Ethio telecom has unveiled its new three-year strategic plan, ‘NEXT HORIZON: Digital & Beyond 2028,’ outlining an ambitious roadmap to strengthen its role as Ethiopia’s digital powerhouse and expand into new regional and global markets.
Covering the period July 2025 to June 2028, the strategy succeeds the company’s LEAD Growth Strategy (2022–2025). Ethio telecom says the new plan is designed to move “beyond connectivity” by driving innovation in fintech, cloud, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and smart city development, while continuing large-scale network expansion.
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Key elements of the plan include:
- Subscriber Growth: Expanding from 83 million today to 100 million users by 2028.
- Network Coverage: Increasing 4G LTE coverage to 85%, extending service to 550 additional towns, and deploying 5G in 10 more cities, bringing the total 5G sites to 490.
- Mobile Money: Growing its telebirr platform to 75 million users, with annual transactions projected to reach ETB 21.3 trillion and revenue of ETB 49.1 billion by 2028.
- Digital Infrastructure: Investing in data centers, cloud capacity, advanced AI-driven platforms, and cybersecurity to support Ethiopia’s digital economy and regional services.
- Green Energy: Transitioning 500–1,000 sites annually to solar and grid power, reducing fuel use by over 16%, and cutting CO₂ emissions.
- Financial Targets: Achieving ETB 842.3 billion in revenue over the three years (+154% vs. previous strategy period), with foreign currency earnings projected to reach USD 976 million. Company assets are forecast to reach ETB 851 billion by 2028.
The plan also commits to inclusive access, gender mainstreaming, community engagement, and sustainability initiatives, including electric vehicle charging services and support for smart cities.
With less than 29% internet connectivity in sub-Saharan Africa, Ethio telecom’s expansion of broadband, fintech, and digital ecosystems could play a significant role in closing the digital divide and positioning Ethiopia as a regional digital hub.
