Ethiopia’s newly appointed Minister of Innovation and Technology, Frehiwot Tamru, will continue serving as chairperson of Ethio Telecom while leading the country’s technology ministry, with priorities spanning digital transformation, e-government services and local innovation.
Following her ministerial handover, Tamru thanked Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for the decision to retain her as chairperson of the state-owned telecommunications operator. She succeeds Belete Molla, who confirmed completing the handover and expressed hope that ongoing initiatives would continue under the new leadership.
Tamru’s agenda includes expanding access to digital services, improving government service delivery through technology, strengthening scientific research and technical skills, and providing financial and technical support to local innovators. She also identified policy reviews, digital infrastructure expansion and improvements in the quality, security and reliability of technology services as key areas of focus.
Drawing on her leadership of Ethio Telecom since 2018, Tamru highlighted the operator’s expansion beyond traditional voice and data services into digital finance, e-commerce, cloud computing and enterprise technology. Its platforms include telebirr, Zemen Gebeya and Telecloud, alongside the expansion of 4G and 5G network services.
Ethio Telecom’s Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028 strategy targets 100 million telecom service users by the end of its three-year period. The plan also aims to expand digital finance, cloud services, digital platforms and enterprise solutions.
As minister, Tamru said she would assess the institutions under her responsibility before announcing further priorities. Her agenda also emphasises strengthening research capabilities, developing home-grown technologies and helping innovators access the resources required to turn ideas into practical solutions.
Her dual responsibilities connect Ethiopia’s telecommunications infrastructure with its wider technology and innovation agenda. The implementation of these priorities will shape how digital access, public services and local technology development progress across the country.
