Safaricom on Thursday hosted Hailemariam Desalegn, The Prime Minister of Ethiopia and showcased its products and services well as best practices in the telecommunications sector.

The Ethiopian premier's visit to Safaricom was part of a two day official visit to Kenya where he called on select institutions to gain a first-hand perspective on the operations of leading companies.

During the tour of Safaricom the Prime Mister said: "We would like learn and see greater partnerships between Safaricom and Ethiopia as we work to grow our ICT sector. We believe this will be mutually beneficial to the people of Kenya and Ethiopia."

Safaricom's success especially in the field of innovation and in M-pesa has placed Kenya on the world map. The company has become a case study for countries seeking to fast-track economic growth through financial access that leverages off mobile phone penetration.

Speaking during the visit, Safaricom's Chairman Nicholas Nganga said, "It is indeed an honour for Safaricom to host H.E Hailemariam Desalegn. We are proud to be a Kenyan company that can export its best practices in technology to other countries pursuing mobile phone technology as a catalyst for economic growth."

During his official visit at the Safaricom Head Office, the Ethiopian Prime Minister who was accompanied by Dr. Bitange Ndemo PS Ministry of Information and Communications held discussions with the Safaricom Senior Management and viewed M-PESA operations.

Ethiopia is looking to countries such as Kenya, Brazil and Pakistan as it seeks to develop its mobile telephony market and leverage off the benefits of mobile technology. With an estimated population of 91 million people, Ethiopia is Africa's second largest nation and is seen as the next frontier for mobile phone led financial deepening.