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Ethio Telecom has signed a major network expansion and modernisation agreement with Ericsson at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, aimed at strengthening Ethiopia’s digital infrastructure and accelerating nationwide connectivity.
The agreement, announced during the global technology event in Barcelona, forms part of Ethio Telecom’s three-year Next Horizon Strategy, which focuses on expanding network capacity, improving service quality, and supporting the country’s rapidly growing digital economy.
Under the partnership, the telecom operator will carry out a large-scale network modernisation programme that includes the expansion, upgrade, and 4G layering of approximately 1,500 mobile sites within Ericsson-managed network infrastructure.
The project will introduce advanced technologies designed to improve network reliability, expand coverage, and increase capacity across the country.
According to Ethio Telecom, the initiative will replace legacy infrastructure with modern network systems, significantly boosting 4G capacity while expanding the company’s 5G footprint to support the high-speed connectivity required for modern digital services.
A key component of the programme is digital inclusion, particularly in underserved communities. The modernisation plan will target about 75 rural areas, deploying customised mobile solutions to close connectivity gaps and improve digital access in remote regions.
The telecom operator also plans to upgrade 502 existing 3G sites to advanced 4G technology, a move expected to enhance service quality and deliver faster mobile broadband to millions of users.
Within the Ericsson-managed network circle, the project will add 2.8 million in new 4G capacity, increasing the total to 4.1 million. The expansion will also extend LTE services to 157 additional towns, raising the number of connected towns to 276 and expanding population coverage by 45%, reaching about 85% coverage in the region.
Ethio Telecom noted that the network upgrade will support Ethiopia’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem, including national platforms such as telebirr, ZemenGebeya, and Znexus, which are helping drive digital payments, e-commerce, and other online services.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to investing in advanced technologies and strengthening strategic partnerships to position Ethiopia as a leading digital hub in Africa while expanding access to reliable, high-speed connectivity.
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