Race for the Second Telecom Operator License Starts in Ethiopia

According to a report by Reuters, Ethiopia is all set to reopen the bidding for its second telecoms operator license this month.

This full-service license is expected to be offered at a lower-than-expected price as Ethiopia has already sold one of the two licenses.

“We have made some changes that can uplift its value, for instance, mobile financial service.”

Balcha Reba, Director-General, The Ethiopian Communication Authority

“The International Finance Corporation, the private sector arm of the World Bank, will serve as transaction adviser in the deal. The government expects prospective bidders to include firms that had expressed interest in the previous attempt to sell the license but whose bids were deemed to be insufficient. We expect to have a strong interest.”

Brook Taye, Senior Adviser, Ministry of Finance

A Safaricom-led consortium had secured the first license. Other South African telecos including MTN were a part of the bidding too.

“At least there is a benchmark and to uplift this benchmark we are working on amending the policy.”

Brook Taye, Senior Adviser, Ministry of Finance