Safaricom Ethiopia announced it has received the initial 13 towers from Woda plc., the first local company to manufacture network towers in the country, to enhance and expand its network infrastructure.
According to the telecom operator, Woda will provide a total of 68 high-quality towers for 50 million birr (nearly $870,000). This development follows Safaricom Ethiopia's $1.5 billion plan to build 5,000 new towers over three years to expand network infrastructure and provide reliable, high-quality telecommunications services across the country.
Currently, Safaricom Ethiopia operates over 2,800 towers, with two-thirds self-constructed and the remainder leased. Ethiopia, with a population of just over 129 million, had 24.83 million internet users as of January 1, 2024, representing 19.4% of the population.
Safaricom Ethiopia stated that this development is a crucial step towards providing reliable and accessible telecommunications services to all Ethiopians, highlighting the company's commitment to supporting local industries and contributing to Ethiopia's economic development. "The quality of their towers is good; their galvanizing plant is the largest in Africa, and their cost-effectiveness allows us to expand our network more efficiently. This collaboration supports our operational goals and promotes Ethiopian manufacturing as a standard for Africa," said Wim Vanhelleputte, CEO of Safaricom Ethiopia.
Steven Cui, CEO of Woda, confirmed that it is the first local company to supply telecommunications towers to Safaricom Ethiopia, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining the highest levels of quality and reliability.
When the telecommunications company announced its investment plan for new towers in April 2024, it stated that the network expansion would improve coverage and capacity, providing access to advanced mobile financial and digital services, and connectivity for individuals and businesses.
In August 2023, Techpoint Africa reported that the telecom company would receive $257.4 million (36.8 billion KSh) in funding from the World Bank Group to support its new telecommunications projects aimed at increasing mobile connectivity in Ethiopia.
