5 months ago
Ethio telecom and the African Development Bank (AfDB) Review Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Ethiopia’s Digital Transformation and Next Horizon Strategy
Ethio telecom CEO, Frehiwot Tamru, held a high-level strategic engagement with Excellency Mr. Solomon Quaynor S, Vice President of the African Development Bank, together with senior AfDB management, to review the ongoing partnership and collaborative engagements aimed at supporting the execution of Ethio telecom’s transformative “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028” strategy and Ethiopia’s broader digital transformation journey.
During the meeting, both institutions assessed the strong progress of their ongoing strategic engagements and financing discussions designed to accelerate the expansion and modernization of Ethiopia’s digital and telecom infrastructure, strengthen digital platforms and ecosystems, and expand inclusive access to innovative digital services that empower millions of citizens, businesses, and institutions across the country.
The CEO briefed the AfDB leadership on the significant progress being achieved under the “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028” strategy, highlighting Ethio telecom’s continued growth and advancement across all major business and transformation pillars. She emphasized the company’s successful evolution from a traditional telecom operator into a leading digital solutions and platform provider, supported by continuous investments in advanced telecom infrastructure, cloud services, AI-enabled technologies, fintech ecosystems, and digital platforms.
The discussion further highlighted Ethio telecom’s rapidly expanding “Beyond Connectivity” ecosystem, including strategic digital platforms such as telebirr, Zemen GEBEYA, and znexus, which are increasingly contributing to financial inclusion, digital commerce, entrepreneurship, innovation, and socio-economic empowerment. The CEO also outlined the company’s ongoing investments in next-generation digital infrastructure, including 4G and 5G expansion, rural connectivity, cloud and AI capabilities, green and energy-efficient infrastructure, and cross-border initiatives such as the Horizon Fiber project, which collectively reinforce Ethiopia’s growing role in the regional digital economy.
Vice President Solomon Quaynor and the AfDB senior management acknowledged Ethio telecom’s remarkable transformation journey and operational progress, noting the company’s growing relevance as one of Africa’s leading digital transformation success stories. They reaffirmed AfDB’s commitment to strengthening strategic collaboration and exploring sustainable financing frameworks that support large-scale digital infrastructure development, digital inclusion, innovation, and long-term economic growth.
The engagement also reflected the shared commitment of both institutions toward advancing continental priorities, including Africa’s digital transformation agenda, regional digital integration, and the broader vision of a connected and inclusive African digital economy.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Ethio telecom and the African Development Bank reaffirmed their mutual commitment to expediting ongoing collaborative initiatives, deepening their long-term strategic partnership, and accelerating investments that will continue to digitally transform Ethiopia, empower millions of lives, and contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth across the continent.
#ethiotelecom #afdb #digitalafrica #nexthorizon2028 #telebirr #digitalethiopia #digitalafrica #gsma #itu
Ethio telecom CEO, Frehiwot Tamru, held a high-level strategic engagement with Excellency Mr. Solomon Quaynor S, Vice President of the African Development Bank, together with senior AfDB management, to review the ongoing partnership and collaborative engagements aimed at supporting the execution of Ethio telecom’s transformative “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028” strategy and Ethiopia’s broader digital transformation journey.
During the meeting, both institutions assessed the strong progress of their ongoing strategic engagements and financing discussions designed to accelerate the expansion and modernization of Ethiopia’s digital and telecom infrastructure, strengthen digital platforms and ecosystems, and expand inclusive access to innovative digital services that empower millions of citizens, businesses, and institutions across the country.
The CEO briefed the AfDB leadership on the significant progress being achieved under the “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028” strategy, highlighting Ethio telecom’s continued growth and advancement across all major business and transformation pillars. She emphasized the company’s successful evolution from a traditional telecom operator into a leading digital solutions and platform provider, supported by continuous investments in advanced telecom infrastructure, cloud services, AI-enabled technologies, fintech ecosystems, and digital platforms.
