From “Telco” to “Techco” : rethinking the role of the operator
Africa is undergoing a digital revolution, driven by local players capable of creating solutions tailored to the needs of their populations. Ethio Telecom perfectly illustrates this phenomenon: beyond being a simple telecom operator, the company is transforming into a “Techco,” leveraging innovation and technology to improve citizens’ lives and contribute to the country’s economic awakening.
Historically, Ethio Telecom was limited to voice and data services, but the company has redefined its role to become a central actor in the country’s digital transformation. Bruk Adhana, Director of Mobile Financial Services at Ethio Telecom, sums it up clearly: “Before 2021, Ethiopia was the sleeping giant. Today, we are the giant awakening.”
This metamorphosis is reflected in the launch of Telebirr, a mobile money platform that has revolutionized financial inclusion. In just three years, over 14 million customers have benefited from 30 billion birr (≈1.66 billion USD) in unsecured microloans, thanks to AI-based credit scoring. Telebirr enables citizens to pay for their children’s education, access healthcare, and even start small businesses, democratizing financial services for millions of Ethiopians.
This mission goes beyond network expansion. We empower communities, government, and businesses to boost productivity and create lasting value for all
The transformation goes beyond finance: it is part of a national strategy of inclusion and modernization, with Ethio Telecom acting as a lever for socio-economic development. Frehiwot Tamiru, CEO of the company, emphasizes: “Our mission goes beyond network expansion. We empower communities, government, and businesses to boost productivity and create lasting value for all.”
To support this ambition, Ethio Telecom has invested heavily in digital infrastructure, expanding its 5G coverage to 26 cities and aiming for 4G coverage for 99% of the population. The creation of TeleCloud, a secure and affordable national cloud, allows local businesses to reliably store and manage data while facilitating access to advanced digital services.
These infrastructures underpin high-impact social projects. In education, they enable the establishment of smart schools with automated laboratories and virtual teachers, improving the quality of instruction and reducing inequalities in access. In agriculture, Ethio Telecom collaborates with the government to digitize the distribution of agricultural inputs, ensuring seeds and fertilizers reach farmers on time while providing them with access to tailored financial services. Even cities benefit from this modernization through the deployment of smart cities and sustainable solutions such as electric vehicle charging stations and solar-powered network sites.
The digital divide, particularly the high cost of smartphones, remains a major obstacle. To address this, Ethio Telecom launched Znexus, a range of affordable smartphones integrating TeleCloud, Telebirr, and essential applications. These devices allow rural and urban populations to access digital services and enjoy connectivity while promoting the adoption of modern technologies. “Telebirr is literally the lifestyle of Ethiopians,” emphasizes Bruk Adhana, illustrating how the company integrates into citizens’ daily lives.
Financial innovation extends beyond microloans. Telebirr now offers savings accounts, payroll loans, and device financing, accessible via USSD or the mobile app. The digitization of payments, whether for fuel or public services, generates valuable data for policymakers, enhancing transparency and economic planning. These services foster entrepreneurship and create new economic opportunities, demonstrating that technology can have a direct impact on daily life and the country’s growth.
A Profitable Model
The economic results are tangible. In 2025, Ethio Telecom recorded 162 billion birr (≈9 billion USD) in revenue and 76 billion birr (≈4.2 billion USD) in pre-tax profit, an 80% increase from the previous year. The subscriber base reached 83.2 million, and Telebirr counted 54.8 million users. As part of its “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028” strategy, the company aims for 100 million users and 75 million Telebirr accounts, confirming its ambition to become a leading technology player.
Ethio Telecom demonstrates that a telecom operator can play a central role in a country’s socio-economic transformation. Through its innovations in finance, education, agriculture, and sustainable services, the company helps improve Ethiopians’ daily lives and stimulate Ethiopia’s economic awakening. Its “Techco” model, built on solutions adapted to local realities, offers a blueprint for other African countries seeking to combine technology, inclusion, and development. “Ethio Telecom is no longer just an operator; we are transforming the daily lives of Ethiopians,” concludes Bruk Adhana.
