Area Code 115 – Addis Ababa

Overview of Area Code 115

Area code 115 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa. It is part of the country's national numbering plan under the administration of the Ethiopian Communications Authority (ECA). The code is used for fixed-line (PSTN) services within the city and its immediate administrative boundaries. Addis Ababa is the largest urban center in Ethiopia and serves as the political, economic, and diplomatic hub of the country, hosting numerous embassies, international organizations, and corporate headquarters.

Geographic Coverage and Dialing Formats

The 115 area code covers all districts (sub-cities) of Addis Ababa, including but not limited to Addis Ketema, Bole, Kolfe Keranio, and Yeka. Subscribers within this area are assigned numbers with a total length of 9 digits when dialed internationally, following the format: +251 115 XXX XXX (where X represents the subscriber's local number). For domestic calls made from other regions within Ethiopia, callers must dial 0115 XXX XXX (trunk prefix 0, then area code 115, followed by the local number). For local calls within Addis Ababa, the area code and trunk prefix are often omitted, allowing direct dialing of the 7-digit subscriber number: XXX XXX.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

Currently, there is no overlay code for Addis Ababa; 115 remains the sole geographic code for the city. However, due to increasing demand for fixed-line services, the ECA has implemented measures to ensure sufficient numbering capacity, including the introduction of additional digits for new subscribers. It is important to note that fixed-line numbers in Addis Ababa are not portable to other geographic areas, and mobile numbers (which begin with 9x) are separate and non-geographic.

Caller Instructions

For international callers, the correct dialing sequence is: International Access Code (e.g., 00 or +) + 251 + 115 + Subscriber Number. For example, to reach a number in Addis Ababa with the local number 1234567, you would dial +251 115 1234567. For callers within Ethiopia but outside Addis Ababa, dial 0115 1234567. Always verify the local number length, as it may vary from 6 to 7 digits depending on the service provider and the age of the subscription.

Usage and Relevance

Area code 115 is predominantly used by government institutions, businesses, and residential subscribers. Many international organizations and NGOs operating in Ethiopia have offices in Addis Ababa and use this code for their official lines. Understanding the correct dialing format is essential for seamless communication with the capital city.