Ethiopia issues new licence bid deadline
06 April 2021 | Melanie Mingas Ethiopia has again extended the deadline for telcos to bid for new operating licences.
In a tweet, the Ethiopian Communications Authority (ECA) said it had taken the eleventh-hour decision in response to requests from bidders, pushing the deadline from 5 April to 26 April, 10am local time.
ECA said on Twitter: Due to requests by bidders to have more time to finalize their offer in light of Covid market environment, ECA determined their question to be appropriate and the deadline for submission of bids for the 2 new Telecom Operator Licenses is extended.
Airtel withdrew from the bidding process earlier this year, but both Orange and Vodafone remain in the running, having confirmed to
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Africa’s last untapped telecoms market
In November 2020, the Ethiopian Communications Authority (ECA) officially opened the gates to bids from telecoms companies looking to snag two licences Ethiopia is offering. Ethiopia’s telecoms sector is a monopoly with the state-run Ethiotel facing no competition.
But last year, it made the first step to change that with plans to sell two telecoms licences. There’s clearly a big opportunity in Ethiopia as it is largely regarded as one of the largest untapped telecom markets on the continent.
Vodacom and MTN both want into Ethiopia. Hereâs what they already cover across Africa Business Insider SA
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MTN and Vodacom are both in the running for Ethiopia’s new nationwide telecommunications licence.
Ethiopia, which is primarily served by state-owned firm Ethio Telecom, is attempting to transform its telecoms sector.
Vodacom is the largest of the two by market capitalisation, but MTN has the most subscribers on the continent.
This is how they are dividing the continent between them.
For more stories, go to www.BusinessInisder.co.za.
South African companies MTN and Vodacom have both placed bids in Ethiopia to operate a nationwide telecoms licence, a move that would help one, or both, extend their footprints on the African market – and gain a significant number of customers in Africa s second-most populous country.
Safaricom share hits all-time high on Ethiopia bid
Thursday April 29 2021
Safaricom Plc CEO Peter Ndegwa during the telco s 20-year celebration at the Nairobi Serena Hotel on October 27, 2020. PHOTO | NMG
By VICTOR JUMA
Summary
A total of 11 million shares worth Sh441.7 million changed hands at a price of between Sh39 and an all-time high of Sh40.2.
Foreign investors were net buyers of the telco’s shares, according to a report by stockbroker AIB-AXYS Africa.
Besides news of the possible Ethiopia entry, some investors are also buying Safaricom’s shares in anticipation of the release of its full-year results, which will feature the declaration of a dividend.
Safaricom gets boost as top firms snub Ethiopia bid
Summary
The fact that only two bids were made has narrowed the agency’s options and the bidding process could be reopened, especially if the financial offers fall below the government’s targets.
While both Safaricom and MTN have substantial financial backing, they have emphasised that they will not overpay for the Ethiopian licences.
Wednesday April 28 2021
By VICTOR JUMA
Summary
The fact that only two bids were made has narrowed the agency’s options and the bidding process could be reopened, especially if the financial offers fall below the government’s targets.