Ethio Telecom and Hawassa City Strengthen Partnership to Advance Smart City and Digital Development

Ethio Telecom  has held strategic discussions with the city administration of Hawassa aimed at accelerating the city’s digital transformation and supporting ongoing smart city development initiatives. The meeting brought together Ethio Telecom Chief Executive Officer, Frehiwot Tamru and Hawassa City Mayor, Ketu Yenne alongside senior management teams from both sides.

The discussions focused on strengthening digital connectivity and expanding the role of technology in supporting urban development, service delivery, and economic growth in Hawassa. The city leadership highlighted ongoing reform efforts and praised Ethio Telecom’s contribution to Ethiopia’s broader digital transformation agenda, particularly its investments in expanding network infrastructure and improving connectivity services.

City officials also presented the Hawassa Lake Shore Development Initiative, a new project aimed at positioning Hawassa as a major tourism and conference destination in Ethiopia after Addis Ababa. They called for continued collaboration with Ethio Telecom to support the expansion of smart city infrastructure, digitization of municipal services, and development of modern urban systems.

Ethio Telecom reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Hawassa’s digital development, noting that the city already benefits from fiber infrastructure as well as 4G and 5G mobile coverage. The company also emphasized ongoing efforts to expand and modernize its network to ensure more reliable coverage and improved service quality.

The company further noted that digitalization of municipal systems, including administrative services and mobility solutions, could improve efficiency and enhance revenue collection. It also highlighted opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses to benefit from improved digital connectivity and expanded market access.

Both parties agreed on a framework to accelerate the development of Hawassa as a smart city, including initiatives in digital public services, transport solutions, infrastructure protection, and integrated urban planning. Ethio Telecom pledged continued support for the city’s development agenda and the broader goal of advancing Ethiopia’s digital economy.