Safaricom Ethiopia Raises Mobile Data Prices 20-82% Amid Cost Pressures
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Safaricom Ethiopia raised mobile data bundle prices by 20-82% effective December 23, 2025, its first major tariff revision since commercial launch three years ago. Weekly 10GB plans increased from 250 birr to same price for 5.5GB; daily 150MB bundles cut to 100MB at 5 birr; 100 birr weekly plans reduced from 3GB to 2GB.
Safaricom stated the adjustment covers rising operational costs, currency depreciation, and supply chain disruptions for equipment. "This adjustment has been found necessary to continue our efforts to provide a reliable and high-quality connectivity experience to our 12 million customers," the company said.
CEO Wim Vanhelleputte noted mid-2025 that data services sold below cost, with Ethiopia's prices one-third continental average, threatening viability. Safaricom invested over 300 billion birr ($2.5 billion) building 3,000+ sites covering half Ethiopia's population.
Ownership: Safaricom PLC (55.7%), Sumitomo Corporation (27.2%), British International Investment (10.9%), Vodacom Group (6.2%), IFC minority stake. Standard Bank provided $138 million financing in September for infrastructure.
Customer complaints emerged over affordability for students and small businesses, though Ethiopia retains Africa's lowest data prices.
