Safaricom Ethiopia Expands Network Pilot to Haromaya

Sep 10 , 2022


[ssba-buttons]

Safaricom Ethiopia Plc has expanded its large-scale pilot launch of its network to the Oromia Regional State, beginning with Haromaya town. The operator has availed subscriber identity module (SIM) cards on its network, which uses the '07' prefix, in the town. The SIM cards come with data, voice and SMS services. The company is also offering customer care services in five languages, including Afaan Oromo and English. Safaricom executives plan to run the pilot for one month and expand services to 25 urban areas by April next year. The company launched its pilot in Dire Dawa town a few weeks ago. It was a long time coming as Safaricom Ethiopia faced delays due to drawn-out negotiations with the state-owned Ethio telecom over an infrastructure sharing deal. Last week, the International Finance Corporation, an arm of the World Bank Group, announced plans to acquire shares valued at 160 million dollars in Safaricom Ethiopia Plc.


Radar

Korenti, Agelegel Microfinance Ink EV Financing Deal

Korenti Auto Trading PLC has signed a strategic agreement with Agelegel Microfinance to provide accessible financing options for electric vehicle (EV) buyers. The partnership seeks to ease EV ownership by offering fair pricing and loan packages with affordable rates. The initiative supports Ethiopia's push for clean transport and aligns with national sustainability goals. Korenti's managing director said the move reflects the company's commitment to expanding electric mobility. Customers can now...


Radar

NBE Leads Week-Long Bank Supervision Application Forum

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) is hosting a week-long Bank Supervision Application (BSA) User Group meeting that began on July 7, 2025. The BSA system, developed by a pan-African consortium of central banks including the NBE, automates supervisory work for financial regulators. NBE will take over the rotating BSA chairmanship in September. Opening the session, Frezer Ayalew, Director of Bank Supervision, stressed the need for modern tools to handle growing regulatory demands amid cyberse...


Radar

Six Fuel Companies Banned, Seven Warned, Authority Noted Illicit Activity

The Ethiopian Petroleum & Energy Authority has taken disciplinary action against 13 fuel distribution companies for illegally trading 2.8 million litres of fuel outside the digital system in the past two months. Six firms face a one-month suspension from the fuel import and trading market, while seven others received final warnings and must rectify their operations within a month. Director General Destawe Mekwanant (PhD) said the companies failed to monitor fuel stations and ensure proper...