ethio telecom and AfDB Deepen Partnership to Drive Ethiopia’s Digital Transformation
ethio telecom has strengthened its strategic partnership with the African Development Bank as both institutions intensify collaboration on financing and infrastructure projects aimed at advancing ......
Black News 
ethio telecom has strengthened its strategic partnership with the African Development Bank as both institutions intensify collaboration on financing and infrastructure projects aimed at advancing Ethiopia’s digital transformation agenda. The renewed engagement follows a high-level meeting between Ethio telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamru, AfDB Vice President Solomon Quaynor, and senior officials from both organizations.
The discussions centered on supporting Ethio telecom’s ambitious “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028” strategy, which seeks to modernize and expand the country’s telecom and digital infrastructure. Key areas of focus included broader 4G and 5G deployment, expansion of rural connectivity, cloud services, AI-enabled technologies, and the development of digital ecosystems designed to improve access to services for millions of Ethiopians.
During the meeting, Frehiwot Tamru highlighted Ethio telecom’s transformation from a traditional telecom operator into a comprehensive digital platform and solutions provider. She noted that the company’s growing digital ecosystem now includes platforms such as telebirr, Zemen GEBEYA, and znexus, which are increasingly supporting financial inclusion, digital commerce, entrepreneurship, and innovation across the country.
The CEO also outlined several strategic investments planned under the company’s roadmap, including expanded 4G and 5G coverage, rural network development, cloud and AI infrastructure, green and energy-efficient telecom systems, and cross-border connectivity initiatives such as the Horizon Fiber project. These investments are expected to strengthen Ethiopia’s role in the regional digital economy while improving digital access nationwide.
AfDB leadership commended Ethio telecom’s transformation journey and operational progress, describing the company as one of Africa’s leading digital transformation success stories. The bank reaffirmed its commitment to exploring sustainable financing frameworks that will support large-scale digital infrastructure projects, innovation, and long-term economic growth.
The partnership aligns with Ethio telecom’s broader “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028” roadmap, which aims to expand the company’s reach beyond traditional telecom services into fintech, AI, cloud computing, and digital platforms. The strategy targets 100 million telecom subscribers and significant growth in digital financial services by 2028.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both Ethio telecom and the African Development Bank reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening long-term cooperation and accelerating investments that will support Ethiopia’s digital economy, promote inclusive growth, and empower millions of people through enhanced digital connectivity and services.
