Ethio telecom is spearheading a significant initiative to revolutionize Ethiopia’s agricultural sector, transitioning it from traditional practices to a modern, data-driven system. The state-owned telecommunications giant is rolling out an ambitious Agriculture Value Chain Big Data Platform Solution aimed at boosting productivity, creating new opportunities, and ensuring farmers and pastoralists benefit from advanced technology.
The announcement came during a recent partnership agreement signing ceremony between Ethio telecom and the Oromia Regional Bureau of Agriculture. Ethio telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamiru highlighted that this collaboration will be pivotal in digitizing agricultural processes across the nation.
"This partnership will help digitize agricultural processes, create new job opportunities, and ensure that both farmers and pastoralists receive appropriate benefits from technology-driven solutions," stated Frehiwot Tamiru. She emphasized Ethio telecom’s commitment to integrating the entire agricultural value chain—from the supply of essential inputs and production to market access and financial services—through innovative technological solutions.
The new platform, hosted on Ethio telecom’s secure TeleCloud infrastructure, is designed to be a comprehensive data hub. It will connect all key stakeholders in the agricultural ecosystem, including farmers, input suppliers, and market participants. The system will consolidate diverse data streams, incorporating everything from Internet of Things (IoT) devices, satellite imagery, and drones to expert agricultural insights, providing a unified digital view of the sector.
The initial phase of this transformative project will be piloted in select zones and woredas within the Oromia region. According to Frehiwot Tamiru, this strategic shift will move agriculture away from fragmented, conventional methods towards a connected, data-informed system, fostering a more resilient and efficient sector guided by real-time data and robust digital infrastructure.
Getu Gemechu, Head of the Oromia Bureau of Agriculture, welcomed the initiative, underscoring the regional government's dedication to agricultural advancement. "This partnership with Ethio telecom is a strong example of our commitment to move from traditional to knowledge-based agriculture," Getu remarked. He added that the digital platform promises to empower farmers with timely access to crucial information, such as market prices, real-time weather updates, and vital production insights, enabling them to make more informed decisions and enhance their competitiveness.
This strategic partnership aligns with Ethiopia’s broader national vision to digitalize its agricultural landscape and equip rural communities with technology that not only enhances productivity and sustainability but also strengthens food security across the country. Ethio telecom reiterated its dedication to driving significant economic and social transformation through the deployment of powerful digital solutions tailored to meet specific institutional and sectoral needs.