Safaricom Ethiopia has officially launched its commercial operations in the Tigray region, marking a major step in the company’s mission to deliver reliable network services across the country.

The expansion into Tigray will be executed in two phases. In the first phase, Safaricom has constructed 125 self-built towers, with plans to erect an additional 166 towers in the second phase to reach the remaining cities in the region.

“Today marks the official launch of the first phase, with the second phase into Northern and Western Tigray already starting,” stated Safaricom CEO Wim Vanhelleputte.

The guest of honor at the launch ceremony, Getachew Reda, the President of the Interim Regional Administration of Tigray, hailed the occasion as “the most exciting milestone in Tigray since the return of social services to the region.” He reiterated his administration’s support for Safaricom’s endeavors in the area.

Safaricom’s phased approach ensures the company is building an independent, state-of-the-art 4G network that is 5G ready, providing Tigray’s residents with seamless connectivity. The network will seamlessly connect to the Global Mobile Network and is interconnected with other service providers in Ethiopia, enabling effortless communication for users.