Ethio telecom champions digital agriculture to link farmers with finance and markets

Addis Ababa, June 16, 2025 (FMC) — Ethio telecom is ramping up its efforts to modernize Ethiopia’s agricultural sector by harnessing digital solutions that boost productivity and support the transition to smart farming, according to CEO Frehiwot Tamiru.

Speaking at a partnership agreement signing ceremony with the Oromia Regional Bureau of Agriculture, the CEO revealed that the agreement will enable the rollout of the Agriculture Value Chain Big Data Platform Solution, a massive, multi-faceted data hub delivered via Ethio telecom’s TeleCloud infrastructure.

“This partnership will help digitize agricultural processes, create new job opportunities, and ensure that both farmers and pastoralists receive appropriate benefits from technology-driven solutions,” Frehiwot said.

She emphasized that Ethio telecom is already implementing technologies that integrate the entire agricultural value chain—from input supply and production to markets and financial services.

The solution will connect all key actors in the agricultural ecosystem, including farmers, input suppliers, and market stakeholders, and will consolidate diverse data sources—such as IoT, satellite imagery, drones, and expert input—into a unified digital platform.

According to the company, the project will be piloted in selected zones and woredas across Oromia in its first phase.

Frehiwot further noted that the platform will enable a shift from fragmented, traditional practices to a connected and data-driven agricultural system.

“The collaboration is central to building a resilient and efficient sector that is guided by real-time data and digital infrastructure,” she said.

Oromia Bureau of Agriculture Head Mr. Getu Gemechu welcomed the initiative, stating, “This partnership with Ethio telecom is a strong example of our commitment to move from traditional to knowledge-based agriculture.”

He added that the digital platform will give farmers timely access to vital information, including market prices, weather updates, and production insights—empowering them to make better decisions and improve competitiveness.

The partnership reflects Ethiopia’s broader national effort to digitalize agriculture and empower rural communities with technology that enhances productivity, sustainability, and food security.

Ethio telecom reaffirmed its commitment to driving economic and social transformation through robust digital solutions tailored to institutional and sectoral needs.