Today's Bulletin: February 11, 2025

More results...

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Filter by Categories
Africacom
AfricaCom 2024
AI
Apps
Apps
Banking
Broadcast
CABSAT
Cabsat
Cloud
Column
Content
Corona
DTT
eCommerce
Editorial
Education
Entertainment
Events
Fintech
Fixed
Gitex
Gitex Africa
GSMA Cape Town
Healthcare
IBC
Industry Voices
Infrastructure
IoT
MNVO Nation Africa
Mobile
Mobile Payments
Music
MWC Barcelona
MWC Barcelona 2025
MWC Kigali
News
Online
Opinion Piece
Q&A
Satellite
Security
Software
Startups
Streaming
Technology
TechTalks
TechTalkThursday
Telecoms
Utilities
Video Interview
Follow us

e& and Orange Consider Bids for Stake in Ethiopia’s Ethio Telecom

July 10, 2023
2 min read
Author: Aayushya Ranjan

Emirates Telecommunications Group (e&) and France’s Orange are reportedly exploring bids for a 45% stake in Ethiopia’s state-controlled telecoms operator, Ethio Telecom, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Both e& and Orange have engaged with advisors to evaluate potential offers for the stake in Ethio, although discussions are in the early stages and the Ethiopian government has yet to announce a timeline for the sale.

Ethiopia has intermittently considered selling a stake in Ethio Telecom in recent years, with initial attempts disrupted by a civil war between the government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. Following a peace agreement late last year, the government has revived the process.

In addition to the stake in Ethio Telecom, Ethiopia is also exploring the possibility of granting a license for a third mobile operator, challenging Ethio Telecom and Safaricom. e& has expressed interest in bidding for this license as well.

The Ethiopian authorities have not specified the conditions under which they would allow a partner to acquire a stake in Ethio Telecom, prompting close attention from potential investors like Orange.

Ethiopia, with a population of over 110 million people, represents a significant telecoms market with substantial growth potential. The African continent, characterized by its youthful population and relatively low wireless penetration, offers an attractive opportunity for service providers seeking expansion.

Spokespersons for Orange and e& declined to comment, while the Ethiopian Communications Authority and Ethiopian Investment Holdings have not responded to requests for comment at this time.

Follow us on LinkedIn

Newsletter signup

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and get the latest industry insights right in your inbox!

Please wait...

Thank you for sign up!