Safaricom Ethiopia is now one of the biggest names in mobile in East Africa. If you live in Ethiopia — or plan to visit — you’ve probably heard about it. But what does it actually offer? How do you get started? And how does it compare to the competition?
This guide covers it all. Simple, clear, and up to date.
What Is Safaricom Ethiopia?
Safaricom is a telecom company. It started in Kenya, where it became the biggest mobile network in the country. In 2021, it won Ethiopia’s first-ever private telecom license. That was a big deal. Until then, only one company — Ethio Telecom — could offer mobile services in Ethiopia.
Safaricom Ethiopia launched its first pilot service in Dire Dawa in August 2022. By October 2022, it went live in Addis Ababa and 10 other cities. Since then, it has grown fast.
Today, Safaricom Ethiopia has around 10 million subscribers — and is aiming to grow much more by 2030.
Who Owns Safaricom Ethiopia?
Safaricom Ethiopia is backed by a group of global investors. These include:
- Safaricom PLC (Kenya) — the parent company
- Vodacom — South Africa’s biggest telecom group
- Vodafone — UK-based global telecom giant
- Sumitomo Corporation — a major Japanese business group
- British International Investment (BII) — UK government’s development finance arm
- CDC Group and other partners
This strong backing helps Safaricom Ethiopia build fast and invest in top tech like Nokia and Huawei towers.
Safaricom Ethiopia Network Coverage (2026 Update)
Coverage is growing at a fast pace. Here’s what you need to know:
- Safaricom Ethiopia now covers over 50% of the Ethiopian population
- Its network spans central, northern, southern, eastern, and western regions
- Recent expansion includes cities like Nekemte, Gambella, Assosa, Metu, and Bedele in the west
- In the north, coverage now stretches from Mekelle to Adigrat, including Wukro, Hawzen, Frewoyni, and Edegahamus
- The company is partnering with Nokia and Huawei to build its towers
- It plans to go from around 3,100 towers to more than 6,000 towers by December 2028
- The long-term goal is to cover 80–90% of Ethiopia’s population
All new towers are 4G (5G-ready). That means faster speeds now — and easy upgrade to 5G later.
Coverage Map Highlights
| Region | Key Cities Covered |
|---|---|
| Central | Addis Ababa, Adama, Bishoftu |
| East | Dire Dawa, Harar, Chiro, Somali region |
| North | Mekelle, Adigrat, Wukro, Hawzen |
| South | Multiple towns across southern Ethiopia |
| West | Nekemte, Gambella, Assosa, Metu, Bedele |
How to Get a Safaricom Ethiopia SIM Card?
Getting started is easy. Here’s how:
- Go to a Safaricom store or authorized outlet near you
- Bring your national ID (your kebele ID or passport works)
- Ask for a new SIM card — staff will help you register it on the spot
- Choose a plan that fits your needs — voice, data, or both
- Start using your line — calls, SMS, and internet are ready right away
You can also find Safaricom distributors and shop agents in most towns where coverage is active.
Setting Up Your Internet (APN)
If your internet isn’t working after you insert the SIM, you may need to set the APN manually.
For Android phones:
- Go to Settings → Mobile Networks → Access Point Names
- Tap Add or the + sign
- Enter the Safaricom Ethiopia APN details (available from any Safaricom store)
- Save and restart your phone
For iPhones, the settings usually update automatically. If not, ask a Safaricom agent.
Safaricom Ethiopia Data Packages
Safaricom Ethiopia offers a range of data bundles. These suit different needs and budgets.
Note: In late 2025, Safaricom Ethiopia raised data prices by up to 82%. The company said data prices were previously below cost — and well below the Africa average. If you want the latest prices, check with a Safaricom store or agent, as these can change.
Types of Data Plans
- Daily bundles — good for light users
- Weekly bundles — value for moderate use
- Monthly bundles — best for heavy data users
- Mega (family) packages — shared data for households, with call benefits and mobile money access
The Mega packages are designed for families. They include big data limits, unlimited calls, and M-Pesa access — all in one plan.
M-Pesa Ethiopia: Mobile Money Made Simple
M-Pesa is Safaricom’s mobile money service. It lets you send and receive money using your phone — no bank needed.
Safaricom Ethiopia launched M-Pesa in August 2023. Since then, it has grown fast. By November 2025, M-Pesa Ethiopia had 3.4 million active users — a 174.8% increase in just six months.
What Can You Do with M-Pesa Ethiopia?
- Send money to family and friends
- Receive money from abroad (international transfers)
- Pay bills — electricity, water, and more
- Buy airtime and data bundles
- Pay at shops and businesses
- Access insurance services (via M-Pesa’s partnership with Nyala Insurance)
- Use Mini Apps to pay for other services
How to Register for M-Pesa?
You need an active Safaricom Ethiopia SIM to register. Here’s how:
- Visit any M-Pesa agent or Safaricom store
- Give your phone number and year of birth, or use your fingerprint
- Accept the Terms & Conditions on your phone
- You’ll get a confirmation and your M-Pesa PIN
- Start using M-Pesa right away
You can register up to five M-Pesa accounts under your name — one per SIM line.
You must be 18 or older to open an M-Pesa account.
M-Pesa LeHulum — For Everyone, Any Network
In late 2025, M-Pesa Ethiopia launched M-Pesa LeHulum — a big step forward.
This platform works with any SIM card, not just Safaricom’s. You just download the M-Pesa Safaricom app, register with any phone number, and verify with your Fayda Digital ID. You can start sending and receiving money within minutes.
