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Unleashing the Power of Telecoms in Ethiopia: Winning Strategies for New Entrants (By Liban Gaashaan)

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Ethiopia

Telecom firms need to understand the unique challenges and opportunities of the Ethiopian market and adjust their strategies accordingly

LONDON, United Kingdom, June 12, 2023/APO Group/ — 

By Liban Gaashaan, Managing Partner, Head of Telecom and PMO at Value X Partners (www.ValueXadvisory.com)

Ethiopia, one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, is becoming a promising destination for telecom firms looking to expand their business operations. With a population of over 100 million and a growing demand for telecommunications services, the country is attracting an increasing number of new entrants into its telecom industry; however, entering a new market is never easy, especially in a highly competitive sector like telecoms. As a new entrant, building a viable business in Ethiopia requires a carefully planned and executed strategy. In this article we will discuss effective strategies for new entrant telecom firms to build viable businesses in Ethiopia.

Firstly, understanding the market is crucial. Comprehensive market research is essential to understand the local market dynamics, consumer behavior, and competition. Telecom firms need to understand the unique challenges and opportunities of the Ethiopian market and adjust their strategies accordingly. It is important to develop products and services tailored to the local market needs and preferences, for example, affordable rate plans and services such as mobile money transfer.  

The Ethiopian telecom market offers significant opportunities for new entrants looking to expand their business operations

Secondly, establishing partnerships and collaborations is crucial for success. Entering strategic partnerships with local companies can help new entrants to navigate the complex regulatory environment and overcome the challenges of doing business in a new market. Partnering with local firms can also provide access to local networks, knowledge, and resources, which can be invaluable for building a strong market position.

Thirdly, investing in network infrastructure is a key strategy for building a viable business in Ethiopia. The country has a vast and diverse geography, and building a robust network infrastructure that can cater to the needs of the entire population is crucial. Building a robust telecom infrastructure is an expensive undertaking, to say the least, and it takes a very long time, so a strategy that new entrants and existing players can use is to create a consortium that will build and maintain the telecom infrastructure for all players. This approach will reduce the cost of building and maintaining the network for everyone while allowing firms to invest in growing and expanding their network coverage and capacity to ensure they can provide reliable, high-quality services to their customers.

Fourthly, offering innovative and affordable products and services is critical to success in the Ethiopian telecom market. Ethiopians are price-sensitive, and affordability is a significant factor in their purchasing decisions. Therefore, telecom firms should focus on offering affordable packages that meet the needs and budgets of the local population. Additionally, introducing innovative products and services, such as mobile money and other value-added services, can help to differentiate telecom firms and create a unique selling proposition.

Finally, investing in talent and building a strong workforce is essential for success in Ethiopia’s telecom market, one that is often overlooked.  Telecom firms should prioritize hiring and training local talent to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to provide excellent customer service and support. Investing in employee training and development will also help to retain top talent and build a strong and motivated workforce.

In conclusion, the Ethiopian telecom market offers significant opportunities for new entrants looking to expand their business operations. However, building a viable business in the market requires a carefully planned and executed strategy that takes the unique challenges and opportunities of the local market into account. By understanding the market, establishing strategic partnerships, investing in network infrastructure, offering innovative and affordable products and services, and building a strong workforce, telecom firms can build successful and sustainable businesses in Ethiopia’s fast-growing telecom market.

To learn more about how VXP supports Telecom firms, please contact Liban Gaashaan, Managing Partner, Head of Telecom and PMO. liban.gaashaan@vlauexadvisory.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of ValueX Partners.

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As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

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This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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