Ethio telecom and ZTE Corporation have finalized a major network expansion and modernization agreement at the Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, aiming to upgrade 647 network sites, including 115 rural locations, significantly boosting connectivity and expanding digital inclusion across Ethiopia.

The initiative is expected to increase 4G population coverage to 95.5%, providing high-speed internet access to millions of citizens, businesses, and communities, and forms a central part of Ethio telecom’s corporate strategy, “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028”, while strengthening the operator’s long-standing partnership with ZTE.

Frehiwot Tamru, CEO of Ethio telecom, emphasized that the agreement reflects the company’s commitment to building modern, resilient, and future-ready telecommunications infrastructure and advancing Ethiopia’s digital transformation agenda.

The ZTE agreement is part of a broader effort by Ethio telecom to modernize its networks and expand international partnerships.

Earlier in February 2026, the company joined a tripartite fiber connectivity initiative with Djibouti Telecom and Sudatel Group, establishing a high-capacity fiber corridor to enhance regional bandwidth and position Ethiopia as a digital transit hub.

Ethio telecom also signed a network modernization agreement with Ericsson, which will upgrade 1,500 mobile sites and improve service quality and coverage nationwide.

The operator is engaged in discussions with Somcable in Somaliland to explore cross-border connectivity partnerships that expand access to global digital markets, while pan-African collaborations include a Master Service Agreement with Cameroon’s CAMTEL, focusing on mobile money and digital services.

In addition, Ethio telecom is working with organizations such as the Future of Education & Work in Africa (FEWA) to promote AI-enabled digital education across the continent.

These initiatives underline Ethio telecom’s ambition to evolve from a national operator into a regional digital infrastructure leader, advancing Ethiopia’s connectivity, digital services, and socio-economic development.