KEYIR NEWS - Ethio-Telecom has set out an ambitious plan to expand mobile coverage and boost digital services, aiming to generate 235.8 billion birr in revenue during the 2025/26 fiscal year.
The announcement was made by CEO Frehiwot Tamiru as part of the company’s three-year “Next Horizon” strategy, running from 2025 to 2027.
According to Frehiwot, the company will expand its mobile network capacity to accommodate more than 112 million users by the end of the fiscal year. Ethio-Telecom also plans to increase its customer base from 83.2 million to 88 million.
Rural connectivity remains a central focus. Last year, nearly half of the company’s network expansion was carried out in rural areas. In the current budget year, Ethio-Telecom intends to build 1,228 new mobile sites, including 322 dedicated to rural communities, in an effort to reduce digital gaps across the country.
Frehiwot also highlighted the rapid growth of TeleBirr, the mobile money service launched to support financial inclusion. Ethio-Telecom projects the platform will reach 62.5 million users and process transactions worth 4.43 trillion birr this year, positioning it as a key driver of the digital economy.
Despite the progress, challenges remain. The rugged geography, occasional service disruptions, and affordability concerns continue to hinder universal access. Nevertheless, Ethio-Telecom’s expansion strategy signals a commitment to overcome these barriers and ensure that communication is widely accessible.
“Our mission is to connect Ethiopia to the future,” Frehiwot said, underlining the company’s determination to make digital services a shared resource rather than a privilege for a few.
If successful, the initiative could mark a significant step toward bridging the connectivity divide, bringing millions of citizens into the digital fold and strengthening the country’s economic and social links.