News Infrastructures

Ethio telecom,TINNO Explore Partnership to Accelerate Device Accessibility and Digital Inclusion

Ethio telecom,TINNO Explore Partnership to Accelerate Device Accessibility and Digital Inclusion
Tuesday, 14 October 2025 16:58
  • Ethio Telecom and TINNO plan to increase smartphone access in Ethiopia by offering affordable devices and promoting local manufacturing.
  • Their partnership supports Ethio Telecom’s digital roadmap and aims to reduce import dependency and device costs.

  • With over 80 million subscribers, Ethio Telecom is well-positioned to expand digital inclusion, despite challenges related to low smartphone adoption and affordability.

Ethio Telecom and Chinese smartphone producer TINNO are exploring a partnership to boost access to affordable smart devices and advance Ethiopia’s digital inclusion agenda. The move, announced on October 13, aims to deepen device penetration and support the country’s long-term digital transformation goals.

Ethio Telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamru and Mr. Andy Meng, TINNO’s Vice President of Global Business, led a high-level meeting, joined by senior executives from both companies. The discussions centered on joint initiatives to expand the availability of affordable smartphones and feature devices across Ethiopia and the broader African market.

A key part of the plan involves introducing cost-effective devices through an Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) model and establishing a local smart device manufacturing facility. The initiative is expected to boost local production capacity, reduce import dependency, and lower device prices, paving the way for broader digital participation.

Frehiwot Tamru noted that this collaboration aligns with Ethio Telecom’s three-year strategic roadmap, “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028,” which prioritizes digital inclusion, innovation, and connectivity. She emphasized that a “digital-first” approach requires not only strong network infrastructure but also affordable devices that can bring millions of unconnected citizens online.

“Device affordability remains one of the biggest barriers to digital adoption in Africa. By leveraging our market reach and TINNO’s global expertise, we can empower communities, drive innovation, and make digital access truly inclusive,” Frehiwot said.

Despite Ethiopia’s rapid digital progress, device affordability and accessibility remain key challenges. According to the GSMA Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa 2024 report, smartphone adoption in Ethiopia stands at around 36%, compared to the regional average of 40% for the East African Community. The same report highlights that more than 45% of Africans remain offline, primarily due to the high cost of handsets in relation to their income.

Ethio Telecom, with over 80 million subscribers, is uniquely positioned to bridge this gap. Its extensive infrastructure—including 3G, 4G, and growing 5G coverage—provides the foundation for deeper digital engagement; however, low device penetration limits the uptake of data services.

Hikmatu Bilali

On the same topic
BOAD approves $105.6M for new diesel desulfurization plant in Abidjan Project to cut sulfur emissions 75%, meet ECOWAS fuel...
Ethio Telecom and TINNO plan to increase smartphone access in Ethiopia by offering affordable devices and promoting local manufacturing. Their...
• Safran invests 3.5 billion dirhams to build aircraft engine complex in Nouaceur• Facility to assemble and test 350 engines annually and create 900 jobs•...
Court upholds ICTSI’s $640M Durban terminal concession deal DCT2 overhaul to boost capacity, fix chronic port congestion Project seen as key to...

Most Read
01

• UAC of Nigeria acquired CHI Limited, known for Chivita juices and Hollandia dairy, from Coca-Cola ...

UAC of Nigeria Takes Control of CHI Limited, Former Coca-Cola Subsidiary
02

• AfDB chief Sidi Ould Tah met BOAD president Serge Ekué in Abidjan on Aug. 30.• Talks focused on jo...

AfDB, BOAD join forces to expand financing for West Africa projects
03

Côte d’Ivoire traced 40% of cocoa for 2024/25 season Most cocoa remains untracked due to info...

With 40% of Its Cocoa Traceable, Côte d’Ivoire Faces a Race to Meet New E.U. Standards
04

• World Bank raises 2025 growth forecasts for Benin, Mali, Burkina, Côte d’Ivoire• Senegal and Niger...

World Bank Revises Up 2025 Forecasts for Four WAEMU Countries, Amid Falling Inflation
05

IFC will provide up to $40 million to Banque Islamique du Sénégal (BIS) under a Mourabaha agr...

IFC Lends $40 Million to Senegal’s Islamic Bank to Triple SME Loans
Enter your email to receive our newsletter

Ecofin Agency provides daily coverage of nine key African economic sectors: public management, finance, telecoms, agribusiness, mining, energy, transport, communication, and education.
It also designs and manages specialized media, both online and print, for African institutions and publishers.

SALES & ADVERTISING

regie@agenceecofin.com 
Tél: +41 22 301 96 11 
Mob: +41 78 699 13 72


EDITORIAL
redaction@agenceecofin.com

More information
Team
Publisher

ECOFIN AGENCY

Mediamania Sarl
Rue du Léman, 6
1201 Geneva
Switzerland

 

Ecofin Agency is a sector-focused economic news agency, founded in December 2010. Its web platform was launched in June 2011. ©Mediamania.

 
 

Please publish modules in offcanvas position.