Ethio Telecom has announced plans to collaborate with Chinese smartphone manufacturer TINNO Mobile to expand access to affordable smart devices and accelerate Ethiopia’s digital inclusion drive.
The partnership aims to make smartphones and feature phones more accessible to Ethiopians by promoting local manufacturing and reducing the country’s reliance on imported devices. The two companies are exploring the establishment of a local assembly facility using an Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) model, which would allow for customized production and lower costs.
According to Ethio Telecom, affordability remains a key barrier to widespread digital adoption in Ethiopia, where smartphone penetration currently stands at around 36%, below the regional average. Despite the operator’s extensive network—covering millions of subscribers with 3G, 4G, and expanding 5G services—many citizens remain excluded from the benefits of digital connectivity due to the high cost of devices.
This collaboration aligns with Ethio Telecom’s “Next Horizon: Digital and Beyond 2028” strategy, which focuses on driving innovation, connectivity, and inclusion across the country. By working with TINNO, the telecom operator hopes to provide affordable, high-quality devices that will enable more Ethiopians to participate in the digital economy.
The initiative is also expected to create local jobs, enhance skills development, and foster a self-sustaining digital ecosystem in Ethiopia.
If successful, the Ethio Telecom–TINNO partnership could serve as a model for other African nations seeking to boost smartphone accessibility through localized production and strategic international collaboration.
