Innovation Minister Directs Telecom Regulator to Remove Regulatory Hurdles

Innovation and Technology Minister Frehiwot Tamru has directed the Ethiopian Communications Authority to remove administrative hurdles that impede network expansion and investment. The Minister emphasized that regulatory obligations should be scrutinized to ensure their benefits outweigh their costs, advocating for transparent and market-friendly frameworks to boost Ethiopia’s digital transformation.

The directive also mandates the authority to establish regular stakeholder forums for feedback, urgently review postal sector regulations to support modernization, and strengthen partnerships with universities for professional training. Furthermore, the regulator is required to develop a five-year strategic plan aligned with national priorities, focusing on tangible improvements in service quality and regulatory fairness.