Blocked M-PESA App Fuels Market Row

Published: 10 Dec, 2025 08:03 Sources: S1 S2 S3 Category: Business Language: English Country: Ethiopia

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M-PESA Ethiopia said Ethio Telecom blocked customer access to its newly launched mobile money app, escalating an ongoing dispute in the telecom market. The company said users on Ethio Telecom’s network could not log in or transact despite regulatory approval. A recent World Bank assessment noted similar concerns about unequal market conditions and structural advantages held by the state operator. The incident renewed debate on Ethiopia’s telecom liberalization and investor confidence.