Safaricom submits expression of interest in Ethiopian license

Addis Ababa, June 15, 2020 (FBC) – Kenyan operator Safaricom has bid for one of the two telecommunications licences available in Ethiopia, The Standard reported.

Safaricom said it has submitted an expression of interest, with expectations that the selection of companies to set up operations in Ethiopia would be complete in 2021.

Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said the decision by the Ethiopian government might be delayed by complications caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ndegwa said Ethiopia is probably one of the few remaining market opportunities for telecom firms, noting that the country has said it will offer telecommunication licenses for sale soon and has already asked for expressions of interest.

Ethiopian Communication Authority invited international firms last month to bid for the two licenses.

The Ethiopian telecommunications market is being opened up following the privatization moves introduced by Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed since he took office in April, 2018.

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