Safaricom Ethiopia Partners with Woda Metals to Localize Telecom Infrastructure

Safaricom Ethiopia has taken a significant step towards localizing its telecom infrastructure by partnering with Ethiopian company Woda Metals. This collaboration involves the use of 68 locally manufactured telecom towers, with 13 already delivered, to enhance the company's network and customer base.

This partnership has broader implications for the development of Ethiopia's telecom infrastructure and could lead to increased connectivity and access to digital services for the country's population. It may also have a positive impact on the local economy and job creation.

Wim Vanhelleputte, CEO of Safaricom Ethiopia, expressed optimism about the partnership, highlighting the quality and cost-effectiveness of the locally produced towers. "The quality and cost-effectiveness of the locally produced towers will enhance the network's quality and efficiency," he stated.

Steven Cui, CEO of Woda Metals, also emphasized the importance of this collaboration, noting that it marks a significant step towards localizing the production of critical telecom infrastructure in Ethiopia. "This collaboration signifies a significant step towards localizing the production of critical telecom infrastructure in Ethiopia," Cui remarked.

The partnership is expected to support Safaricom Ethiopia's goal of increasing its network quality and user base, which currently stands at 4.4 million. As of December 31, 2023, the company had deployed 2,242 base stations in 33 cities, covering 33% of the population.

Woda Metals specializes in producing power transmission towers, telecom towers, cables, galvanization, and steel structures. Being the first local company to supply telecom towers to Safaricom Ethiopia, Woda Metals plays a vital role in this initiative.

Safaricom Ethiopia's latest objective is to further enhance connectivity quality as it expands its network. This collaboration is expected to contribute significantly to the company's efforts to provide reliable and accessible telecommunications services to Ethiopians.

In April 2024, Safaricom Ethiopia announced plans to invest in new towers to improve coverage and capacity, providing access to advanced mobile and digital finance services and connectivity for individuals and businesses.

With a population of 129 million, Ethiopia has 24.83 million Internet users, representing 19.4% of the population as of January 1, 2024. The partnership between Safaricom Ethiopia and Woda Metals is set to play a vital role in increasing this connectivity.

The collaboration between Safaricom Ethiopia and Woda Metals represents a significant development in the localization of telecom infrastructure and is expected to have a positive impact on the company's goal of increasing its network quality and user base.

Key Takeaways

• Safaricom Ethiopia partners with Woda Metals to use 68 locally manufactured telecom towers.
• 13 towers already delivered to enhance network and customer base.
• Partnership to increase connectivity and access to digital services for Ethiopia's population.
• Locally produced towers to enhance network quality and efficiency at a lower cost.
• Partnership to support Safaricom Ethiopia's goal of increasing network quality and user base.