Safaricom Ethiopia PLC, Ethiopia's first private mobile operator, has appointed Andualem Admassie (PhD) as Chief of External Affairs as its subscriber base surpasses 5 million.
Launched in October 2022, Safaricom Ethiopia aims to enhance digital connectivity across the nation through an 850 million dollars investment, representing the largest foreign direct investment in Ethiopia's telecom sector.
"This is a significant step for us as we focus on enhancing our local leadership," said Wim Vanhelleputte, CEO of Safaricom Ethiopia.
Andualem replaces Henock Teferra in the role, bringing more than two decades of experience to Ethiopia's telecom sector. He previously served as CEO of state-owned Ethio Telecom and co-founded Tele Mobile South Sudan.
Prior to rejoining the telecom sector, Andualem served as Director-General of Ethiopia's Higher Education Quality and Relevance Agency for over four years.
At Safaricom Ethiopia, Andualem will oversee government, regulatory, and public relations activities. By mid-2024, Safaricom Ethiopia's active customer base was reported at 4.6 million, reflecting steady growth despite competition from Ethio Telecom.
The company aims to leverage its M-Pesa mobile money service to boost user engagement and financial inclusion, with a target of 10 million customers by March 2025.
