Ethio telecom is exploring a strategic partnership with China’s Inspur Software Technology to expand Ethiopia’s AI and digital infrastructure capacity.

The discussion, held in Addis Ababa on 16 July 2026, involved Ethio telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamru and an Inspur delegation led by Chairman Lin Shuai.

The potential partnership is linked to Ethio telecom’s “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028” strategy.

Key areas under discussion include:

• AI-ready data centres
• high-performance computing infrastructure
• cloud computing platforms
• enterprise digital services
• smart industry solutions
• technology transfer
• skills development
• locally adapted digital applications

This is important for Ethiopia’s digital economy because AI services, cloud platforms, fintech systems, telecom products and enterprise automation all depend on strong domestic computing infrastructure.

No agreement or investment commitment has been announced yet. Technical teams will first develop a cooperation framework and implementation roadmap before any executive-level decision.

The story also points to a wider African trend: telcos are becoming digital infrastructure companies, not only connectivity providers.