Ethiopia and Kenya have agreed to support joint investment and partnership initiatives between Ethio Telecom and Safaricom, signaling growing policy alignment around regional digital infrastructure and cross-border connectivity in the Horn of Africa.
The commitment was affirmed during a one-day working visit by Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto to Addis Ababa, where he held high-level talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, according to statements shared by both leaders following the meeting.
In a social media post, President Ruto said Kenya and Ethiopia will keep strengthening their partnership while working to promote regional peace and security. He added that both nations have renewed their commitment to economic integration, digital advancement, and shared prosperity.
Together, we reaffirm our shared commitment to stability, dialogue, and African-led solutions, anchored in a common vision for stronger economic integration and digital growth, Ruto said, adding that both governments agreed to support Ethio Telecom and Safaricom as they explore strategic joint investment opportunities across regional markets.
Prime Minister Abiy, in a separate statement, described the visit as reflecting the deep, historic, and brotherly relations between Ethiopia and Kenya. He said discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties and exchanging views on regional peace and security in the Horn of Africa.
The agreement to back cooperation between Ethio Telecom and Safaricom highlights the growing role of telecom infrastructure as a policy enabler for economic integration, connectivity, and digital development across East Africa.
Beyond telecommunications, the leaders also discussed cooperation on peace, security, and African-led solutions to shared regional challenges, reinforcing the link between digital infrastructure, economic resilience, and long-term regional stability.
The visit reaffirmed Ethiopia–Kenya relations as a cornerstone of cooperation in the Horn of Africa, with digital connectivity emerging as a complementary pillar alongside diplomacy and security.
