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Addis Ababa – Ethio Telecom has announced an ambitious plan to increase its subscriber base to 88 million in the current fiscal year, up from 83.2 million, as part of a sweeping three-year “Next-Generation Strategy” designed to accelerate Ethiopia’s digital transformation.
The plan, unveiled alongside the company’s 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year work program, was presented by CEO Frehiwot Tamiru, who emphasized that the strategy is directly tied to the government’s 10-Year National Development Plan.
Expanding Digital Infrastructure
To close Ethiopia’s digital gap, Ethio Telecom will dramatically scale up its network infrastructure. Over the next three years, the company plans to:
- Roll out 1,228 new sites in urban areas and 322 in rural areas.
- Launch 5G services in 10 cities during the current fiscal year.
- Establish a wireless network with capacity for 112.4 million users.
Frehiwot stressed that this expansion is not only about subscriber numbers but also about positioning Ethiopia to compete in the global digital economy.
Financial Ambitions
Ethio Telecom has also set record-breaking financial targets:
- 235.8 billion birr in revenue by the end of the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year.
- 4.43 trillion birr in TeleBirr transactions, highlighting the rapid adoption of mobile money across Ethiopia.
These goals reflect the company’s drive to remain competitive in an increasingly liberalized telecom sector, where foreign operators are expected to intensify competition.
Addressing Market and Cyber Challenges
The strategy also places emphasis on overcoming structural barriers and security concerns. Frehiwot noted that the plan incorporates new safeguards against cybersecurity threats while addressing market-related challenges such as affordability, rural connectivity, and network reliability.
“Digitalization is no longer optional—it is essential,” she explained. “This strategy is our blueprint for creating a future-proof telecom sector that supports Ethiopia’s economic growth.”
TeleBirr: Powering the Digital Economy
TeleBirr, Ethio Telecom’s flagship mobile money platform, will play a central role in the next phase of growth. With a target of 4.43 trillion birr in transactions, TeleBirr is set to deepen financial inclusion and transform how Ethiopians access banking, payments, and government services.
Industry analysts note that TeleBirr’s expansion could strengthen Ethiopia’s cashless economy agenda, helping the country modernize its financial systems while boosting revenues.
By expanding access, upgrading infrastructure, and investing in financial technology, Ethio Telecom aims to transform Ethiopia’s connectivity landscape. With competition expected to grow as more players enter the market, the success of this three-year strategy will be crucial in defining the company’s role as both a market leader and a catalyst for Ethiopia’s digital future.
