Expansion in North Ethiopia by Safaricom: 4G Coverage Extends from Mekelle to Adigrat
Safaricom Ethiopia has recently expanded its network coverage in the North region, reaching towns such as Wukro, Hawzen, Frewoyni, and Edegahamus [1]. This development is part of the second phase of the company's North region expansion and is aimed at enhancing connectivity, creating jobs, and opening economic opportunities for local communities.
The expansion includes the installation of new 4G (5G-ready) network towers, a positive step towards improving the digital infrastructure of Ethiopia. Amit Chandiramani, the Chief Sales and Distribution Officer of Safaricom Ethiopia, led the opening of new retail shops in Hawzen and Frewoyni, which bring services closer to customers in these towns.
The Mayor of Hawzen, H.E. Areaya Hailemariam, and the Deputy Mayor of Frewoyni, H.E. Netsanet, attended the shop opening events in their respective towns. This expansion is significant as it extends network coverage to previously underserved areas, bridging the digital divide and providing more reliable and faster mobile internet.
The new network towers are 5G-ready, suggesting potential for future upgrades. This infrastructure rollout is part of a larger strategy by Safaricom to grow its subscriber base from 10 million to over 70 million in Ethiopia over the next five years. The company aims to achieve this by leveraging the nation's shift towards digital payments and financial services via platforms like M-Pesa [2].
Key future plans include extending network coverage and capacity beyond the North region, as well as upgrading the M-Pesa mobile money platform to double its transaction capacity to 8,000 transactions per second by 2026 [3]. These developments are expected to provide enhanced connectivity, create jobs, and stimulate economic opportunities through improved digital access, boosting entrepreneurship, e-commerce, and financial inclusion via mobile money.
Overall, Safaricom Ethiopia's expansion in the North region positions the company as a catalyst for the digital transformation and economic development of the region and beyond. The company's efforts to improve telecommunications infrastructure in Ethiopia are a crucial step towards digitalising the nation and improving the lives of its people.
[1] Safaricom Ethiopia's expansion in the North region, Safaricom Ethiopia, [accessed 2023-03-23] [2] Ethiopia's Shift Towards Digital Payments, World Bank, [accessed 2023-03-23] [3] Safaricom Ethiopia's Future Plans, Safaricom Ethiopia, [accessed 2023-03-23] [4] Enhancing Backbone Infrastructure, Safaricom Ethiopia, [accessed 2023-03-23] [5] Boosting Network Resilience, Safaricom Ethiopia, [accessed 2023-03-23]
The installation of new 4G (5G-ready) network towers is a positive step towards improving the digital infrastructure of Ethiopia, aligning with Safaricom Ethiopia's aim to leverage technology for economic growth and digital transformation across the nation. This expansion in the North region, including the opening of retail shops in Hawzen and Frewoyni, is essential for enhancing connectivity, creating jobs, and stimulating economic opportunities via finance and technology-driven services like M-Pesa.
