Addis Ababa, August 10, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s high-speed mobile network has reached 92 percent population coverage in the ZTE service circle as Ethio telecom and Chinese telecommunications technology company ZTE advance a broad network modernization and expansion program aimed at widening connectivity and supporting the country’s digital transformation.
Ethio telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamru held strategic discussions with a high-level ZTE delegation led by Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Xie Junshi, reviewing progress under the Network Expansion and Modernization Agreement finalized during Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona.
The modernization program covers 879 sites within the ZTE service circle. To date, 462 radio access network sites have undergone modernization, including LTE layering at 180 sites, LTE upgrades at 248 sites and full software swaps at 102 sites.
The completed work also includes 237 microwave link upgrades and expansions at 103 IP RAN sites. The remaining components are under implementation, including 124 new sites, U2100 refarming at 272 sites and 115 rural solution sites.
The network expansion has significantly strengthened high-speed connectivity, with 4G mobile population coverage reaching 92 percent in the ZTE circle. The upgraded infrastructure is expected to provide a stronger digital foundation for Ethiopia’s expanding economy and improve connectivity for millions of people.
Frehiwot commended ZTE for its contribution to the successful implementation of the modernization program, noting its importance to achieving the first-year targets of Ethio telecom’s Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028 Strategy.
She also called for continued support from ZTE as the next phase of network modernization and expansion moves forward with more ambitious targets.
Another focus of the discussions was expanding access to affordable smartphones. The two companies agreed to explore innovative device-financing solutions that could enable more consumers to acquire smartphones and make fuller use of the expanding 4G network.
The initiative is intended to help narrow the digital divide by pairing wider network coverage with greater access to the devices required to participate in an increasingly digital economy.
Ethio telecom and ZTE also agreed to accelerate cooperation on Green Operator initiatives, focusing on sustainable green-energy infrastructure to reduce the carbon footprint of telecom operations.
The companies said the cooperation would support the development of a more resilient and environmentally sustainable telecommunications network while aligning with Ethio telecom’s sustainability objectives.
Xie Junshi commended Ethio telecom’s progress and strategic direction, reaffirming ZTE’s commitment to continued cooperation with the Ethiopian operator.
Both sides pledged to sustain their partnership as Ethiopia advances network modernization, expands digital access and strengthens the infrastructure underpinning its digital transformation.