Ethio Telecom registered with the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (ECMA) and is now officially listed on the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) under the ticker symbol TELE, opening legal secondary-market trading for thousands of retail shareholders.
CEO Frehiwot Tamru confirmed that ECMA approval and final reconciliation of investor records are complete. As a result, 45,000 verified Ethiopian investors can begin trading their Ethio Telecom shares—once they complete a few required steps.
45,000 Cleared to Trade; Some Investors Paused or Refunded
During the public offering, 47,377 Ethiopians applied to buy shares. After a thorough verification and data-cleaning process, 96% (45,000 applicants) were confirmed as legitimate shareholders. They are now eligible to trade on ESX.
Two groups remain outside the initial trading cohort:
- Missing National ID (Fayda): 1,646 applicants (3.4%) were paused because they did not provide a valid Fayda number. Ethio Telecom says these applicants will become shareholders as soon as they submit valid ID.
- Non-citizen disqualifications: 248 applicants were rejected because they are foreign nationals, contrary to the local retail offering rules. These applicants will receive full refunds.
“Numerous shareholders initially submitted incomplete data. We took the necessary time to review and verify records to protect market integrity,” CEO Frehiwot Tamru said at a press briefing.
How Verified Shareholders Start Trading on ESX
Ethio Telecom will not execute buy/sell orders for individual shareholders. To trade shares, each verified investor must:
- Confirm verified status via Ethio Telecom’s investor portal.
- Choose an ECMA-licensed investment bank, broker, or dealer.
- Open a dedicated trading/securities account.
- Complete KYC onboarding with the selected broker.
Read How to Trade On Ethiopian Securities Exchange Via Neway Mobile Application
Corporate governance and investor communications
Ethio Telecom launched an Investor Relations portal on its official website where shareholders can access company updates, regulatory filings, and audit reports.
Key corporate timeline (July–June fiscal year):
- Fiscal performance release: comprehensive business and operational report after fiscal year end in June.
- Independent external audit: financials reviewed by an independent auditor, with the final audit report published on the Investor Relations portal.
- General Assembly (around September): The Board will hold the first large shareholder meeting about two months after the fiscal year ends.
Dividend outlook
The Board and General Assembly will decide dividend policy, timing, and payout mechanisms. Because managing a General Assembly for 45,000 individual shareholders is unprecedented in Ethiopia, Ethio Telecom is working with ECMA to design practical and legal arrangements, including likely digital or proxy voting options.
Common investor FAQs
How do I trade Ethio Telecom shares on ESX?
Open a trading account with an ECMA-licensed investment bank, broker, or dealer. Ethio Telecom will not handle individual trading.
Why was my application rejected?
- Paused: Missing Fayda National ID (1,646 applicants). Submit valid ID to be reinstated.
- Rejected and refunded: Foreign nationals (248 applicants) who do not meet the local-offer citizenship requirement.