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Safaricom Ethiopia and Vodacom Group convened a conference on accessibility and disability inclusion under the theme “Strengthening Disability Inclusion in Ethiopia: Bridging Gaps, Building Opportunities.” The conference brought together government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, and private sector stakeholders to address persistent barriers facing persons with disabilities and to explore practical pathways toward greater inclusion. Ethiopia has made important policy commitments, including ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and adopting national legal frameworks that promote equal rights. However, significant gaps remain between policy and lived experience. Persons with disabilities continue to face challenges in accessing quality education, securing meaningful employment, and fully participating in economic and social life. During his opening remarks, Safaricom Ethiopia’s CEO, Wim Vanhelleputteemphasized that technology can play a critical role in closing these gaps. Beyond connectivity, digital solutions can expand access to education through accessible learning platforms, improve healthcare delivery via telemedicine, and enable economic participation through mobile financial services and digital entrepreneurship. He also acknowledged the progress made by Vodacom Group in advancing digital inclusion. “Vodacom’s initiatives, including accessible mobile applications, inclusive customer service channels, and disability-friendly retail environments, provide a practical model for embedding accessibility into core business operations. Safaricom Ethiopia aims to adapt and scale similar initiatives locally while encouraging broader adoption across sectors.” A key highlight of the conference was the participation of Karen S. Smit (PhD), Accessibility Lead at Vodacom Group and Chairperson of the African Accessibility Forum, who shared insights from her experience in implementing inclusive solutions across multiple markets. Her engagement with government ministries, NGOs, and private sector actors focused on practical approaches to integrating accessibility into policy, design, and service delivery. The conference concluded with a shared commitment among participants to move from dialogue to action, working collaboratively to create an environment where persons with disabilities can fully participate and thrive.

We are proud to share that Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia PLC has been recognized as the #1 Top Employer in Ethiopia for the third consecutive year and named Africa’s Top Employer 2026 for the first time, with an outstanding score of 98.08%. This milestone reflects our continued commitment to building a people-centered culture where our employees can thrive, grow, and make meaningful impact. As our CEO Wim Vanhellepute shared: “This recognition affirms our commitment to putting our people at the heart of everything we do. It reflects the culture we are building one that empowers our employees, nurtures talent, and creates an environment where everyone can grow and perform.” Thank you to all our employees for making this achievement possible. We are proud to share that Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia PLC has been recognized as the #1 Top Employer in Ethiopia for the third consecutive year and named Africa’s Top Employer 2026 for the first time, with an outstanding score of 98.08%. This milestone reflects our continued commitment to building a people-centered culture where our employees can thrive, grow, and make meaningful impact. As our CEO Wim Vanhellepute shared: “This recognition affirms our commitment to putting our people at the heart of everything we do. It reflects the culture we are building one that empowers our employees, nurtures talent, and creates an environment where everyone can grow and perform.” Thank you to all our employees for making this achievement possible.

British Foreign Secretary Visits Safaricom Ethiopia, Underscoring UK Commitment to Investment and Job Creation Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | 1 February 2026 – Safaricom Ethiopia today hosted the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Rt Hon Yvette Cooper, during her official visit to Ethiopia, highlighting the growing role of British investment in supporting economic development and job creation in the country. The visit reflects Safaricom Ethiopia’s position as one of the most significant British-linked investments in Ethiopia, with British International Investment (BII) and Vodafone as part of its shareholders. The Foreign Secretary was accompanied by a delegation of British investors and representatives from the British Embassy. Other major British companies operating in Ethiopia, including MOENCO and Unilever, were also in attendance and briefed the Foreign Secretary on their ongoing investments and contributions to the local economy. Welcoming the delegation, Safaricom Ethiopia’s Chief Executive Officer, Wim Vanhelleputte, provided an overview of the company’s rapid growth, expanding network footprint, and its impact on employment and digital inclusion across the country. “We were pleased to welcome Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to Safaricom Ethiopia,” said Wim Vanhelleputte. “Her visit is a strong signal of the continued confidence and support we receive from our shareholders and partners. It also reflects the importance of long-term, responsible investment in building sustainable businesses and meaningful economic opportunities.” The Foreign Secretary’s visit forms part of a broader assessment of how investment can support economic opportunity and address the root causes of irregular migration. Safaricom Ethiopia is among the largest private-sector employers in the country, directly and indirectly supporting more than 20,000 jobs through its operations, partners, and distribution network. Safaricom Ethiopia continues to play a central role in Ethiopia’s digital transformation, contributing to financial inclusion, connectivity, and job creation, while reinforcing the strong economic ties between Ethiopia and the United Kingdom.