Ethiopia’s operators raise tariffs due to macroeconomic conditions

Ethiopia’s two mobile operators, state-owned Ethio Telecom and Safaricom Ethiopia, are raising prices, blaming a tough macroeconomic backdrop and the rising cost of building and running their networks.

Both firms say higher tariffs are needed to fund network expansion and maintain service quality. The increases come as Ethiopia works through broader economic pressures, including currency weakness and inflation, which are making imported equipment and operational expenses more expensive.