Addis Ababa, December 2025 (FMC) – Ethio Telecom and the Industrial Parks Development Corporation (IPDC) have signed a strategic agreement on Friday to enable products manufactured in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and industrial parks to access domestic markets through “Zemen GEBEYA,” Ethio Telecom’s flagship digital commerce platform.
The agreement was formally signed by IPDC Chief Executive Officer Fisseha Yitagesu and Ethio Telecom Chief Executive Officer Frehiwot Tamiru.
Zemen GEBEYA, a leading digital marketplace dedicated to modernizing Ethiopia’s trading ecosystem, has recently received first-class recognition from the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration for its outstanding performance in the e-commerce sector.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, IPDC CEO Fisseha Yitagesu said the partnership will enable manufacturers operating in SEZs and industrial parks across the country to showcase their globally competitive products on a modern digital marketplace.
He added that the initiative will improve access to high-quality goods for local consumers while contributing to the realization of Digital Ethiopia. He also emphasized that the agreement aligns with the Digital Ethiopia 2030 Strategy, creating an opportunity to formalize, expand, and strengthen the nation’s growing e-commerce ecosystem.
Ethio Telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamiru highlighted that Zemen GEBEYA is designed as an inclusive digital marketplace aimed at transforming Ethiopia’s trading system. She said the platform will support SEZ manufacturers by promoting their products nationwide, establishing reliable market linkages, and enhancing the overall competitiveness of the country’s business environment.
The partnership is expected to significantly improve the distribution of export-standard products manufactured within SEZs and expand their presence in domestic markets.
Currently, IPDC administers 11 Special Economic Zones and three industrial parks, hosting more than 200 large-scale manufacturing companies. Ethio Telecom, meanwhile, remains one of Africa’s leading providers of integrated telecommunications and digital solutions.