Safaricom’s Evolution in Ethiopia: Pioneering Connectivity and Financial Inclusion
Title: Safaricom’s Evolution in Ethiopia: Pioneering Connectivity and Financial Inclusion
Introduction:
Safaricom’s entry into Ethiopia marks a transformative chapter in the nation’s telecommunications landscape. With a commitment to driving connectivity and financial inclusion, Safaricom embarked on a journey of innovation and partnership, culminating in the launch of telecom and mobile money services. This narrative chronicles Safaricom’s evolutionary journey in Ethiopia, highlighting key milestones, technological advancements, and socio-economic impact.
April 2021:
Safaricom, as part of the Global Partnership for Ethiopia (GPE), submitted a bid for a telecommunications license, signaling its intent to enter the Ethiopian market and contribute to its digital transformation.
May 2021:
The GPE was announced as the winning applicant for a telecommunications license in Ethiopia, affirming Safaricom’s strategic vision and commitment to expanding its footprint in the region.
June 2021:
Safaricom registered STE PLC and received the telecom operator license, paving the way for its official entry into Ethiopia’s telecommunications sector. Anwar Soussa was appointed as CEO, bringing with him a wealth of experience and leadership.
December 2021:
In a significant milestone, Safaricom’s first data center, valued at USD 100 million, arrived in Addis Ababa, laying the foundation for robust and reliable network infrastructure.
January 2022:
Safaricom established its headquarters in Addis Ababa, solidifying its presence in the Ethiopian market. The company onboarded its first cohort of 100 Ethiopians, reaffirming its commitment to local talent development and employment.
February 2022:
Safaricom achieved technical milestones by conducting its first technical call and successfully activating its first self-built site, showcasing its expertise in network deployment and optimization.
March 2022:
The arrival of a second data center, also valued at USD 100 million, bolstered Safaricom’s infrastructure capabilities in Ethiopia. Additionally, Safaricom secured lease agreements with Ethiopian Electric Power and Ethiopian Electric Utility for fiber connectivity.
May 2022:
Safaricom tested Electronic Know Your Customer (E-KYC) processes, streamlining subscriber onboarding procedures and enhancing customer experience on the network.
June 2022:
As part of its commitment to talent development, Safaricom onboarded 50 Discover Graduate Trainees, fostering a culture of learning and innovation. The company also finalized infrastructure sharing and interconnect agreements with EthioTelecom, facilitating seamless connectivity for subscribers.
July 2022:
Network testing commenced in preparation for the commercial launch, signaling Safaricom’s readiness to deliver high-quality telecommunications services to the Ethiopian market. Additionally, Safaricom expanded its retail presence by establishing seven retail shops across the country.
August 2022:
Safaricom initiated a phased city-by-city customer pilot, allowing subscribers to experience the network’s services firsthand. This pilot phase aimed to gather feedback and optimize network performance ahead of the commercial launch.
October 2022:
Safaricom achieved a significant milestone with the commercial launch of its operations in Ethiopia, covering 16 cities. With 561 active 2G/3G/4G sites and two live data centers, Safaricom commenced its mission to connect communities and empower individuals across the nation.
March 2023:
The network continued to gain traction, with 3.0 million gross additions and a 22% network population coverage. Safaricom also expanded its workforce, with 909 permanent employees, 81% of whom were Ethiopians, demonstrating its commitment to local talent development and employment.
May 2023:
Safaricom was awarded the M-PESA license, marking a significant milestone in its journey to offer mobile money services in Ethiopia. The company established Safaricom M-PESA Mobile Financial Services PLC, a subsidiary dedicated to providing innovative financial solutions to Ethiopians.
August 2023:
Safaricom celebrated the commercial launch of M-PESA in Ethiopia, empowering individuals and businesses with convenient and accessible mobile financial services. This milestone marked a new era of financial inclusion and digital empowerment for the Ethiopian people.
Conclusion:
Safaricom’s journey in Ethiopia exemplifies its commitment to driving connectivity, innovation, and socio-economic development. Through strategic investments in infrastructure, technology, and talent, Safaricom has positioned itself as a catalyst for positive change, transforming lives and communities across Ethiopia. As the company continues to expand its presence and offerings in the country, it remains steadfast in its mission to empower Ethiopians and unlock the nation’s full potential in the digital age.
About the author:
Emmanuel Odenyire Anyira is a seasoned Senior Data Analytics Engineer at Safaricom PLC, Kenya’s leading telecommunications company. With a Bachelor of Science in Informatics from Moi University, Emmanuel brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. He specializes in building and maintaining robust data collection systems and processing pipelines using tools like Apache Nifi and Informatica Powercenter.
Emmanuel’s proficiency extends to developing ETL processes that transform raw data into actionable insights, enabling deeper analysis and reporting across various teams within the organization. His skill set also encompasses implementing machine learning algorithms for predictive analytics, utilizing languages such as Python, R, Scala, and Spark.
Currently expanding his horizons, Emmanuel is pursuing a Payments course at Visa University, where he is immersing himself in the latest trends and technologies in the digital payments industry. His dedication to staying abreast of advancements in the field underscores his commitment to leveraging data to drive business value and innovation.
Equipped with a diverse toolkit that includes Tableau, Qlik Sense, SQL, Oracle, MongoDB, Cassandra, Neo4J, MariaDB, and PostgreSQL, Emmanuel is passionate about utilizing data to contribute to the growth and success of Safaricom and its customers. His overarching goal is to harness his skills and experience to make meaningful contributions to both his organization and the broader industry landscape.