JIGJIGA, Ethiopia (AX) — Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia PLC is spreading its wings in the Somali region, rolling out network services and launching community projects with a nod from local authorities.
At a recent meet in Jigjiga, CEO Wim Vanhelleputte of Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia PLC, and Vice-President Ibrahim Ousman Farah of the Somali Regional State, ironed out plans for more network sites. The aim? Better coverage throughout the Somali region. Farah pledged to back these efforts.
Jigjiga, the bustling heart of the Somali region, holds the crown as Ethiopia’s top mobile money hub. Safaricom’s growth here is poised to turbocharge economic activities and widen financial inclusion with a push in mobile money services.
This initiative is a slice of Safaricom’s grander strategy to strengthen its foothold across Ethiopia. The company is already on the ground in several cities like Tigray and Haromaya, despite earlier hiccups from the COVID-19 pandemic and logistic snags.
Marking a milestone, Safaricom stands as Ethiopia’s first private player in the once state-controlled telecom sphere.
In Tigray, Safaricom’s magic includes building a 4G network, with plans to scale it up to 5G, bolstered by the Interim Regional Government’s support.
Safaricom is also teaming up with the Somali region’s government to elevate digital literacy in high schools and foster ICT education, setting up the youth with the digital chops they need.
This leap into the Somali region aims to bridge the digital gap, offering more folks dependable access to mobile and internet services. This move dovetails with Safaricom’s vision of nurturing growth and digital inclusion all over Ethiopia.
