Ethio telecom is advancing discussions with Africa Finance Corporation to establish a transformative financing partnership that would support the rollout of its “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028” strategy and strengthen its regional digital ambitions.
Ethio telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamru held a high-level strategic meeting with AFC President and CEO Samaila Zubairu to explore collaboration opportunities aligned with Ethiopia’s long-term digital transformation goals. The proposed partnership is intended to accelerate large-scale infrastructure expansion and position Ethio telecom as a leading regional digital infrastructure and services provider.
During the discussion, Frehiwot highlighted the company’s strong execution track record, referencing the successful completion of its BRIDGE and LEAD transformation programs. She noted that these initiatives have reinforced Ethio telecom’s institutional resilience and operational capability, while advancing the national Digital Ethiopia 2025 agenda.
The newly launched “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028” strategy is fully aligned with Ethiopia’s broader Digital Ethiopia 2030 roadmap. It outlines plans for expanding telecom and digital services beyond the domestic market, while investing in next-generation capabilities including AI-driven platforms, hyperscale cloud ecosystems, advanced digital infrastructure, and cross-border connectivity solutions.
Frehiwot emphasized that achieving meaningful scale and regional impact will require forward-looking financing partnerships capable of enabling high-capacity networks, secure digital platforms, and resilient infrastructure. She underscored the broader continental imperative of building strong telecom foundations to unlock the full potential of artificial intelligence and inclusive digital growth across Africa.
Samaila Zubairu commended Ethio telecom’s performance trajectory and strategic vision, expressing strong interest in partnering to support the next phase of growth. He reaffirmed AFC’s commitment to backing high-impact infrastructure initiatives that drive sustainable economic development across the continent.
The engagement signals a potential collaboration that could strengthen Ethiopia’s digital infrastructure ecosystem while contributing to Africa’s wider connectivity, cloud, and AI ambitions.
