Ethiopia Plants 4.6M Trees While Going Solar on Telecoms

Ethio telecom is proving that connecting people to the internet and healing the planet can happen at the same time. Over seven years, the state-owned telecommunications operator has planted more than 4.6 million trees across 889 locations while simultaneously building one of Africa's largest solar-powered mobile networks.

The numbers tell a story of double impact. The company now operates 190 fully solar-powered cell towers and 867 hybrid solar-battery systems across Ethiopia, reducing diesel generator runtime by 40%. These renewable energy sites aren't just cleaner; they're bringing internet connectivity to rural and off-grid communities that traditional infrastructure often bypasses.

In August 2026, more than 3,500 employees planted another 250,000 seedlings as part of Ethiopia's national "Planting Hope" initiative. The company has invested over 159.9 million Ethiopian birr (roughly $2.8 million USD) in environmental programs that have created nearly 25,000 temporary jobs through tree planting and maintenance work.

The tree survival rate stands at an impressive 82.7%, meaning these aren't symbolic gestures but actual forests taking root. This year's campaign alone will generate 2,000 temporary jobs in communities across the country's 18 regions.

The Ripple Effect

Ethio telecom's green transformation extends beyond trees and towers. The company launched electric vehicle charging stations in February 2025, and by July 2026, drivers had completed 481,000 charging sessions. Those charges delivered 11.2 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity and prevented 15.4 million kilograms of CO2 emissions, matching the carbon absorption of 76,000 trees.

The renewable energy buildout continues to accelerate. Last year alone, the operator added 215 new solar sites and upgraded 774 existing towers with modern battery systems, increasing total solar capacity to 39.72 megawatts. That's enough clean power to run thousands of homes while keeping millions connected.

Industry observers have taken notice. Ethio telecom earned recognition among Brand Africa's 100 Most Admired Ethiopian Brands and won the Ethiopian Green Award 2025 for contributions to the country's environmental agenda.

The company's "Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028 Strategy" treats connectivity and conservation as inseparable goals. As Ethiopia pursues ambitious digital transformation targets, its largest telecom provider is showing that expanding access doesn't require sacrificing the environment.

In its 132nd year of operation, Ethio telecom is building a model where rural communities gain internet access through infrastructure that actively fights climate change rather than contributing to it.