Ethio Telecom, Ethiopia’s state-owned telecoms company, announced on Monday, October 14, a strategic partnership with Meta, the parent company of social network Facebook. The move comes after discussions between Frehiwot Tamru (pictured, right), CEO of Ethio Telecom, and Vikas Menon (pictured, left), director of business development and partnerships for the Middle East and Africa at Meta, along with other company executives.
“ This partnership is a critical step towards improving the digital experience for our customers. By working with Meta, we are driving greater accessibility and inclusion in Ethiopia’s digital landscape ,” said Tamru.
Under the agreement, Ethio Telecom will offer free and temporary access to Meta’s services, including Facebook, even without a credit balance. Users will also be able to access essential content on health, education and employment opportunities for free, providing them with access to crucial information. The initiative aims to boost data usage and improve connectivity across the country.
This initiative is part of Ethio Telecom’s strategy to strengthen digital inclusion in Ethiopia. Together, the two companies intend to leverage Meta’s platforms to promote digital literacy, support the local ecosystem through content creation and cultural preservation initiatives, while improving cybersecurity and user data protection.
Once fully deployed, this strategic collaboration is expected to play a key role in improving the accessibility and inclusiveness of digital services, as well as promoting digital literacy. According to Data Reportal statistics, Facebook had 7.05 million users in Ethiopia as of early 2024, highlighting the growing importance of social media in the country.
Source: Agency EcoFin
