With support from Huawei, Ethio Telecom is installing panels on cell towers to reduce diesel use by 40%, though the ambitious rollout remains limited in scope.

State-owned Ethio Telecom has begun installing solar panels directly onto its cell towers with technical support from Chinese equipment provider Huawei. The initiative comes as the incumbent operator accelerates its network expansion in a country facing significant power supply challenges.

"Ethio Telecom’s installation enabled the site to generate and use its own solar power within just two days," Huawei said in a statement released Monday. "Based on the first batch of Solar-on-Tower deployment, the solar power supply at the sites can last up to four hours, while diesel generator use is correspondingly reduced from six hours to two hours – a 40% reduction in fuel consumption per site."

In its 2024-2025 fiscal year report, the operator stated that it deployed solar solutions at 141 sites during the year, bringing the total number of solar-equipped sites to 199 over the last three years. The GSMA highlights that African operators are particularly exposed to energy challenges, such as power outages, lack of grid access, high energy costs, and reliance on diesel, which create significant operational constraints.

According to the GSMA, renewable energy solutions, particularly solar power, are becoming more widespread in rural deployments. They enable the powering of sites designed to operate off-grid or to serve isolated communities that often lack reliable electrical infrastructure. In these contexts, access to autonomous, local solar energy is essential for maintaining connectivity.

This initiative complements Ethio Telecom’s 4G network rollout. The operator reported extending LTE services to 512 new cities during the 2024-2025 fiscal year, bringing the total number of covered cities and districts to 936, with a $1 billion investment in its infrastructure. According to the ITU, only 44% of the country had 4G coverage in 2024.

However, the solar deployment remains in its early stages and is primarily focused on urban areas, such as the capital, Addis Ababa. The operator has not provided a timeline for a broader rollout. The 199 equipped sites are still marginal compared to the total national network. The GSMA also notes that solar power cannot be deployed everywhere due to variations in sun exposure and that sites are vulnerable to vandalism and the theft of panels and batteries.

Isaac K. Kassouwi