The discussion further highlighted Ethio telecom’s rapidly expanding “Beyond Connectivity” ecosystem, including strategic digital platforms such as telebirr, Zemen GEBEYA, and znexus, which are increasingly contributing to financial inclusion, digital commerce, entrepreneurship, innovation, and socio-economic empowerment. The CEO also outlined the company’s ongoing investments in next-generation digital infrastructure, including 4G and 5G expansion, rural connectivity, cloud and AI capabilities, green and energy-efficient infrastructure, and cross-border initiatives such as the Horizon Fiber project, which collectively reinforce Ethiopia’s growing role in the regional digital economy.
Vice President Solomon Quaynor and the AfDB senior management acknowledged Ethio telecom’s remarkable transformation journey and operational progress, noting the company’s growing relevance as one of Africa’s leading digital transformation success stories. They reaffirmed AfDB’s commitment to strengthening strategic collaboration and exploring sustainable financing frameworks that support large-scale digital infrastructure development, digital inclusion, innovation, and long-term economic growth.
The engagement also reflected the shared commitment of both institutions toward advancing continental priorities, including Africa’s digital transformation agenda, regional digital integration, and the broader vision of a connected and inclusive African digital economy.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Ethio telecom and the African Development Bank reaffirmed their mutual commitment to expediting ongoing collaborative initiatives, deepening their long-term strategic partnership, and accelerating investments that will continue to digitally transform Ethiopia, empower millions of lives, and contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth across the continent.
#ethiotelecom #afdb #digitalafrica #nexthorizon2028 #telebirr #digitalethiopia #digitalafrica #gsma #itu
5 months ago
Ethio telecom and British International Investment (BII) Hold Strategic Discussions to Advance Ethiopia’s Digital and Sustainable Infrastructure
Ethio telecom CEO, Frehiwot Tamru, convened a high-level strategic session with senior leadership from British International Investment (BII), the United Kingdom’s development finance institution, led by Christopher Chijiutomi, Managing Director and Head of Africa.
During the meeting, the CEO briefed participants on Ethio telecom’s transformational journey and its pivotal contribution to Ethiopia’s socio-economic advancement and digital transformation. She highlighted the company’s remarkable trajectory, positioning Ethio telecom as one of the fastest-growing digital operators advancing beyond connectivity and serving as a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive development.
During the session, the CEO articulated Ethio telecom’s strategic evolution toward a platform-driven digital economy, powered by its advanced and extensive infrastructure and integrated ecosystem strategy. This ecosystem combines cloud computing capabilities, modular data centers, AI and digital applications with the telebirr fintech ecosystem, alongside e-commerce services, EV charging infrastructure, and expanded connectivity networks.
This unified digital ecosystem represents a significant strategic shift toward an Integrated Enterprise Solution Model, designed to power a mobile-first economy and enable high-velocity digital transformation across sectors supporting sustainable economic growth and digital inclusion across Ethiopia and beyond.
Furthermore, the CEO elaborated on the “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028” strategy, outlining its bold vision and anticipated impact in accelerating digital advancement across Ethiopia and the broader African continent. She reaffirmed that Ethio telecom remains ready to collaborate through diverse partnership modalities to accelerate digital transformation in Ethiopia and beyond.
During the discussion, Mr. Christopher Chijiutomi and his delegation highlighted that British International Investment (BII) plays a significant role in advancing sustainable and green infrastructure development across Africa, with Ethiopia identified as a key strategic market. They noted that BII is actively engaged with various enterprises and private sector institutions across the continent and collaborates closely with multiple stakeholders to mobilize resources that support Africa’s sustainable development and economic growth.
The CEO reaffirmed that Ethio telecom’s vision and core values are strongly aligned with those of British International Investment (BII), particularly in advancing sustainable infrastructure, climate-resilient digital ecosystems, and green energy initiatives.
Accordingly, both leadership teams discussed and emphasized the importance of supporting their shared vision by mobilizing impact investment to accelerate the implementation of the Next Horizon strategy, with strong emphasis on advancing the digital economy, expanding inclusive fintech ecosystems, and developing climate-resilient digital infrastructure.
