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Frehiwot Tamiru: Transforming Ethiopia’s Telecom Industry as CEO of Ethio Telecom

Frehiwot Tamiru has been at the helm of Ethio Telecom, Ethiopia’s largest telecommunications provider, since 2018. Over the past five years, she has played a pivotal role in transforming the state-owned company into one of the largest and most successful telecom companies in Africa. Her leadership and innovative strategies have not only modernized Ethio Telecom but also contributed significantly to Ethiopia’s digital transformation.

Frehiwot’s journey to the top of the telecommunications industry began with a strong academic foundation. She earned a degree in information systems from Addis Ababa University and later pursued an MBA from the Open University in the United Kingdom. Her career with Ethio Telecom started long before she became CEO—she had previously served as Deputy General Manager of Internal Support at Ethiopian Corporation Telecommunications, the predecessor to Ethio Telecom.

When Frehiwot took over as CEO in 2018, Ethio Telecom was already a major player, but she had bigger goals for the company. In just five years, she has overseen significant milestones. One of her key achievements has been the dramatic growth of the company’s subscriber base. Under her leadership, Ethio Telecom’s subscriber count has surged by nearly 9% to 78.3 million people, helping connect a large portion of Ethiopia’s population to telecommunications services. This growth was matched by a substantial increase in the company’s financial performance, In 2024, Ethio Telecom announced that it revenue increased 22% to 93.7 billion birr ($1.63 billion), while net profit rose 21% to 21.79 billion birr.

Frehiwot’s leadership also brought about significant improvements in the affordability of services. Ethio Telecom reduced its prices by 40% to 50%, making telecom services more accessible to millions of Ethiopians. This pricing adjustment, combined with network expansions, made it possible for more people in the country to enjoy the benefits of modern communication technologies.

One of Frehiwot’s most impactful initiatives has been the expansion of Ethio Telecom’s digital services. During her tenure, the company significantly broadened its 4G and 5G network, providing high-speed internet access throughout the capital, Addis Ababa, and extending services to over 136 cities nationwide. This expansion laid the groundwork for the digital transformation that Ethiopia is currently experiencing.

Another milestone under Frehiwot’s leadership was the launch of Telebirr, Ethio Telecom’s first mobile money service, in 2024. The service attracting Telebirr rose to 47.55 million customers from 34.3 million in the year to end-June 2023. Telebirr’s rapid adoption highlights Frehiwot’s forward-thinking approach to integrating technology with everyday financial services, giving millions of Ethiopians access to mobile banking and digital transactions.

In addition to her role at Ethio Telecom, Frehiwot is also a successful entrepreneur. Prior to her appointment as CEO, she founded Doxa IT Technologies, a consulting company that provides technological solutions to businesses across various sectors. Her work as an entrepreneur has given her a deep understanding of the intersection between technology and business, which she has applied to her leadership at Ethio Telecom.

Frehiwot’s contributions to the telecom sector and her broader impact on the business landscape have not gone unnoticed. In 2021, she was named one of the 100 most influential African women by Avance Media, recognizing her leadership, innovation, and the significant role she has played in shaping the telecommunications industry in Ethiopia and beyond.

As Ethiopia continues its journey toward digital transformation, Frehiwot Tamiru remains at the forefront of these efforts. Her vision for Ethio Telecom is not only focused on expanding access to telecommunications services but also on fostering digital literacy and creating an inclusive digital ecosystem that benefits all Ethiopians.

With initiatives like the recent partnership with Meta-Facebook to launch a flagship digital program in Ethiopia, Frehiwot is ensuring that Ethio Telecom remains a key driver of technological progress in the country. Her leadership continues to make Ethio Telecom an essential player in Ethiopia’s digital revolution, setting the stage for even greater innovation and growth in the years to come.

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Habtamu Alemu

Habtamu Alemu is a seasoned journalist and the editor-in-chief of Ethio Eyewitness News.

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