Ericsson and Ethio telecom sign network expansion and modernization agreement at MWC Barcelona

Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) and Ethio telecom have signed an agreement at Mobile World Congress 2026, Barcelona, Spain, to advance Ethiopia’s digital infrastructure and accelerate the country’s digital transformation journey.

The partnership focuses on modernizing and expanding Ethio telecom’s telecommunications network through Ericsson Radio Access Network state-of-the art products, and professional services. The products included span from remote and Massive MIMO radios, RAN transport products and enclosures. The Ericsson Microwave portfolio is also a key component in the modernization of Ethio telecom’s network. Ericsson will both modernize existing links, upgrade capacity and create new links for the new RAN sites. As part of this collaboration, the modernization initiative will include the expansion, upgrade and deployment of new capabilities across 1,500 mobile sites within the Ericsson network-managed circle, enhancing network coverage, quality and capacity. The project will also support digital inclusion by targeting rural solution sites and upgrading existing 3G sites to 4G, helping expand connectivity in underserved areas.

The   partnership is aimed at strengthening network capacity, reliability, and performance, and preparing for the delivery of next-generation connectivity services across the country. It will also enhance connectivity in Ethiopia and enable new digital services across industries and communities.

Through this partnership with Ericsson, Ethio telecom will build a robust digital foundation that directly supports Ethiopia’s national ‘Digital Ethiopia 2030’ strategy and Ethio telecom’s ‘Next Horizon: Digital and Beyond 2028’ strategic roadmap.

Frehiwot Tamiru, Chief Executive Officer, Ethio telecom, says: "This agreement with Ericsson reflects our continued commitment to strengthening Ethiopia’s telecommunications infrastructure and advancing our Next Horizon strategy. By collaborating on network modernization and digital infrastructure development, we aim to deliver reliable connectivity and innovative services that support Ethiopia’s digital transformation and national development priorities.”

Alain Maupin, Vice President and Head of Customer Unit East & North Africa at Ericsson Europe, Middle East & Africa, says: “Our collaboration with Ethio telecom reflects a shared ambition to advance Ethiopia’s digital future through resilient and high-performing networks. Building on more than a century of partnership, this agreement creates a framework to further evolve the country’s network infrastructure and enable the digital platforms and services that will support Ethiopia’s long-term growth and innovation.”

This partnership extends a long-standing relationship between the two companies that spans more than 132 years. Over this period, Ericsson has been a key partner in Ethiopia’s telecommunications evolution across multiple generations of technology, from the first fixed networks to mobile technologies including 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G. 

ABOUT Ethio telecom:
Ethio telecom is Ethiopia’s pioneering integrated telecommunications and Digital Financial Services provider, since 1894. As the backbone of the nation’s digital transformation, we go far beyond traditional connectivity. We offer a sophisticated ecosystem of services, including high-speed voice and data, SMS, public cloud computing, state of the art data centers, enterprise solutions, and international carrier services.

As of October 2025, our network serves a robust community of 87.1 million customers, with over 57.59 million users leveraging telebirr to revolutionize how the nation handles finance. We aren't just a service provider; we are the engine of digital inclusion, empowering every corner of Ethiopia to thrive in the global digital economy. https://www.ethiotelecom.et

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