The African Development Bank (AfDB) and Ethio telecom have initiated strategic discussions to accelerate Ethiopia’s digital transformation and strengt
The African Development Bank (AfDB) and Ethio telecom have initiated strategic discussions to accelerate Ethiopia’s digital transformation and strengthen Africa’s overall digital economy.
During a high-level meeting at Ethio telecom, AfDB Vice President H.E. Mr. Solomon Quaynor and senior officials met with Ethio telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamru to explore potential financing options for the telecom company’s initiatives.
Advancing in innovation
These initiatives include, expanding digital infrastructure to improve network coverage, enhancing rural connectivity to bridge the digital divide, and advancing innovation in fintech and cloud services. Frehiwot emphasized Ethio telecom’s pivotal role in driving digital inclusion and economic growth within Ethiopia and across Africa. She underscored the need for substantial financial support to expand telecom networks, which are critical for enabling development across multiple sectors.
The AfDB commended Ethio telecom for its efforts in narrowing the digital divide and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the company’s $1.1 billion investment plan focused on telecom and digital infrastructure expansion. This collaboration represents a vital step toward fostering a digitally connected and empowered Africa.
Telecom service was introduced in Ethiopia by Emperor Menelik II in 1894 during the commencement of the telephone line installation from Harar to Addis Ababa. Then the inter-urban network was expanded in all other directions from the capital and many important centers in the Empire were interconnected by landlines to facilitate long-distance communications with the help of intermediate operators acting as verbal human repeaters.