This means even non-Safaricom customers can now use M-Pesa.
Read: Ethiopia vs Egypt— Goals, Lineups, Stats & WC Qualifying Table (2026)
Safaricom Ethiopia vs Ethio Telecom: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Safaricom Ethiopia | Ethio Telecom |
|---|---|---|
| Network Type | 4G (5G-ready) | 4G/3G |
| M-Pesa / Mobile Money | Yes (M-Pesa) | Yes (Telebirr) |
| Ownership | Private (Safaricom/Vodacom) | State-owned |
| Population Coverage | ~50%+ | Wider (older network) |
| International Support | Yes (via Vodafone/Vodacom) | Limited |
| Youth Digital Programs | TechStart, Talent Cloud | Limited |
Both companies have strengths. Safaricom tends to offer newer tech and faster 4G speeds in covered areas. Ethio Telecom has a wider reach in very rural zones — for now.
TechStart: Safaricom Ethiopia’s Gift to Young Ethiopians
Safaricom Ethiopia is not just about calls and data. It’s also investing in young Ethiopians’ futures.
In September 2025, the company launched Safaricom Ethiopia TechStart — a nationwide training program.
What Is TechStart?
- It aims to train 125,000 young Ethiopians in digital and cloud tech skills over three years
- It is open to anyone 18 years old or older with an active Safaricom SIM
- The program is run in partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) — one of the world’s biggest tech companies
- Top students can get their certification fees sponsored by the Safaricom Ethiopia Foundation
- It is part of Vodacom Group’s plan to train 1 million young Africans across the continent
This is a real chance for Ethiopian youth to get skills in software, cloud computing, and tech — for free.
Talent Cloud Scholarship
Earlier in April 2025, Safaricom Ethiopia also launched the Talent Cloud Scholarship — in partnership with Amref Health Africa and the Vodafone Foundation.
- It offers free training to 1,000 Ethiopian youth aged 18–35
- Focus areas: software development, data science, and AI
- A one-year program with mentorship and job support
Leadership: New Ethiopian Chairman Appointed
In November 2025, Ermias Eshetu was appointed as Chairman of Safaricom Ethiopia’s Advisory Board. He was the first Ethiopian to join the board (in March 2025), and his promotion to chairman reflects Safaricom’s effort to put more Ethiopians in senior roles.
This is a sign of the company’s long-term commitment to Ethiopia — not just as a market, but as a home.
Safaricom Ethiopia’s Big Goals for the Future
Safaricom has ambitious plans for the years ahead:
- Grow to 70 million total subscribers across the group (Kenya + Ethiopia) by 2030
- In Ethiopia specifically, reach 10+ million subscribers and keep growing
- Expand towers from ~3,100 to over 10,000 in the next 10 years
- Cover 80–90% of Ethiopia’s population with internet, voice, and financial services
- Reach financial profitability within the next 6–12 months (as of mid-2025)
The CEO of Safaricom Kenya said clearly: “Now we know how to build infrastructure fast.”
Customer Support: How to Reach Safaricom Ethiopia?
You have a few easy ways to get help:
- Visit a Safaricom store — staff can help with SIM issues, billing, and M-Pesa
- Call customer care — numbers are on your SIM pack or the official website
- Telegram channel — Safaricom Ethiopia offers 24/7 support on Telegram
- M-Pesa app — has a built-in support section
FAQs About Safaricom Ethiopia
Q: Is Safaricom available in my city? Coverage is in more than 50 cities and towns as of 2026, across all regions of Ethiopia. Check with a local Safaricom agent or store for your specific area.
Q: Can I use M-Pesa if I’m not a Safaricom customer? Yes! Thanks to M-Pesa LeHulum, anyone with any SIM can now use M-Pesa. Just download the app and verify with your Fayda Digital ID.
Q: Is Safaricom’s 4G fast? Yes. Safaricom runs a modern 4G network. In cities where it is active, speeds are strong and reliable for video streaming, calls, and downloads.
Q: How do I check my data balance? You can check your balance through the M-Pesa Safaricom app, or by dialing the USSD code provided with your SIM pack.
Q: Can I get a SIM as a tourist or visitor? Yes. You need a valid ID such as a passport. Visit any Safaricom store and the staff will help you.
Q: Did Safaricom raise its data prices? Yes, in late 2025, prices went up by up to 82%. The company said this was needed to stay sustainable and fund network expansion. Some customers were unhappy with the sudden increase.
Q: Is Safaricom planning to launch 5G in Ethiopia? All new towers are built to be 5G-ready. Full 5G service has not been announced yet, but the infrastructure is being laid now.
Q: What is Safaricom Ethiopia TechStart? It’s a free digital training program for Ethiopians aged 18 and above. It teaches cloud and tech skills in partnership with AWS. Top students get their certification paid for.
Q: How many M-Pesa users does Ethiopia have? As of November 2025, M-Pesa Ethiopia had 3.4 million active users — up 174.8% in just six months.
Q: Is Safaricom Ethiopia profitable yet? As of mid-2025, the company is working toward profitability within 6 to 12 months. Initial costs of building a new network from scratch are high, but the goal is near.
Final Thoughts
Safaricom Ethiopia is changing how Ethiopians connect — to each other, to money, and to the digital world. From fast 4G internet in cities to mobile money for those without bank accounts, it is building something real.
If you haven’t tried it yet, getting a SIM is simple. And if you’re a young Ethiopian, the TechStart program could be a door to a new career.
Ethiopia’s telecom story is just getting started. And Safaricom is right in the middle of it.
