Ethiopia’s Frehiwot Tamru to Retain Ethio Telecom Board Chair Role as Technology Minister
Drawing on her leadership of Ethio Telecom since 2018, Tamru highlighted the operator’s expansion beyond traditional voice and data services into digital finance, e-commerce, cloud computing and enterprise technology.
Ethiopia’s newly appointed Minister of Innovation and Technology, Frehiwot Tamru, will continue serving as chairperson of Ethio Telecom while leading the country’s technology ministry, outlining an agenda focused on digital transformation, e-government services and local innovation.
In a public statement following her ministerial handover, Tamru thanked Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for the decision to retain her as chairperson of the state-owned telecommunications operator. She succeeds Belete Molla, who confirmed completing the handover and expressed hope that ongoing initiatives would continue under the new leadership.
Tamru’s priorities include expanding access to digital services, improving government service delivery through technology, strengthening scientific research and technical skills, and providing financial and technical support to local innovators. She also highlighted the need to review policies, expand digital infrastructure and improve the quality, security and reliability of technology services.
Drawing on her leadership of Ethio Telecom since 2018, Tamru highlighted the operator’s expansion beyond traditional voice and data services into digital finance, e-commerce, cloud computing and enterprise technology. Its platforms include telebirr, Zemen Gebeya and Telecloud, alongside the expansion of 4G and 5G network services.
The operator’s *Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028* strategy targets 100 million telecom service users by the end of its three-year period. It also seeks to expand the company’s digital finance, cloud services, digital platforms and enterprise solutions.
As minister, Tamru said she would assess the institutions under her responsibility before communicating further priorities. Her agenda also emphasises strengthening research capabilities, developing home-grown technologies and helping innovators access the resources needed to turn ideas into practical solutions.
The combination of her roles at the ministry and Ethio Telecom places digital infrastructure, public services and technology development within a closely connected leadership agenda. Implementation will determine how the stated priorities translate into broader digital access, stronger local innovation and improved technology services across Ethiopia.
