• 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.

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