Ethio telecom has signed a landmark network expansion and modernization agreement with strategic partner Ericsson during Mobile World Congress 2026, marking a major step in strengthening Ethiopia’s digital infrastructure.
The project forms part of Ethio telecom’s three-year Next Horizon Strategy and will involve the expansion, upgrade, 4G layering, and deployment of new capabilities across 1,500 mobile sites within Ericsson’s network-managed circle. The initiative aims to enhance network coverage, improve service quality, and increase capacity across the country.
As part of the modernization effort, legacy infrastructure will be replaced with advanced technology to significantly boost 4G coverage and capacity, while also expanding the operator’s 5G footprint to support high-speed connectivity for Ethiopia’s growing digital economy.
The agreement also prioritizes digital inclusion, particularly in underserved areas. The project includes 75 rural solution sites designed to provide mobile connectivity in communities without access to commercial power. In addition, 502 existing 3G sites will be modernized and upgraded to become fully 4G-ready, helping bridge both coverage and usage gaps in rural regions.
Within the Ericsson network circle, the project is expected to add 2.8 million in new 4G capacity, increasing total capacity to 4.1 million. LTE services will also expand to 157 additional towns, raising the total number of connected towns to 276 and boosting population coverage by 45%, reaching 85% population coverage in the region.
Ethio telecom noted that the upgraded network will further support the growth of Ethiopia’s digital ecosystem, including national digital platforms such as telebirr, ZemenGebeya, and Znexus, which are transforming how citizens access services, conduct business, and transact digitally.
The operator reaffirmed its commitment to continued investment in advanced technologies and strategic partnerships to help position Ethiopia as a leading digital hub in Africa.
