Safaricom Telecommunication Ethiopia Plc hosted members of Ethiopian media at its Data Center in Kality, Addis Abeba. The aim of the session was to update the public on Safaricom Ethiopia’s key technology progress as it continues to build the telecommunication network.
During the session, Safaricom Ethiopia’s Chief External Affairs and Regulatory Officer, Matthew Harrison Harvey said. “Safaricom Ethiopia has invested over USD 1 billion to date, we are importing equipment worth USD 300 million. In addition, we are building our team by recruiting Ethiopian nationals. To date, we have over 100 in-market talent, with a plan of 1000 Ethiopians in the first year of operations, including 150 graduates”.
Pedro Rabacal, Safaricom Ethiopia’s Chief Technology Officer, updated the journalists on the technological milestones achieved so far. He said: “This (the data center) is the heart of our network; it is the first of many that we plan on building across the country.’’ He added, ‘’We have successfully made our first technical call this month and installed our first self-built site. We remain committed to bringing a world-class quality network in Ethiopia and that is what we are preparing for.”
In addition to the update, Hanna Alemye, Safaricom Ethiopia’s Core Network Engineering Manager, showcased the progress by making a test voice and video call, sending text messages, streamed YouTube Video on and through Safaricom Ethiopia’s Network emphasizing quality. After the briefing, the journalists were led by Pedro to tour the data center and questions from the Journalists were responded to. The technological progress made by Safaricom Ethiopia is a journey towards Digital Ethiopia.