By: Tewodros Balcha
Ethiopia’s new
Minister of Innovation and Technology, Frehiwot Tamru, says she will continue
serving as chairperson of Ethio Telecom while pursuing an agenda focused on
accelerating digital transformation, expanding access to technology and
strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem.
In a public
statement following her ministerial handover, Tamru thanked Prime Minister Abiy
Ahmed for allowing her to continue as chairperson of the state-owned
telecommunications operator.
Tamru’s message
also outlined priorities for her new role, including improving government
services through digital technologies, strengthening scientific research and
technical skills, supporting innovators, and expanding the development of
technologies suited to Ethiopia’s needs.
She takes over
the Ministry of Innovation and Technology from Belete Molla, who confirmed
completing the handover in a separate public message and expressed hope that
initiatives already underway would continue under the new leadership.
Tamru’s agenda
draws on her experience leading Ethio Telecom since 2018, during which the
operator expanded beyond conventional voice and data services into digital
financial services, e-commerce, cloud computing and enterprise technology.
Her statement
highlighted the company’s progress in extending network reach, expanding 4G and
5G services, and developing digital platforms including telebirr, Zemen Gebeya
and Telecloud. She described these developments as part of a wider
transformation that has expanded the role of telecommunications in
connectivity, commerce and financial services.
Ethio Telecom’s
“Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028” strategy sets a target of 100 million
telecom service users by the end of its three-year period. It envisages a
broader technology-driven business built around digital finance, cloud
services, digital platforms and enterprise solutions, extending the operator’s
role beyond basic connectivity.
As minister,
Tamru said she intends to accelerate Ethiopia’s digital transformation while
widening access and inclusion. Her stated priorities include improving the
delivery of government services, strengthening science, technology, innovation
and research, developing technical skills, and helping local innovators access
financial and technical support.
She also
pointed to the need to review policies, expand digital infrastructure and
improve the quality, security and reliability of technology services. She said
she would assess the institutions under her responsibility and communicate
further priorities following that review.
The agenda
spans several parts of Ethiopia’s digital economy: the infrastructure needed to
connect people and institutions, the digital services that can make that
connectivity more useful, and the research, skills and policy environment
required to develop home-grown solutions.
Tamru’s
statement places particular emphasis on the role of innovators and technology
development within Ethiopia. Supporting entrepreneurs with technical and
financial assistance, alongside strengthening research and skills, could help
connect the country’s expanding digital infrastructure with a wider base of
local technology capabilities.
The priorities
Tamru has outlined point to a technology agenda that extends beyond
telecommunications infrastructure to digital public services, research, skills
development and support for local innovation. The next phase will test how
those priorities are translated into programmes and outcomes across Ethiopia’s
wider technology ecosystem.
