Ethio telecom has unveiled Znexus, a new line of affordable and cloud-powered smart devices aimed at connecting millions of Ethiopians priced out of the smartphone market.
The initiative directly targets the country’s usage gap, a major barrier, that prevents millions of citizens from joining the digital economy despite widespread network coverage.
The Znexus service, which forms part of Ethiopia’s ambitious Horizon Strategy to achieve a digitally empowered society by 2027/2028, will provide millions with access to affordable smart feature phones, tablets, laptops, and thin client PCs.
Speaking at the launch in Addis Ababa, Ethio Telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamiru highlighted the urgency of tackling digital exclusion.
“Out of our 85.9 million customers, only 47 million are using the internet. This gap is not about coverage, it’s about affordability and digital literacy. Znexus is designed to close that gap by making technology accessible to everyone,” she said.
Frehiwot added that by leveraging Ethio Telecom’s TeleCloud platform, Znexus devices significantly reduce costs, as all applications are hosted in the cloud, which frees users to enjoy digital services without high-end hardware.
“Znexus is not merely a product launch, it’s a commitment to inclusive digital transformation. We are ensuring every Ethiopian can participate in the digital economy without financial burden,” the CEO of the country’s telco stated.
The Znexus lineup, including the 127 Lite, 131 Lite, and 2028 Lite, comes pre-loaded with essential applications such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and news services. Devices are optimised for rural users, featuring extended battery life and keypad-touch interfaces, ensuring accessibility for all age groups.
Ethio telecom also unveiled the Znexus Cloud Workspace Solution, aimed at businesses and organizations seeking secure and scalable access to cloud-based virtual desktops and applications.
With 936 towns now covered by 4G and a target to deliver 3.5 million affordable devices by year-end, Ethio Telecom is positioning Znexus as a catalyst for digital inclusion.
“Znexus will play a central role in building a digitally empowered Ethiopia — one where innovation and inclusion go hand in hand,” said Frehiwot.
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