Orange MEA delegation explores Ethio Telecom's digital transformation journey

A high-level delegation led by Mr. Brelotte BA, Deputy CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa (MEA) Business Group, visited Ethio telecom to gain valuable insights into the success of telebirr and the company’s overarching digital transformation strategy. The visit highlighted Ethio telecom’s innovative efforts to drive Ethiopia’s digital and financial transformation while exploring opportunities for future collaboration.

During the session, Ethio telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamru detailed the company’s agile reform journey and its strategic focus on digital transformation. She emphasized Ethio telecom’s commitment to advancing beyond traditional connectivity by delivering robust digital solutions that empower individuals, private enterprises, and government institutions. These efforts are central to the company’s goal of accelerating Ethiopia’s transition into a digitally and financially inclusive economy.

The CEO also outlined the transformative potential of Ethio telecom’s 5G investments, which aim to revolutionize critical sectors such as tourism, healthcare, education, agriculture, transport, and mining. She highlighted telebirr, Ethiopia’s flagship mobile money platform, as a cornerstone of this transformation. Telebirr has significantly reshaped the digital and financial landscape by introducing innovative solutions that enhance financial accessibility and inclusion for millions of Ethiopians.

Ethio telecom’s senior management team offered the Orange MEA delegation a comprehensive overview of telebirr’s development, from its initial strategy to its current implementation. They discussed its wide-ranging use cases, innovative financial services, transaction volumes, advanced features, and robust security measures. The presentation also highlighted telebirr’s integration with mini-apps designed to enhance user experience and contribute to a thriving digital ecosystem.

The delegation was given a tour of Ethio telecom’s state-of-the-art Experience Center, which showcases cutting-edge technologies designed to transform sectors such as smart agriculture, education, healthcare, mining, and tourism. The visit underscored the transformative role of these solutions in fostering a strong and sustainable digital economy in Ethiopia.

Mr. Brelotte BA, Deputy CEO of Orange MEA, expressed admiration for telebirr’s holistic approach to digital and financial inclusion. He commended Ethio telecom’s innovative efforts and recognized telebirr’s potential to serve as a beacon of digital innovation not just in Ethiopia but across Africa.

Reflecting on the Experience Center, Mr. BA noted its demonstration of Ethio telecom’s dedication to driving social and economic progress through advanced digital solutions. The delegation concluded the visit by acknowledging Ethio telecom’s pioneering role in Ethiopia’s digital transformation and reaffirming the importance of fostering partnerships to enhance the continent’s digital ecosystem.

By:  Kanto Okanta