Ethio telecom Explores Strategic Financing with CDP to Advance Digital Transformation

Ethio telecom ’s CEO, Frehiwot Tamru, along with her executive team, met with leadership from Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP)  at the organization’s headquarters in Rome to explore potential strategic collaboration and financing support for the telecom operator’s ambitious “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond” strategy. The engagement focused on identifying financing mechanisms to accelerate Ethiopia’s digital transformation and expand the country’s digital infrastructure ecosystem.

During the discussions, Ethio telecom presented its strategic priorities for the next three years, including the large-scale expansion and modernization of telecom networks, strengthening digital and cloud infrastructure, scaling innovative digital platforms, and advancing financial services such as Telebirr. The strategy also emphasizes new digital ecosystem initiatives designed to support national economic development and improve financial inclusion.

CDP leadership expressed strong interest in supporting Ethio telecom’s transformation and highlighted potential areas of collaboration. These include radio network expansion, advanced data center development, renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions such as solar power systems, and digital agriculture financing initiatives that leverage the Telebirr platform to empower farmers and strengthen Ethiopia’s agricultural sector. CDP also outlined its financing capabilities, partnership networks, and the range of financial instruments available to support large-scale digital infrastructure and technology projects.

Both organizations acknowledged Ethio telecom’s rapid transformation over the past six years, noting its evolution from a traditional telecom operator into a dynamic digital technology company. They discussed the potential impact of Ethio telecom’s initiatives on Africa’s broader digital transformation, emphasizing opportunities to advance connectivity, financial inclusion, and sustainable development across the continent.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to advance collaboration following the finalization of a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), establishing a formal framework for deeper engagement and information exchange. Ethio telecom will now prioritize and structure its strategic project pipeline, submitting technical, financial, and operational documentation to CDP for detailed appraisal and due diligence, with the goal of securing potential financing for its key digital initiatives.

This next phase reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to support digital infrastructure development, innovative financial services, and sustainable economic growth in Ethiopia and across Africa. The partnership underscores Ethio telecom’s focus on leveraging international development finance to accelerate the implementation of its “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond” strategy, expand connectivity, and advance national and regional digital transformation objectives.