•GSMA Report Highlights Sector’s 8% GDP Contribution
Addis Ababa| Ethio telecom, Ethiopia’s state-owned telecommunications giant, has emerged as a central pillar of the nation’s economic and digital transformation, contributing a notable 8% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023.
This is according to a new report by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA).
Speaking at a press briefing, Ethio telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamiru lauded the telecom sector’s growing economic impact, calling the GSMA findings a reflection of “ongoing reforms, strategic innovations, and a steadfast commitment to digital inclusivity.”
The 8% contribution to the national economy marks a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s efforts to modernize its technological landscape and leverage digital connectivity for inclusive growth.
Digital Infrastructure, Connectivity at the Core
Frehiwot attributed this success to a series of transformative measures and technological rollouts.
“From expanding affordable internet access to deploying high-speed 4G and 5G networks, our goal has always been to ensure that no one is left behind,” she said.
Among the flagship innovations is Telebirr, the company’s mobile money platform, which has revolutionized digital transactions and broadened financial inclusion, particularly in underserved areas.
Other notable developments include the deployment of Cloud services, and advanced Mobile Money platforms, which have facilitated smoother, more secure business operations and public service delivery.
Driving Innovation and Job Creation
The CEO also underscored Ethio telecom’s growing influence in job creation and the nurturing of local innovation ecosystems.
“We are empowering a new generation of digital thinkers and creators,” Frehiwot stated, pointing to projects like the Electric Vehicle (EV) Car Charging Station initiative, which not only supports green mobility but also opens new avenues for employment.
“Our reformed platform is now fertile ground for tech entrepreneurs, developers, and innovators. It fosters homegrown solutions tailored to local needs, particularly among the youth,” she added.
Supporting National Development Priorities
Ethio telecom’s advancements are also integral to Ethiopia’s broader digitalization agenda, which includes the development of Smart Cities, Smart Agriculture, and other tech-enabled public service frameworks.
By investing in robust digital infrastructure, the telecom firm is laying the groundwork for a more connected, responsive, and future-ready economy.
Frehiwot emphasized that digital inclusion is no longer a luxury but a necessity for national development, stressing that innovation must be accessible to all citizens, regardless of geography or economic status.
GSMA Endorsement and Future Outlook
The GSMA’s acknowledgment of Ethio telecom’s contribution reinforces the growing global recognition of Ethiopia’s digital leap.
Compared to previous years, the telecom sector’s share in GDP has grown significantly, and Ethio telecom is now widely seen as a catalyst for economic vitality, technology transfer, and inclusive development.
As the sector continues to undergo liberalization and reform, Frehiwot expressed optimism about further opening the market to competition and private investment.
“With the right partnerships, policy environment, and continued innovation, the future of Ethiopia’s digital economy is boundless,” she concluded.
Looking Ahead
With Ethio telecom at the helm of Ethiopia’s digital transformation, the country is charting a bold new course in technological development and economic resilience.
As innovations take root and digital access expands, the telecom sector is not only transforming communication but also redefining how Ethiopians work, learn, trade, and connect with the world.
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