Ethio Telecom is in talks with Italy’s Ascot Energy to deploy hybrid green power solutions across its nationwide telecom infrastructure.
Ethio Telecom has opened high-level discussions with Ascot Energy to integrate renewable and hybrid energy systems into its expanding network, signalling a strategic shift toward climate-aligned digital infrastructure.
Chief Executive Frehiwot Tamru hosted Ascot Energy’s delegation, led by Chief Technology Officer Gaetano Fasciana, with talks focused on hybrid systems capable of powering telecom towers, data centres, and next-generation connectivity platforms.
The initiative forms a central pillar of Ethio Telecom’s “Next Horizon Digital and Beyond 2028” strategy, which aims to balance rapid network expansion with sustainability targets.
“The telecommunications sector is inherently energy intensive,” Frehiwot said during the meeting, noting that the rollout of 4G, 5G, and data infrastructure requires a resilient and efficient energy backbone across Ethiopia’s varied terrain.
She added that “embedding green power solutions is no longer optional but essential to maintaining service continuity while reducing long term operational costs.”
Ascot Energy outlined a technical framework centred on hybrid systems combining renewable energy sources with optimised fuel use. The approach incorporates IoT-enabled monitoring and remote management to improve operational efficiency.
According to Fasciana, the systems are designed to enhance performance across large-scale deployments. “Our solutions are built to ensure resilience and measurable efficiency gains, particularly in markets where grid reliability remains uneven,” he said.
Powering Ethiopia’s digital surge
The talks build on Ethio Telecom’s existing rollout of solar-powered sites and reflect a broader shift across Africa’s telecom sector as operators grapple with rising energy costs and climate-related risks.
Ethiopia’s telecom expansion has been particularly energy-intensive, driven by increasing mobile penetration, the rapid growth of digital finance platforms, and the scaling up of data services nationwide.
Ascot Energy executives pointed to the rapid uptake of telebirr as evidence of Ethiopia’s accelerating digital transformation and the need for infrastructure capable of sustaining rising demand.
Industry expert Dawie Gyonawie said the partnership could have far-reaching implications if implemented at scale. “By modernizing the nation through technology, Ethio Telecom stands out as the leading force in our country’s digital transformation, with over 130 years of legacy,” he said.
He added that integrating hybrid energy systems could significantly reduce reliance on diesel, one of the largest cost pressures facing telecom operators, while opening up new financing opportunities linked to green infrastructure.
Improved efficiency and network resilience, Gyonawie noted, could also strengthen Ethio Telecom’s competitive position as Ethiopia gradually liberalises its telecom market.
Both parties agreed to establish a joint technical working group to align the proposed systems with operational requirements and explore sustainable financing options.
“If executed, the collaboration could mark a turning point in how Ethiopia powers its digital economy,” said Dawie Gyonawie, linking expanded connectivity with a lower-carbon pathway and stronger infrastructure resilience in underserved regions.
