Ethio telecom and the government of Chad have begun discussions on a potential partnership aimed at strengthening digital infrastructure and accelerating technology-driven development in the Central African nation.
The talks took place on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, where Ethio telecom Chief Executive Officer Frehiwot Tamru met with Chad’s Minister of Telecommunications, Digital Economy and Digitalisation of Administration, Boukar Michel.
Exploring digital transformation opportunities
During a visit to Ethio telecom’s exhibition stand at the global tech event, the Chadian delegation reviewed the Ethiopian operator’s digital transformation initiatives, including projects that extend beyond traditional telecom services.
Minister Michel commended the company’s achievements in expanding telecommunications infrastructure and rolling out advanced digital services across Ethiopia.
He noted that Ethio telecom’s journey—from building a nationwide fibre backbone to launching solutions such as cloud computing, mobile money services and affordable device initiatives—could serve as a model for other African telecom operators seeking to modernise their digital ecosystems.
Areas of potential collaboration
Discussions between the two sides focused on several areas of cooperation designed to strengthen Chad’s digital economy.
These include:
- Expansion of telecommunications infrastructure
- Deployment of 4G and 5G broadband networks
- Development of cloud infrastructure
- Growth of digital financial services
- Initiatives to improve access to internet-enabled devices
Tamru reaffirmed Ethio telecom’s commitment to supporting digital transformation across Africa, noting that the company is open to sharing its expertise and operational experience.
Next steps for cooperation
As part of the proposed collaboration, Tamru suggested sending a technical delegation to Chad to assess the country’s current telecommunications infrastructure and identify opportunities for partnership with the government.
Both parties agreed to maintain engagement after the conclusion of Mobile World Congress, with plans for Ethio telecom’s technical team to work with Chadian authorities to outline concrete projects.
The discussions reflect growing collaboration among African countries to expand digital infrastructure, boost connectivity and drive technology-led economic growth across the continent.
