The Ethiopian government’s latest plans to open up its telecommunications sector and enter the mobile money market are sparking concerns over the fairness of its efforts. Government-owned operator Ethio Telecom currently monopolizes the country’s telecoms sector, one of the largest on the continent. Last year, it also agreed to allow Ethio Telecom to enter the mobile banking market. The two licenses granted to the international mobile operators will not permit them to invest in the local banking and mobile money sector. Ethio Telecom recently said it was inviting bids for use of its fiber network stretching 21,327 kilometers and more than 7,300 towers.

Source: Ethiopian News February 23, 2021 12:33 UTC