Ethio telecom has signed a major network expansion and modernization agreement with telecommunications technology company Ericsson, marking a significant step in strengthening Ethiopia’s digital infrastructure. The landmark agreement was announced during the Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona, one of the world’s largest global gatherings for the telecommunications industry.
The deal forms part of Ethio telecom’s three year Next Horizon Strategy, a national digital transformation initiative aimed at improving connectivity, expanding mobile services and supporting Ethiopia’s growing digital economy. Under the agreement, Ericsson will support the expansion, upgrade and modernization of telecom infrastructure across approximately 1,500 network sites throughout the country.
The project will focus on strengthening Ethiopia’s existing mobile network by introducing advanced technologies, upgrading current infrastructure and improving overall network capacity. A key component of the agreement involves expanding fourth generation mobile network capabilities, commonly known as 4G layering, which enhances network speed, reliability and data capacity for mobile users.
Ethio telecom said the modernization initiative will enable the company to deliver better quality services to millions of customers while supporting the rapid growth in mobile data consumption across Ethiopia. Over the past decade, demand for mobile internet services has surged as smartphones become more affordable and digital services continue to expand across Africa.
Ericsson will provide advanced network equipment, software and technical expertise as part of the project. The company is one of the world’s leading telecommunications technology providers and has partnered with mobile operators across Africa for decades to support network development and digital connectivity.
Executives from both organisations emphasized that the agreement represents a major milestone in Ethiopia’s digital transformation journey. The modernization project is expected to enhance mobile broadband coverage, strengthen network resilience and introduce new digital capabilities that support emerging services such as mobile financial platforms, e commerce and digital government services.
Ethio telecom has played a central role in Ethiopia’s telecommunications sector for decades and remains one of the largest telecom operators in Africa by subscriber base. The company currently serves tens of millions of customers across the country and continues to invest heavily in expanding network coverage to rural and underserved communities.
The partnership with Ericsson comes at a time when Ethiopia is undergoing significant changes in its telecommunications sector. The government has gradually opened the market to competition and private investment as part of broader economic reforms aimed at modernising the country’s digital economy and improving access to communication services.
The Next Horizon Strategy launched by Ethio telecom focuses on expanding digital infrastructure, introducing innovative services and strengthening Ethiopia’s position as a technology driven economy in East Africa. The strategy includes investments in mobile broadband expansion, digital payment systems, cloud services and smart digital solutions for industries such as agriculture, education and healthcare.
Industry analysts note that improved network infrastructure is critical for enabling economic growth in emerging markets. Reliable mobile broadband connectivity supports businesses, improves access to education and healthcare services and enables governments to deliver digital public services more efficiently.
The network modernization programme is also expected to create new opportunities for Ethiopia’s fast growing startup ecosystem. As digital infrastructure improves, technology entrepreneurs will be better positioned to develop innovative digital services ranging from fintech applications to online marketplaces and digital learning platforms.
Ericsson has been involved in several network development projects across Africa, supporting telecommunications operators in expanding mobile broadband coverage and introducing new network technologies. The company continues to invest in research and development aimed at improving connectivity solutions and enabling the next generation of mobile networks.
The agreement between Ethio telecom and Ericsson reflects the growing importance of digital infrastructure investment across the African continent. Governments and telecom operators are increasingly prioritizing network expansion to meet rising demand for high speed internet services and to support the continent’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
With the rollout of the network expansion and modernization programme across more than 1,500 sites, Ethio telecom aims to significantly improve service quality, expand coverage and enhance the overall customer experience for mobile users across Ethiopia. The initiative represents another important step toward building a more connected and digitally enabled society.
Ethiopian Airlines broadens domestic reach with three new airports
