Africa’s longest-serving telecom operator, Ethio telecom, has unveiled a new line of cloud-based smart devices under its Znexus brand, aiming to make digital access more affordable and inclusive across the continent.
Building on its success in expanding 4G and 5G network coverage—achieving 71% population coverage and deploying 5G in 26 towns—Ethio telecom is now focusing its ‘NEXT HORIZON: Digital & Beyond 2028’ strategy on closing the smartphone usage gap caused by the high cost of smart devices.
The Znexus lineup, which includes the Znexus 127 Lite, Znexus 131 Lite, and Znexus 2028 Lite, offers an affordable, cloud-powered solution that reduces device costs by shifting processing power to the TeleCloud and eliminates storage limitations through built-in TeleStorage. The devices are preloaded with applications such as Telebirr, educational content, and social media apps, enabling first-time users to enjoy a smartphone-like experience at a fraction of the cost.
“Znexus is designed to be affordable for first-time users, with prices substantially lower than existing alternatives while still offering essential digital services,” said Frehiwot Tamru, CEO of Ethio telecom. “By moving computation and storage to the TeleCloud, we are making it possible for millions of Africans to access digital opportunities that were previously out of reach.”
Ethio Telecom’s Znexus Cloud Workspace Solution complements the devices by serving enterprises, government agencies, and NGOs with secure virtual access to desktops and applications from any device. The product suite includes Znexus-branded laptops, tablets, and thin clients such as the R2025 Rise-Cloud Tab, E2025 Pro Cloud Laptop, E131 Pro Cloud Laptop, and E2025 Ultra Thin Client.
The Znexus ecosystem integrates Telebirr mobile payments, TeleStorage, and connectivity bundles into a unified, cost-effective digital experience for individuals and organizations. These solutions support Ethio telecom’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and advancing Ethiopia’s inclusive digital transformation agenda.
Ethio Telecom envisions reaching 99% LTE coverage by the end of its NEXT HORIZON: Digital & Beyond 2028 strategy while expanding digital, cloud, and fintech services to empower individuals, businesses, and communities to thrive in the digital economy.
Read more: Ethio telecom and CDB Deepen Strategic Cooperation to Drive Ethiopia’s Digital Transformation
