African titans Vodacom, MTN battle for lucrative Ethiopia deal
Monday May 03 2021
Balcha Reba (2nd left), director-general of the Ethiopian Communications Authority, shows a proposal from a bidder during the big opening ceremony for the telecommunications licences award, in Addis Ababa on April 26, 2021. Ethiopia announced it had received two bids for licences that would end the government’s monopoly in the telecoms sector. PHOTO | AFP
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The battle for the lucrative Ethiopian telecommunications market has narrowed down to consortia led by two of Africa’s telecom giants, Vodacom and MTN Group, setting another stage for their sustained competition for the continental market.
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.
Safaricom shortlisted for Ethiopia telco licence bid
Wednesday February 17 2021
Safaricom Plc CEO Peter Ndegwa with Chief Customer Officer Sylvia Mulinge (left) during the telco s 20-year celebration in Nairobi on October 27, 2020. PHOTO | DIANA NGILA | NMG
By BRIAN NGUGI
Summary
Safaricom has made it to the shortlist of six firms that have been cleared to bid for one of two Ethiopian telecoms licences that will be offered this year.
The Ethiopian Communications Authority has whittled the list down from a consortia of 12 that had expressed interest in entering the country’s telecommunications market.
Firms will be required to submit their technical and financial bids by April 5, compared with a previous deadline of March 5.
Safaricom group taps Sh55bn loan for Ethiopia entry
Monday December 21 2020
By VICTOR JUMA
Summary
Safaricom and its parent companies Vodafone Group Plc and Vodacom Group Limited have formed a joint venture – Global Partnership for Ethiopia through which they are bidding for one of two telecommunications licences being auctioned in that country.
The financial investment in Ethiopia is expected to top the $1 billion (Sh111 billion) mark, with the DFC loan deal seen as part of the project’s fundraising efforts.
Safaricom had earlier said it was ready to take more debt in its role as the majority shareholder of the consortium with a 51 percent stake.