ECA Reveals Bidders for the Two Telecommunications Licenses in Ethiopia

The Ethiopian Communications Authority has announced the two bidders for the nationwide telecommunications licenses.

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It is remembered that in an effort to increase the accessibility of telecom services and enhance its digital economy, Ethiopia has opened an international competitive bid for the liberalization of telecommunication services.

On the 27th of November, ECA has announced the request for a proposal for the bid, which has come to close on April 26, 2021.

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The first announced bidder is the Global Partnership for Ethiopia (a consortium of telecom operators made up of Vodafone, Vodacom, Safaricom & Sumitomo Corporation) and the South African telecom operator MTN.

Eng. Balcha, Director General of the ECA commented “We are delighted to have had interest from established telecom operators from around the world, commensurate with this unprecedented opportunity, including from Africa’s two telecommunications ‘giants’, MTN – the largest mobile operator on the continent, and the Vodafone/Vodacom consortium including Kenya’s largest telecoms provider, Safaricom. We acknowledge, with thanks, the diligence and commitment from all participants in meeting the strict requirements set out in the RFP and for their engagement throughout this process. The ECA will be looking for the best all-round partners from the bids submitted and we are confident that competitive bidding will ensure that Ethiopia gets the best deal.”

The winner of the international competitive bid will be announced following a thorough evaluation of the technical and financial offers of the bidders. The announcement of the winner is expected to be made in the coming few weeks.