Ethio Telecom Marks First-Year Milestone of Next Horizon Strategy, Sets Sights on 96.2 Million Customers

Addis Ababa, September 4, 2026 (FMC) — Ethio telecom has completed the first year of its three-year “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond” strategy, recording significant growth in its customer base and digital services while laying the groundwork for a broader transformation into a technology-driven company, CEO Frehiwot Tamiru said.

The strategy, covering the 2024/25–2027/28 period, is designed to move the company beyond traditional telecommunications by expanding digital financial services, cloud solutions, digital platforms, enterprise technologies and other services built around connectivity.

Speaking at a press conference, Frehiwot said the first year had delivered strong growth and accelerated the company’s transformation, creating a solid foundation for the next phase of the strategy.

She said the second year would place greater emphasis not only on financial and operational performance but also on using digital technologies to empower people, transform lives and create broader economic opportunities.

Ethio telecom aims to reach 96.2 million customers by the end of 2026/27, up from about 90 million recorded during the first year of the strategy.

The company also plans to expand 4G population coverage from 82.23 percent to 95 percent, extending 4G services to 1,500 towns. Its 5G network is expected to expand to 73 towns, adding 40 towns during the year.

Further priorities include expanding rural connectivity and fiber infrastructure, strengthening digital infrastructure capacity, and deploying artificial intelligence-driven technologies to improve service quality, operational efficiency and productivity.

Ethio telecom also plans to introduce and upgrade products and services for consumers, businesses and institutions, with particular emphasis on digital financial services, enterprise connectivity, international services, and cloud and other digital solutions.

During the first year, the company’s customer base reached about 90 million, while the number of telebirr users approached 61 million, according to the company.

Looking ahead to the end of the three-year strategy, Ethio telecom targets the creation of more than 2.6 million employment opportunities, alongside expanded access to digital services for citizens, businesses and communities.

Frehiwot emphasized that reliable and affordable connectivity remains the foundation of Ethiopia’s broader digital transformation, with the company’s expansion agenda aimed at strengthening the digital infrastructure underpinning economic and social activity.

The second year of the strategy will therefore focus on enhancing customer experience, widening connectivity, accelerating digital service adoption and advancing Ethio telecom’s transition into a broader technology ecosystem.

By 2027/28, the company aims to significantly expand connectivity, digital financial services and digital solutions across Ethiopia, in alignment with the Digital Ethiopia 2030 agenda and wider continental digital transformation objectives.