Ethio Telecom's customer base soars with 37% revenue growth in 2024
Ethio Telecom has reported strong growth in the first half of the year, expanding its customer base and infrastructure. The company added nearly 4 million new users, while revenue surged by 37% compared to the same period last year. Investments in digital expansion, training, and social projects have also marked its recent progress.
The state-owned telecom operator now serves 87.1 million customers, with 69.1 million active mobile users. This follows the addition of 3.93 million new subscribers in the latest reporting period. Network capacity was boosted by 3.21 million, reaching a total customer carrying capacity of 108 million after 278 new mobile stations were installed—130 of them in rural areas.
Revenue climbed to 85.02 billion ETB, a 37% rise from the previous year. The company also strengthened its backbone network by laying 377.7 km of new fibre, extending the total fibre length beyond 23,000 km. Meanwhile, 4G coverage expanded to 1,069 towns, now reaching 74% of the population.
International connectivity improved as well, with the Internet Gateway capacity hitting 3 Tbps. Local caching measures helped cut foreign currency expenses. On the digital front, Ethio Telecom registered 22 million citizens for the national digital ID, completing 69% of the nationwide target.
The firm's corporate social responsibility efforts contributed 383 million ETB to education, health, environmental protection, and national development. It also invested in human capital, delivering 23,963 training sessions and employing 44,031 people directly.
In recognition of its services, Ethio Telecom received the GSMA Mobile Money Certification for its telebirr platform. Additionally, discussions with Somaliland Cable (Somcable) are underway to establish a cross-border digital and telecoms partnership, potentially enhancing connectivity in Somaliland.
Ethio Telecom's latest results show significant expansion in customer numbers, revenue, and digital infrastructure. The company's investments in 4G, fibre networks, and social projects reflect its broader role in Ethiopia's development. Further growth is expected as partnerships and digital ID registrations continue to progress.
