Ethio telecom, ZTE expand Ethiopia’s digital infrastructure

Ethio telecom has reviewed the progress of its network expansion and modernisation programme with senior representatives from ZTE Corporation, as the two companies continue to work towards expanding Ethiopia’s digital infrastructure

Ethio telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamru hosted a delegation from ZTE led by executive vice-president and chief operating officer Xie Junshi. Discussions focused on the implementation of the Network Expansion and Modernisation Agreement, which was finalised during Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona.

The engagement forms part of the companies’ wider efforts to support Ethio telecom’s Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028 Strategy and accelerate the development of the country’s telecommunications infrastructure.

Within the ZTE circle, the end-to-end modernisation programme covers 879 sites. Of these, 462 RAN modernisation sites have been completed, including LTE layering at 180 sites, LTE upgrades at 248 sites and a full SWAP at 102 sites.

The programme has also delivered 237 MW link upgrades and expanded 103 IP RAN sites. Work on the remaining elements is continuing, including the deployment of 124 new sites, U2100 refarming at 272 sites and 115 rural solution sites.

The completed rollout has helped extend high-speed mobile connectivity across Ethiopia, taking national 4G mobile population coverage within the ZTE circle to 92%. The upgraded infrastructure is expected to support increasing demand for digital services and provide improved connectivity for millions of people.

Frehiwot Tamru welcomed the progress achieved under the programme and highlighted its contribution towards the objectives set under the first year of the Next Horizon strategy. Ethio telecom’s leadership also recognised ZTE’s financing approach, technical capabilities and efforts to deliver the modernisation programme within demanding timelines.

The next stage of the programme is expected to continue with more ambitious targets. Ethio telecom’s CEO called on ZTE to maintain its support as the operator moves forward with further network expansion and modernisation.

The companies also discussed measures aimed at improving smartphone accessibility and helping narrow Ethiopia’s digital divide. Both sides agreed to explore innovative device financing solutions that could make affordable smartphones more accessible to consumers.

Increasing access to suitable devices is intended to help maximise the benefits of the expanded 4G network while supporting the growth of Ethiopia’s digital economy and society.

Sustainability was another focus of the discussions, with Ethio telecom and ZTE looking to accelerate the operator’s 'Green Operator' initiatives. The companies plan to collaborate on sustainable green energy infrastructure as part of efforts to lower the carbon footprint associated with telecommunications operations.

The green infrastructure initiative is intended to contribute to a more resilient and environmentally responsible network while supporting global environmental standards and Ethio telecom’s sustainability objectives.

At the conclusion of the engagement, ZTE’s COO praised Ethio telecom’s progress and its ambitious development strategy. He highlighted ZTE’s opportunity to support a major African telecommunications operator at significant scale.

Both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to continuing their partnership, with a focus on supporting Ethiopia’s digital development, expanding connectivity and maintaining technological excellence.