Ethio telecom and Chad Explore Digital Infrastructure Partnership at MWC Barcelona
The meeting underscores growing cooperation among African nations seeking to expand digital infrastructure and advance technology-driven economic development across the continent.
Ethio telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamru held talks with Chad’s Minister of Telecommunications, Digital Economy and Digitalization of Administration, Boukar Michel, on the sidelines of Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, exploring potential collaboration to support Chad’s digital transformation agenda.
During the visit to Ethio telecom’s exhibition booth, Minister Boukar Michel and his delegation reviewed the Ethiopian operator’s digital transformation initiatives and technology solutions beyond traditional connectivity. The minister commended the company’s progress in expanding telecommunications infrastructure and advancing digital services in Ethiopia.
He noted that Ethio telecom’s evolution—from building a nationwide fiber backbone to launching services such as cloud computing, mobile money platforms and device accessibility initiatives—offers an example for other African telecom operators pursuing digital transformation.
Discussions between the two sides focused on opportunities for cooperation to strengthen telecommunications and digital infrastructure in Chad. Key areas highlighted included the development of telecom infrastructure, expansion of broadband connectivity through 4G and 5G networks, cloud infrastructure deployment, digital financial services, and initiatives aimed at improving access to internet-enabled devices.
Tamru reiterated Ethio telecom’s willingness to share its experience in supporting digital transformation across Africa. As a next step, she proposed sending a technical delegation to Chad to assess the country’s telecommunications infrastructure and identify ways the operator could assist the government’s digitalisation plans.
Both parties agreed to maintain engagement following the conclusion of Mobile World Congress, with plans for Ethio telecom’s technical team to visit Chad and work with the ministry to define specific areas of collaboration aimed at accelerating the country’s digital development.
The meeting underscores growing cooperation among African nations seeking to expand digital infrastructure and advance technology-driven economic development across the continent.
