One of Africa’s least connected countries is offering free Wi-Fi to foreign travelers

desmond frimpong

October 24, 2017 2:50 PM

Accessing the internet is a continuously problematic issue in most African countries

Accessing the internet is a continuously problematic issue in Ethiopia, however, the country's national carrier, Ethiopian, has disclosed that customers using its main hub, the Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa will have free internet.

The World Bank says internet penetration remains very low across the country, with just over 15% of the over 100-million people currently online.

Internet shutdowns are common in the country, making the US-based advocacy group Freedom House, list Ethiopia as not free when it comes to internet access and press freedom.

Ethiopian Air wants to offer free internet connection at its main hub in the capital Addis Ababa.

This forms part of the airline's efforts to improve customer service, upgrade overall passenger experience, and make Bole International Airport the best in Africa.

“Availability of seamless customer-focused service, both onboard and at the airports, defines the rule of the game in today’s hyper-competitive airline industry,” said CEO Tewolde GebreMariam.

Over the period, the airline has doubled down on its ambition to redefine the African skies.

Its expansion plans have also been boosted as regional competitors like Kenya Airways continue to struggle, bedevilled by staff strikes and financial woes.

In August, Ethiopian also announced it was in talks to take over the troubled Arik Air, Nigeria’s largest airline.

desmond frimpong