The British International Investment (BII) delegation recognized Ethio telecom as a pivotal enabler of Ethiopia’s digital economy and a key driver of national economic growth. The delegation commended the CEO’s visionary leadership and acknowledged the company’s strong sustainability achievements and forward-looking digital transformation agenda.
They expressed strong interest in exploring UK-backed investment opportunities to support Ethiopia’s digital and sustainable infrastructure development.
In closing, the CEO expressed sincere appreciation to the British International Investment (BII) delegation for their commitment to fostering global partnerships that unlock new economic opportunities and accelerate national development. Both leadership teams agreed to continue advancing discussions and identifying concrete areas of collaboration to drive impactful and sustainable outcomes.
#ethiotelecom #telebirr #bii #digitalinclusion #fintech #esg #nexthorizon2028 #gsma #gsma #itu BritishIntInv
Ethio telecom CEO, Frehiwot Tamru, convened a high-level strategic session with senior leadership from British International Investment (BII), the United Kingdom’s development finance institution, led by Christopher Chijiutomi, Managing Director and Head of Africa.
During the meeting, the CEO briefed participants on Ethio telecom’s transformational journey and its pivotal contribution to Ethiopia’s socio-economic advancement and digital transformation. She highlighted the company’s remarkable trajectory, positioning Ethio telecom as one of the fastest-growing digital operators advancing beyond connectivity and serving as a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive development.
During the session, the CEO articulated Ethio telecom’s strategic evolution toward a platform-driven digital economy, powered by its advanced and extensive infrastructure and integrated ecosystem strategy. This ecosystem combines cloud computing capabilities, modular data centers, AI and digital applications with the telebirr fintech ecosystem, alongside e-commerce services, EV charging infrastructure, and expanded connectivity networks.
This unified digital ecosystem represents a significant strategic shift toward an Integrated Enterprise Solution Model, designed to power a mobile-first economy and enable high-velocity digital transformation across sectors supporting sustainable economic growth and digital inclusion across Ethiopia and beyond.
Furthermore, the CEO elaborated on the “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028” strategy, outlining its bold vision and anticipated impact in accelerating digital advancement across Ethiopia and the broader African continent. She reaffirmed that Ethio telecom remains ready to collaborate through diverse partnership modalities to accelerate digital transformation in Ethiopia and beyond.
During the discussion, Mr. Christopher Chijiutomi and his delegation highlighted that British International Investment (BII) plays a significant role in advancing sustainable and green infrastructure development across Africa, with Ethiopia identified as a key strategic market. They noted that BII is actively engaged with various enterprises and private sector institutions across the continent and collaborates closely with multiple stakeholders to mobilize resources that support Africa’s sustainable development and economic growth.
The CEO reaffirmed that Ethio telecom’s vision and core values are strongly aligned with those of British International Investment (BII), particularly in advancing sustainable infrastructure, climate-resilient digital ecosystems, and green energy initiatives.
Accordingly, both leadership teams discussed and emphasized the importance of supporting their shared vision by mobilizing impact investment to accelerate the implementation of the Next Horizon strategy, with strong emphasis on advancing the digital economy, expanding inclusive fintech ecosystems, and developing climate-resilient digital infrastructure.
The British International Investment (BII) delegation recognized Ethio telecom as a pivotal enabler of Ethiopia’s digital economy and a key driver of national economic growth. The delegation commended the CEO’s visionary leadership and acknowledged the company’s strong sustainability achievements and forward-looking digital transformation agenda.
They expressed strong interest in exploring UK-backed investment opportunities to support Ethiopia’s digital and sustainable infrastructure development.
In closing, the CEO expressed sincere appreciation to the British International Investment (BII) delegation for their commitment to fostering global partnerships that unlock new economic opportunities and accelerate national development. Both leadership teams agreed to continue advancing discussions and identifying concrete areas of collaboration to drive impactful and sustainable outcomes.
#ethiotelecom #telebirr #bii #digitalinclusion #fintech #esg #nexthorizon2028 #gsma #gsma #itu BritishIntInv
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