Frehiwot Tamiru is transforming Ethiopia’s telecom sector to meet the country’s digital future.
Frehiwot Tamiru has been on the leadership board of Ethio Telecom since July 2018, overseeing a period of significant change at the state-owned operator. Under her leadership, the company has expanded its subscriber base, introduced new services, and sought to adapt to Ethiopia’s shifting digital industry.
Tamiru studied Information Systems at Addis Ababa University and later earned an MBA from the Open University in the United Kingdom. She began her career at the Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation, the predecessor of Ethio Telecom, where she worked as a programmer and systems administrator before rising to the position of Deputy Chief Executive for Internal Support.
She later established DOXA IT Technologies, an IT consultancy, before returning to Ethio Telecom as a board member. In 2018, she was appointed chief executive, becoming one of the most prominent women leaders in Ethiopia’s corporate sector.
Ethio Telecom and legacy under her leadership
Ethio Telecom is one of Africa’s largest telecom operators, serving Ethiopia’s population of more than 120 million people. For decades, it has operated as a monopoly, with extensive mobile, fixed-line, and broadband services, as well as international gateway operations.
When Frehiwot Tamiru assumed office, the company reported around 57 million subscribers. By mid-2024, that figure had risen to 78.3 million, and by mid-2025 it had reached 83.2 million, representing continued growth despite rising competition.
Ethio Telecom has invested heavily in expanding its infrastructure. High-speed 4G and 5G networks have been rolled out to Addis Ababa and more than 130 other cities under her watch.
A major initiative has been Telebirr, the company’s mobile money service, launched in 2021. By mid-2024, Telebirr had around 47.5 million users, a figure that rose to 54.8 million in 2025. Over the same period, the platform processed trillions of birr in transactions, making it one of Ethiopia’s largest financial inclusion tools. The company has also introduced tariff reductions, cutting service prices by as much as 40–50% in recent years.
Recognitions
Outside operational performance, Frehiwot’s reputation as an innovator and change-maker has earned her accolades, including ranking among the 100 most influential African women (Avance Media, 2021). She stands as a role model—not just for Ethiopian women in leadership but for all striving to harness technology for broad-based progress.
Frehiwot Tamiru’s tenure at Ethio Telecom has fundamentally reshaped the company from a traditional operator to a progressive force for digital transformation. Her legacy is one of expanding connectivity, driving financial and technological inclusion, and pioneering a future in which Ethiopia is digitally empowered.
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