Ethiopia’s digital infrastructure is entering another phase of expansion as Ethio Telecom and Chinese technology provider ZTE accelerate a major network modernisation programme, with 4G population coverage across ZTE’s network footprint now reaching 92%.
The latest progress follows a network expansion and modernisation agreement signed by the two companies at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona. The programme is focused on upgrading the infrastructure required to support Ethiopia’s growing demand for mobile data and digital services.
According to Ethio Telecom, modernisation work has been completed across 879 sites, including 462 radio access network (RAN) sites. The completed upgrades include LTE layering at 180 sites, LTE upgrades at 248 sites and full network replacements at 102 sites. The programme has also delivered 237 microwave-link upgrades and expanded IP RAN infrastructure at 103 sites.
The expansion is not yet complete. A further phase includes 124 new sites, U2100 spectrum refarming at 272 sites and 115 additional rural connectivity sites. These investments are intended to increase network capacity while extending reliable mobile broadband services to areas that remain underserved.
Beyond Coverage: Tackling the Smartphone Gap
While expanding network infrastructure is critical, wider 4G availability does not automatically translate into greater internet adoption. Smartphone affordability remains a significant barrier for consumers who may live within coverage areas but lack suitable devices.
To address this, Ethio Telecom and ZTE are exploring device-financing models that could make smartphones more accessible. The initiative is designed to help translate expanded network coverage into greater mobile internet usage and digital-service adoption.
The partnership is also taking an environmental angle. Under Ethio Telecom’s Green Operator programme, the companies plan to explore renewable and other energy-efficient infrastructure aimed at reducing the power consumption and carbon footprint associated with telecom operations.
Supporting Ethiopia’s Digital Economy
The modernisation programme forms part of Ethio Telecom’s broader “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028” strategy, which places greater emphasis on expanding data connectivity and building infrastructure capable of supporting Ethiopia’s growing digital-services economy.
The development is significant because Ethiopia’s digital transformation increasingly depends on the ability to move beyond basic network availability toward affordable, high-capacity and reliable connectivity. Expanding rural coverage, improving network performance and addressing smartphone affordability are therefore interconnected challenges.
With 4G coverage across the ZTE network footprint already at 92%, the next phase will determine how effectively Ethio Telecom can extend that progress to rural communities, lower the barriers to smartphone ownership and build a more energy-efficient telecom infrastructure.
The collaboration between Ethio Telecom and ZTE ultimately reflects a broader trend across Africa: network expansion is shifting from simply connecting more people to building the infrastructure, affordability and sustainability needed to make meaningful digital participation possible.
