Safaricom Ethiopia Rolls Out its Network to Tigray

Jun 15 , 2024


[ssba-buttons]

With 125 self-built towers, Safaricom Ethiopia has launched its operations in the Tigray Regional State. Executives disclosed plans to invest in an additional 166 towers and expand their reach to the remaining towns. "This is the most exciting milestone in Tigray since the return of social services," said Getachew Reda, president of the Interim Regional State Administration. In July 2021, the consortium-backed telecom giant entered Ethiopia's market, historically dominated by state-owned Ethio telecom. With a substantial investment of 1.6 billion dollars, Safaricom is shaking things up with an 850 million dollar fee for the operating license, 600 million dollars in network infrastructure, and most recently, a 150 million dollar investment to secure an M-Pesa permit. It has received the first 13 locally produced towers from the pioneering firm Woda Plc set to deliver a total of 68 towers for 50 million Br.


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...