Ruto: Kenya & Ethiopia to back Safaricom and Ethiotel strategic investment plans
By Faith Lagat, December 23, 2025Kenyan President William Ruto made a one-day working visit to Addis Ababa, where he held bilateral discussions with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali.
The leaders announced full governmental support for strategic joint investment opportunities between Kenya’s Safaricom and Ethiopia’s state-owned Ethio Telecom.
In a post on X, President Ruto stated that they agreed to support Ethiotel and Safaricom as they explore strategic joint investment opportunities across regional markets.
“Made a visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where I held fruitful discussions with Prime Minister @AbiyAhmedAli. Among other key issues, we agreed to support Ethiotel and Safaricom as they explore strategic joint investment opportunities across regional markets, with the full backing of the governments of Kenya and Ethiopia,” he said.
He added that Kenya and Ethiopia will continue to deepen cooperation while advancing regional peace and security in the Horn of Africa. “Kenya and Ethiopia will continue to deepen cooperation while advancing regional peace and security in the Horn of Africa. Together, we reaffirm our shared commitment to stability, dialogue, and African-led solutions, anchored in a common vision for stronger economic integration, digital growth, and shared prosperity.”
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali echoed the sentiment in his own X post: “Today, I welcomed President @WilliamsRuto of Kenya for a one-day working visit, reflecting the deep, historic, and brotherly relations between our two nations. During our meeting, we focused on strengthening bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional peace and security in the Horn of Africa, reaffirming our shared commitment to stability, dialogue, and African-led solutions.”
Safaricom’s expansion in Ethiopia
This development builds on longstanding telecommunications ties between the two countries. Safaricom has operated in Ethiopia since obtaining a license in 2021, launching services in 2022 as the first private competitor to Ethio Telecom.
The company has invested billions in network expansion, aiming to enhance digital inclusion in one of Africa’s largest markets.
The agreement signals a new phase of collaboration, potentially involving joint ventures in infrastructure, digital services, and regional expansion. Both leaders emphasized economic integration and digital growth as key pillars, alongside commitments to regional stability.
Parliamentary oversight
The announcement comes amid ongoing developments in Kenya’s telecommunications sector. Recently, the Kenyan government divested a portion of its shares in Safaricom to Vodacom, a move aimed at raising funds for infrastructure.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has defended the transaction, urging critics to address their concerns through parliamentary channels rather than engaging in public debates.
Mbadi responded to Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro’s criticism, stating that accountability should occur within the National Assembly. He invited Nyoro to appear before the Finance and Planning Committee and the Debt and Privatisation Committee.
“If you have anything that you think is not right with the divestiture in Safaricom’s shares, I will appear before the National Assembly where you sit… Just appear in this committee, the joint committee. Appear, put together all your questions, and I will answer them.”