M-PESA Ethiopia works to fix App blocked on Ethio Telecom data

M-PESA Ethiopia is facing questions from customers after its new cross-network app, released on December 1, stopped working on Ethio Telecom mobile data, locking out users who rely on data for access.

The company said the disruption affects only those using Ethio Telecom’s mobile internet and confirmed that its teams are working around the clock to restore normal service.

In a statement shared from Addis Ababa on December 5, the firm explained that the application, built to operate smoothly on all networks, was suddenly blocked on mobile data provided by Ethio Telecom.

It stated that the app “is currently not accessible on smartphones using mobile data services managed by Ethio Telecom,” even though it was created to offer simple and secure digital financial services to every Ethiopian.

The new platform was introduced as a customer-first tool that does not depend on a single telecom operator. M-PESA Ethiopia described it as a “revolutionary telecom agnostic customer-centric financial services app,” noting that it allows users to transact on M-PESA regardless of their chosen network.

Before the launch, the app had already received the green light from the National Bank of Ethiopia and the Information Network Security Agency, confirming that it met all regulatory requirements.

The company also emphasised that the blockage has no effect on its legal mandate or its operational licence.

Reassuring customers, it stated that “M-PESA Ethiopia is a stand-alone legal entity duly registered in Ethiopia and holder of a Payment Instrument Issuer (PII)-license issued by the NBE,” underscoring that it remains authorised to run nationwide financial services without interruption.

According to the statement, the company’s technical specialists have been working continuously to restore the app’s digital reach.

“We would like to confirm that our team is working diligently to maintain access to M-PESA and restore full digital reachability as quickly as possible,” it said, adding that it is also in direct talks with regulators to clear the issue quickly.

The company said the app was built to give users more freedom and flexibility in how they access digital financial tools.

It highlighted this in its message to customers, stating, “We remain committed to protecting your freedom of choice as well as ensuring uninterrupted access to the digital and financial tools that you rely on.”

The disruption comes at an important moment for M-PESA Ethiopia, which has been trying to extend digital finance services beyond the usual network boundaries.

By offering a platform that works across telecoms, the firm intended to give Ethiopians wider access to services such as payments, transfers and account management.

The blockage on Ethio Telecom's mobile data now poses a challenge for the company’s expansion drive, especially as mobile money continues to grow in the country.

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M-PESA Ethiopia warned that the situation could interfere with uptake if not resolved quickly, but it reassured users that their accounts and funds are still safe.

“We are actively engaging with regulators to resolve the matter urgently,” it said, repeating its commitment to transparency and fast action.

Although the cause of the blockage was not explained in the statement, the company expressed confidence that its technical and regulatory efforts would help overcome the issue.

It ended by promising customers that restoring full service remains its top priority.