Ethiopia called for expression of interest to award the second telecom license, launching the tender process to award an operator willing to invest in the Horn of African country.
The first license was awarded to the Safricom-led Global Consortium for an offer of 850 million dollars. The only other bidder was MTN, whose bid rejected after offering 650 million dollars, which found to be very low by the government.
More bidders are expected to show an interest for the second license, as the government lifted the restriction that prohibit foreign operators invest in the mobile banking market.
"The second license issuance is another opportunity for another telecoms operator to join Ethiopia's fast growing economy next year," said Balcha Reba, Director-General of Ethiopian Communications Authority, which will handle the tender process.
Bidders are expected to submit their proposal until December 20, 2021.