Ethio telecom and Ericsson have solidified a landmark partnership at MWC Barcelona, signing a sweeping agreement to modernize and expand Ethiopia’s digital infrastructure. This strategic move, which fits directly into the company’s three-year Next Horizon Strategy, involves a massive overhaul of 1,500 mobile sites. By replacing aging legacy systems with state-of-the-art technology, the initiative will significantly bolster 4G capacity and broaden the nation's 5G footprint, providing the high-speed foundation necessary for a competitive digital economy.
The project places a heavy emphasis on digital equity, reaching far beyond major urban centers to bring connectivity to 75 specifically targeted rural areas. A major component of this expansion includes the transformation of 502 existing 3G sites into advanced 4G hubs, effectively bridging the gap between rural and urban digital access. Within the Ericsson-managed network circle, this expansion will add 2.8 million in new 4G capacity, bringing the total to 4.1 million and extending LTE services to 157 additional towns. This surge in infrastructure is expected to increase population coverage in the region by 45%, ultimately reaching an 85% coverage rate.
Beyond the hardware upgrades, this agreement serves as a vital engine for Ethiopia’s broader digital ecosystem. Enhanced network reliability will directly support essential national platforms like telebirr, Zemen GEBEYA, and Znexus, which are currently redefining how citizens work and conduct business. By prioritizing these strategic investments, Ethio telecom continues to position Ethiopia as a premier digital hub in Africa, fulfilling its commitment to a more connected and technologically inclusive future for all its citizens.
