By: Tewodros Balcha
Ethio telecom
and Swedish telecommunications technology company Ericsson have marked 132
years of historical business ties, bringing renewed attention to one of the
longstanding connections between a global telecommunications technology
provider and Ethiopia's communications sector, as Ericsson celebrates 150 years
since its establishment in 1876.
The milestone
was highlighted during a high-level strategic engagement between the two
companies, with a senior Ericsson delegation led by Patrick Johansson,
President and Head of Ericsson Europe, Middle East and Africa, meeting Ethio
telecom's leadership. The occasion also coincides with the 80th anniversary of
diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Sweden, established in 1946.
The historical
connection dates to 1894, when Ericsson began selling telephone receivers in
Ethiopia, as documented in the company's historical records. What began during
the formative years of telephone communications has evolved through successive
generations of telecommunications technology, spanning early telephone
infrastructure, switching systems, fixed-line networks and today's mobile
broadband technologies.
Speaking during
the engagement, Ethio telecom Interim CEO Tariku Demissie reflected on this
longstanding history and Ericsson's contribution to the development of
Ethiopia's telecommunications infrastructure. He also highlighted the
operator's ongoing transformation under its Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond
strategy, which seeks to position the company as an integrated
telecommunications and digital solutions provider.
The
transformation encompasses nationwide 4G and 5G network expansion, fibre
infrastructure, modular data centres, international gateway capabilities and
digital platforms, including telebirr and Zemen Gebeya. These capabilities are
increasingly important to the development of Ethiopia's digital economy,
supporting connectivity, digital financial services, commerce and enterprise
solutions.
The historical
relationship is also being carried forward through substantial infrastructure
investment. At Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2026, Ethio telecom and
Ericsson signed a network expansion and modernization agreement covering 1,500
mobile sites within Ericsson's network-managed area in Ethiopia.
The programme
includes the modernization of existing infrastructure, upgrades of 502 3G sites
to 4G, and tailored connectivity solutions for 75 rural sites, including areas
without access to commercial electricity. It is also expected to extend LTE
services to 157 additional towns, bringing the total in the targeted network
area to 276, while adding 2.8 million in 4G capacity.
During the
latest bilateral discussions, the leadership teams reviewed ongoing
collaborative projects and strategic priorities, including network performance
optimization, service quality, operational efficiency and the delivery of
greater technical and commercial value.
Johansson
expressed appreciation for the longstanding relationship and the hospitality
extended to the visiting delegation, reaffirming Ericsson's commitment to
continued collaboration with Ethio telecom and support for Ethiopia's digital
development.
The convergence
of the three anniversaries provides a broader perspective on the relationship.
Ericsson's 150-year journey reflects the evolution of a Swedish technology
enterprise into a global telecommunications company, while its 132-year
business connection with Ethiopia illustrates the enduring role of
international technology cooperation in the country's communications
development. The 80-year milestone in Ethiopia–Sweden diplomatic relations
further underscores the wider historical ties between the two countries.
As both
companies look towards the next phase of their collaboration, the focus is
increasingly on building intelligent, resilient and inclusive digital
infrastructure capable of supporting Ethiopia's evolving economic and
technological ambitions.
