Safaricom Ethiopia has reached 10 million active mobile customers, marking a major step forward in its mission to expand connectivity and support Ethiopia’s digital journey just four years after securing its license.

The company, which began operations in October 2022, said the milestone reflects growing demand for mobile services and is the result of ongoing collaboration with the government and other key partners.

“Achieving an active customer base of 10 million is a significant milestone for us, but it also brings with it great responsibility. Behind each SIM card, there is an individual, a family, a business, and a future. Our mission is to serve, enable, and support Ethiopia's development through world-class connectivity and innovation. We are proud of our accomplishments and remain committed to further connecting people, creating opportunities, and contributing to a truly digital Ethiopia,” said Safaricom Ethiopia CEO Wim Vanhelleputte.

The company noted that its 4G network currently reaches more than half of the country’s population through 3,141 live sites in over 150 towns and cities. On average, it is gaining about 31,000 new users each day, showing steady customer growth.

Since its entry into the Ethiopian market, Safaricom Ethiopia has invested over 300 billion Ethiopian birr, equivalent to about Sh281 billion, into developing telecom and digital financial services infrastructure. The company said this investment is meant to not only fuel commercial growth but also support long-term social impact.

Safaricom Ethiopia currently has 900 direct employees, 97 per cent of whom are Ethiopian nationals. It added that over 20,000 others have found indirect work through areas such as SIM card sales, distribution, and network rollout.

The company’s leadership emphasised that the 10 million users represent more than just numbers—they reflect real people, businesses, and communities being empowered through digital inclusion.

Safaricom Ethiopia expressed gratitude to its customers, the Ethiopian government, regulators, and partners, saying their support has been key to reaching this milestone. The firm said it remains focused on widening access and helping Ethiopia achieve its digital goals.