accumulated domestic debt of state-owned enterprises, which amounts to over one trillion Birr.


Radar

Ministry Showcases Arada Branch Revenue Gains

Arada District's Land Development & Administration Branch pulled in over 150 million Br in just 70 days, beating its 90-day target. Most of the revenue came from annual lease collections and service fees. The office also billed 126 property owners for roof and fence valuations, already securing 20 million Br of the expected 46 million Br. Officials issued warnings to 15 allottees slow to start construction and recommended land right revocations in 11 cases. Leaders credited a more efficient...


Radar

Ministry Backs Blended Finance for Micro, Small Enterprises

The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is partnering with Ministry of Finance to expand financial access for micro and small enterprises through blended finance and digital tools. Off-balance-sheet facilities are designed to attract private investors and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) by reducing risk and improving capital flow. Digital platforms, including mobile money and digital IDs, will lower transaction costs and broaden reach. The initiative supports job creation and...


Radar

National Electricity Network Set for Upgrade

Ethiopia Electric Utility (EEU) plans to expand the national electricity grid by 8,689 km in the 2026 fiscal year, Yohannes Tonja, head of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, said. The rollout includes 86,789 km of medium-voltage lines, 92,572 km of low-voltage lines, and pre-maintenance on transformers. EEU will also rehabilitate 1,218 km of medium-voltage lines, install 1,893 transformers, and upgrade 308.7 km of low-voltage infrastructure. Operational targets include cutting power interrup...