Ethio telecom Dominates Industry with Expanding Profits, Coverage

Jul 13 , 2024


[ssba-buttons]

The state-owned teleco company netted 21.7 billion Br in the financial year, posting a 21.7pc jump in revenues to 93.7 billion Br from last financial year. While it has not enjoyed a monopoly since the entrance of Safaricom Ethiopia three years ago, its annual revenues have taken a leap with the competition. The centenarian operator increased its customer base by 8.9pc to reach 78.3 million, with an 85.4pc geographical coverage. Its nearly three-year-old mobile money service, Telebirr, is used by 47.5 million users, and transactions valued at 2.55 trillion Br have occurred to date. A formidable 73pc of the transactions occurred during the ended fiscal year, reflecting the service's accelerated growth. CEO Frehiwot Tamiru attributed foreign currency shortages to complete projects, theft, vandalism of equipment, and conflict in some parts of the country for problems Ethio telecom during the year. The CEO disclosed that a deal with an international financier for a foreign currency loan will relieve some pressure on the company in the coming year. She had declined to disclose the company's identity. “We're awaiting approval from the government,” Frehiwot told Fortune. Ethio-telecom, slated to issue a 10pc ownership stake to the public in the soon-to-be-launched capital markets, earned around 198 million dollars in the year from its international services, while delayed access to land impeded its growth in certain regional states. A part of the country’s sovereign wealth fund, Ethiopian Investment Holding, the state telecom operator, paid off 9.97 billion Br in dividends and around 21.79 billion Br in taxes.


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...