Ethio telecom CEO, Frehiwot Tamru, held a high-level strategic engagement with Excellency Mr. Solomon Quaynor S, Vice President of the African Development Bank, together with senior AfDB management, to review the ongoing partnership and collaborative engagements aimed at supporting the execution of Ethio telecom’s transformative “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028” strategy and Ethiopia’s broader digital transformation journey.
During the meeting, both institutions assessed the strong progress of their ongoing strategic engagements and financing discussions designed to accelerate the expansion and modernization of Ethiopia’s digital and telecom infrastructure, strengthen digital platforms and ecosystems, and expand inclusive access to innovative digital services that empower millions of citizens, businesses, and institutions across the country.
The CEO briefed the AfDB leadership on the significant progress being achieved under the “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028” strategy, highlighting Ethio telecom’s continued growth and advancement across all major business and transformation pillars. She emphasized the company’s successful evolution from a traditional telecom operator into a leading digital solutions and platform provider, supported by continuous investments in advanced telecom infrastructure, cloud services, AI-enabled technologies, fintech ecosystems, and digital platforms.
The discussion further highlighted Ethio telecom’s rapidly expanding “Beyond Connectivity” ecosystem, including strategic digital platforms such as telebirr, Zemen GEBEYA, and znexus, which are increasingly contributing to financial inclusion, digital commerce, entrepreneurship, innovation, and socio-economic empowerment. The CEO also outlined the company’s ongoing investments in next-generation digital infrastructure, including 4G and 5G expansion, rural connectivity, cloud and AI capabilities, green and energy-efficient infrastructure, and cross-border initiatives such as the Horizon Fiber project, which collectively reinforce Ethiopia’s growing role in the regional digital economy.
Vice President Solomon Quaynor and the AfDB senior management acknowledged Ethio telecom’s remarkable transformation journey and operational progress, noting the company’s growing relevance as one of Africa’s leading digital transformation success stories. They reaffirmed AfDB’s commitment to strengthening strategic collaboration and exploring sustainable financing frameworks that support large-scale digital infrastructure development, digital inclusion, innovation, and long-term economic growth.
The engagement also reflected the shared commitment of both institutions toward advancing continental priorities, including Africa’s digital transformation agenda, regional digital integration, and the broader vision of a connected and inclusive African digital economy.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Ethio telecom and the African Development Bank reaffirmed their mutual commitment to expediting ongoing collaborative initiatives, deepening their long-term strategic partnership, and accelerating investments that will continue to digitally transform Ethiopia, empower millions of lives, and contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth across the continent.
