All Ethiopia articles – Page 4
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Public AffairsEthiopia presses pause on third licence contest
Regulator initiates another stoppage after interested parties request delay over RFP “concerns”. Move adds to sense of turbulence around Safaricom’s planned entrance into the country during 2022.
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Products & ServicesSafaricom to seed DigiFarm agri services in Ethiopia
Kenyan operator gives a hint of digital services that will form part of its line-up when it debuts in Ethiopia next year.
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Network & InfrastructureRegulator: don’t let Ethiopia unrest slow network rollout
The Ethiopian Communications Authority has told STE to “expedite the project rollout” amid ongoing conflict in the country’s north. No wiggle-room in Q1 commercial launch deadline, despite Safaricom staff evacuation and national state of emergency.
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Financial & PerformanceSafaricom confident on Ethiopia despite ‘staff evacuation’
Staff safety and security a priority in Ethiopia, says Safaricom’s Peter Ndegwa, but progress remains on track despite distractions. Break-even forecasts braced for impact of conflict. Employees evacuated from Addis Ababa, according to reports.
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Public AffairsUK government defends Ethiopian mobile investment
Vodafone and CDC investment in Ethiopian mobile operator crops up in parliamentary debate on Tigray humanitarian crisis. Investment deemed to be “right” and long term. CDC emphasises role as impact investor with a lot of patience. Vodacom agrees to fund Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia.
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M&AVodacom aims for 100m fintech users on road to sale
CEO Shameel Joosub sets sights on nine-figure base to win better bargaining position with potential buyers and partners. Vodacom taking control of fintech offerings in Ghana and Egypt, to fuel expansion.
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PeopleSafaricom taps Guinness exec as Ethiopian CFO
Top finance and people hires confirmed as Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia plots build out. Startup operator aiming for 1,000-strong headcount to support 2022 launch.
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Strategy & ChangeEthiopian mobile: Tigray overshadows Safaricom-Voda market entry
Escalating conflict and humanitarian crisis spreads in northern region. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed criticised for Tigray response, but undeterred on reform agenda and courting private investment. What is Safaricom-led OpCo getting into? Unrest brews challenging conditions, as US sanctions threaten OpCo funding. Vodafone keeps a low profile in Ethiopian ...
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Strategy & ChangeSafaricom looks closer to Ethiopian fintech expansion
Newly established Ethiopian OpCo reportedly given green-light to offer fintech service by market regulator. But incumbent rival already gifted year-long head start in m-money services realm.
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Strategy & ChangeNew Ethiopian OpCo sticks with Safaricom marque
New business formally named. ECA grants operator full operating licence, effective from 9 July. Ethiopia seen as early target for Vodafone’s satellite venture with AST.
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PeopleVodafone’s Ethiopian OpCo gets a leader
Anwar Soussa takes job as first MD of as-yet-unnamed OpCo. Industry veteran brings M-PESA experience. EOC plans and ownership remain vague.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Vodafone Africa: Vodacom debuts new products
Safaricom rival Ethio making hay in m-money; Vodacom debuts new products in youth market and SMME lending; Aziz back on radar in Tanzania.
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People
Fresh faces bedded in at Joosub’s Vodacom ExecCo
Vodacom Executive Committee confirmed with five newcomers. Vodacom South Africa joins Safaricom with a seat at the table, while other African OpCos grouped under International Business.
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Strategy & Change
Ethiopia: Kenyan president gets behind Safaricom entry
President Kenyatta urges Ethiopia to open up m-money market. Safaricom reveals planned ownership structure of future Opco, with Vodafone set to play a very limited role.
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Network & InfrastructureEthiopia tender win: gov talks up Vodafone’s ‘quality’
Safaricom-led consortium emerges as sole new entrant in damp squib of an auction. Group’s rare move into new market muddied by competitors’ apparent wariness regarding risks in Ethiopia. Only two bidders emerge for new licences. Fears of incumbent’s political heft added to suitors’ macro uncertainties. Plan for an Ethio ...
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Strategy & ChangeSafaricom: deadline for Ethiopia entry bid pushed back (again)
ECA grants Kenyan operator and other interested parties more time to consider ins and outs of Ethiopian expansion. Deadline revised for the second time in as many months. Laws blocking Safaricom from operating fintech service in country remain in place (for now).
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Vodafone Africa
Vodafone launches Africa.Connected campaign to bridge the digital divide, while Joosub clears things up regarding Ghana in Q3 results.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Vodafone Africa: banking products extended
Vodafone Ghana and Safaricom look to expand financial services offering with new products.
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Strategy & ChangeSafaricom still keen on Ethiopia entry
Safaricom blocked from operating fintech service in Ethiopia, potentially making case for entry shakier, but operator reaffirms Ethiopian commitment and intention to enter bidding war. ECA offers spectrum auction update, amid escalating regional conflict.
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PremiumVodafone to make Ethiopia play
Vodafone’s plan to enter Ethiopia is taking shape, but will not be what was first expected.