Ethio Telecom Debuts Zemen GEBEYA to Drive Digital Economy and MSME Growth in Ethiopia

Ethio telecom  officially launched Zemen GEBEYA, a new digital marketplace designed to modernize Ethiopia’s commerce system and serve as an inclusive platform connecting product and service providers with consumers nationwide.

Speaking at the launch event, Frehiwot Tamiru, CEO of Ethio telecom, highlighted the platform’s national significance.

It is with great pleasure that we announce the official launch of Zemen GEBEYA, a digital marketplace designed to elevate our country’s commerce system to a higher level and serve as an inclusive platform. This marks a new chapter for our country, laying the foundation for delivering innovation and inclusive growth to all citizens.

– Frehiwot Tamiru, CEO, Ethio telecom

Zemen GEBEYA is part of Ethio telecom’s broader efforts to implement a reliable, secure, and centralized digital commerce system. It builds on the company’s strong digital infrastructure, including fast internet connectivity, reliable cloud services, a modular data center, and the expansion of its telebirr digital payment system. The platform aligns with the government’s e-commerce strategy under the “Digital Ethiopia” initiative.

Frehiwot emphasized the role of enabling conditions that have supported this launch:

The proliferation of young technology users, urbanization, growing consumer demand, the increasing number of smartphone and digital ID users, and the government’s e-commerce strategy have all created a conducive environment for the implementation of nationwide digital commerce.

– Frehiwot Tamiru, CEO, Ethio telecom

Empowering MSMEs and Driving Inclusive Growth

The platform is particularly focused on empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by expanding market opportunities and allowing them to fully leverage the benefits of the digital economy.

Ethio telecom emphasized that Zemen GEBEYA can contribute to job creation, economic empowerment, financial inclusion, support for local production, and acceleration of digital transformation in Ethiopia. By streamlining transactions and minimizing intermediaries, it aims to improve efficiency, transparency, and productivity across supply chains.

Platform Features and Stakeholder Participation

Zemen GEBEYA is offered to users as a mini-app within the Telebirr SuperApp and includes:

• A merchant portal and mobile application
• A consumer mobile application
• A logistics management system
• A dispatcher mobile app
• A system administration portal

Ethio telecom confirmed that over 42 businesses and logistics service providers have already commenced their services on the platform.

In concluding the event, the company extended an invitation:

We invite you to partner with Zemen GEBEYA and become a catalyst for growth, innovation, and transformation. Together, let’s unlock limitless possibilities, empower communities, and drive Ethiopia’s digital economy forward.

– Statement by Ethio telecom