By: Nana Appiah
Acquaye
Safaricom Ethiopia CEO Wim
Vanhelleputte has called for greater interoperability, inclusive digital
infrastructure and sustainable investment to accelerate Ethiopia’s digital
transformation.
Vanhelleputte made the call
while delivering opening remarks at the GSMA Workshop on Digital Africa, where
industry stakeholders are discussing strategies for advancing connectivity,
digital services and financial inclusion across the continent.
Speaking on Ethiopia’s
Digital Ethiopia 2030 agenda and the National Digital Payments Strategy,
Vanhelleputte emphasised the importance of building an interconnected and
inclusive digital ecosystem supported by interoperable, real-time digital
payment systems.
He said interoperability
would be critical to expanding participation in the digital economy and
ensuring that digital services can reach a broader section of the population.
Safaricom Ethiopia is
contributing to this agenda through M-PESA Ethiopia, which is supporting
digital financial inclusion while advancing interoperability and innovation in
the country’s financial services ecosystem.
The company said its digital
financial services are intended to contribute to broader participation in
Ethiopia’s emerging digital economy by improving access to digital payments and
related services.
The GSMA workshop has
brought together key stakeholders to examine opportunities and challenges
shaping Africa’s digital future, with discussions focusing on infrastructure,
financial inclusion, interoperability and sustainable investment.
