Safaricom Ethiopia has expanded its network coverage across the Somali Region, fully covering Gode, Kebridehar, Kebribeya, Degehabur, Wajale, Awbare, and towns in between, reaffirming our commitment to enhancing connectivity and digital financial services for communities across Ethiopia.

Safaricom’s expanded network coverage significantly improves connectivity for communities across the Somali Region. The investment will advance accessibility and create new opportunities for both individuals and businesses, said Wim Vanhelleputte, CEO of Safaricom Ethiopia, at the announcement of the network expansion in Gode.

Wim Vanhelleputte
CEO of Safaricom Ethiopia

“Our presence in areas like Gode shows our commitment to connect people to people, people to knowledge, and people to opportunities. With our fast 4G network now available, residents and visitors to these towns can enjoy high-speed data, bringing us closer to our vision of a connected Ethiopia.”

The Mayor of Gode Town, Abdulahi Ali Haji, praised Safaricom Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure in the region. “Expansion of infrastructure, especially digital technology, is vital to the development of our community,” he said.

“Safaricom Ethiopia’s network expansion and support in the education sector contribute significantly to our development goals. Therefore, I want to reiterate our continued support for Safaricom Ethiopia in its endeavour to expand its network and bring positive change to the region.”

In addition to providing reliable connectivity, Safaricom has prioritised digital financial services through M-PESA, which has seen a commendable adoption across the Somali Region, marking one of the highest usage rates in Ethiopia.

To ensure ongoing service quality, Safaricom will open a regional office in the regional capital, Jigjiga, which will also create more employment opportunities.

Beyond network expansion, Safaricom is committed to digitising education and supporting communities. Recently, we donated 100 laptops, 20 routers with six months of unlimited data, and school supplies valued at 5.5 million Ethiopian birr to students and schools in Tog Wechale, Jigjiga, Gode, Kebridehar, Degehabur and Kebribeya.

We also rebuilt the Jigjiga marketplace, which was devastated by fire in July 2023, supporting the city’s recovery and reaffirming our commitment to the Somali Region’s growth.

Safaricom Ethiopia is on a mission to lead a national effort to transform lives, enabling growth and development by leveraging our digital network and community initiatives to support connectivity, education and economic resilience.

Did you know?

  • Geographical location: The Somali Region, also known as Ogaden, is situated in the eastern part of Ethiopia, sharing borders with Somalia, Djibouti and Kenya.
  • Population: The region is predominantly inhabited by ethnic Somalis and has a population of approximately six million people.
  • Economy: Livestock farming is the backbone of the Somali Region’s economy. The people primarily engage in pastoralism, raising cattle, goats, sheep and camels.
  • Historical significance: The region has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, with ties to the Sultanate of Ifat and Adal Sultanate.
  • Challenges: The region faces significant challenges, including recurrent droughts, limited infrastructure in some areas, and inter-clan conflicts. However, efforts are being made to improve the situation through various development projects.

Sources: UNICEF, UNHCR