Addis Ababa, July 25, 2026 (FMC) — Ethio telecom is increasingly positioning itself beyond a conventional telecommunications provider, expanding its role in Ethiopia’s digital transformation through nationwide connectivity, digital financial services, and technology-driven solutions, Chief Executive Officer Frehiwot Tamiru said.
In an interview with Fana Media Corporation (FMC), Frehiwot highlighted the company’s expanding digital footprint, noting that Ethio telecom has continued to invest in infrastructure and innovative services to support the realization of the Digital Ethiopia 2030 strategy.
She said the company’s network expansion has significantly increased access to digital services, with 4G internet services now available in 1,200 towns across the country.
During the 2025/26 fiscal year, Ethio telecom extended network coverage to 117 rural districts, enabling an additional 1.5 million citizens to access telecommunications services, according to the CEO.
The company also expanded 4G services to 246 additional towns and extended 5G services to seven more cities, further strengthening Ethiopia’s digital connectivity landscape.
Frehiwot said Ethio telecom’s transformation is not limited to expanding network access, but also includes building a digital ecosystem that enables financial inclusion and modern services.
She disclosed that the company’s total customer base has reached 90.1 million, while the number of Telebirr users has grown to 60.6 million.
The CEO said Telebirr has become a major driver of Ethiopia’s digital payment ecosystem, with more than 9.13 trillion birr in transactions processed through the platform since its launch.
During the reported fiscal year alone, Telebirr facilitated 4.51 trillion birr worth of transactions, achieving 92.8 percent of its annual target, she added.
Frehiwot further noted that Ethio telecom recorded 215.8 billion birr in revenue during the fiscal year, achieving 99.7 percent of its planned target.
She said the company remains committed to introducing emerging technologies and delivering modern digital services that respond to the changing needs of customers while contributing to Ethiopia’s digital transformation journey.
With its expanding network infrastructure, growing digital payment platform, and broader technology services, Ethio telecom is seeking to play a central role in building the foundations of a digitally connected Ethiopia.