Friday, October 4, 2024 East Africa tourism industry, celebrated for its majestic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and vibrant cultural heritage, is facing a significant hurdle: poor telecom infrastructure in rural areas. Wim Vanhelleputte, CEO of Safaricom Ethiopia, has voiced concerns that the lack of reliable mobile networks and high-speed internet in these regions is stifling tourism growth and limiting the potential economic benefits for local communities. In today’s digital age, connectivity is crucial to the visitor experience, and East Africa risks losing out on this vital sector without improvements.
Vanhelleputte shared these insights during the 4th Oromia Tourism Week, where he joined a panel alongside Commissioner Lelisa Duga, Frank Gisha, Beriso Amelo, Professor Ray, and Joan Ndung’u. The panel discussion focused on overcoming barriers to regional tourism integration, with a particular emphasis on the essential role that robust telecom services play in driving growth. The lack of reliable networks in remote areas, which are often key tourism hotspots, is a major roadblock preventing East Africa from realizing its full potential as a leading travel destination.
Additionally, the panel highlighted the challenges posed by inconsistent telecom services across borders in the region. Issues such as limited access to mobile banking apps and roaming services create an uneven digital landscape, making it difficult for tourists to navigate and plan their trips efficientl.