Ethio telecom, ZTE Seal Major Network Expansion Deal

Addis Ababa, March 9, 2026 (ENA)—Ethio telecom and ZTE Corporation have finalized a major network expansion and modernization agreement on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Barcelona.

The move is expected to significantly strengthen connectivity and accelerate digital inclusion across Ethiopia.

The agreement will expand and modernize infrastructure across the ZTE operational circle, covering 647 network sites, including 115 in rural areas.

According to Ethio telecom, the initiative will considerably boost nationwide connectivity while extending high speed digital services to communities that have remained underserved.

Ethio telecom Chief Executive Officer Frehiwot Tamru, along with members of the company’s executive leadership, held a series of strategic discussions with senior executives of ZTE during the engagement.

Once completed, the expansion and modernization program is expected to enhance network capacity, coverage and service quality across the operational area managed by ZTE.

The project will raise 4G population coverage to 95.5 percent, enabling millions more citizens, businesses and public institutions to access reliable high speed mobile connectivity.

Officials said the initiative will play an important role in expanding digital inclusion by extending advanced mobile broadband services to rural and previously underserved communities.

The agreement followed extensive negotiations between Ethio telecom’s leadership and senior management at ZTE headquarters, alongside the company’s technical team supporting the Ethiopian operator.

Beyond the infrastructure expansion, the two sides also held forward looking discussions on accelerating implementation of Ethio telecom’s corporate transformation strategy titled “Next Horizon Digital and Beyond 2028.”

The partnership underscores the longstanding cooperation between Ethio telecom and ZTE and reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Ethiopia’s digital ecosystem through modern and resilient telecommunications infrastructure.

According to Ethio telecom, the initiative will support the country’s broader digital transformation agenda by widening high speed connectivity, enabling new digital services and empowering communities, institutions and businesses across the nation.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to investing in advanced technologies and strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening national digital infrastructure and positioning Ethiopia as a rising digital hub on the African continent.