Johannesburg: AfricUpdate – News Desk
Ethio telecom has unveiled znexus, a revolutionary line of affordable, cloud-based smart devices designed to tackle one of Africa’s most persistent challenges, the smartphone usage gap. The launch marks a major milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to expand digital access and empower citizens across Ethiopia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Having achieved a remarkable 71% 4G population coverage and deployed 5G in 26 towns, Ethio telecom’s previous strategies successfully addressed the issue of network coverage.
The company’s new focus under its “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028 Strategy” targets the usage gap, the divide that prevents millions from using digital services due to the high cost of smartphones and limited digital literacy. While infrastructure across Africa has improved dramatically, over 60% of mobile users in Sub-Saharan Africa remain offline. Most are not hindered by lack of network availability but by the unaffordability of devices and low digital awareness. Ethio telecom’s znexus initiative directly addresses this challenge.
Znexus devices redefine mobile accessibility by integrating cloud computing technology into affordable feature phones. By shifting processing power to the cloud (teleCloud), znexus reduces device costs, extends battery life, and removes storage limitations through teleStorage, a built-in personal cloud service. Each znexus device comes preloaded with essential applications such as telebirr, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and local entertainment content. This offers users a “smartphone-lite” experience without the expense of traditional smartphones.
The lineup includes: Znexus 127 Lite, Znexus 131 Lite and Znexus 2028 Lite. All models feature a hybrid keypad and touchscreen interface, intuitive navigation, and support for 4G LTE connectivity, making them ideal for students, rural communities, and first-time digital users. Ethio telecom emphasizes that znexus is more than a device, it’s a gateway to digital empowerment. Through its Cloud Workspace solution, the company enables individuals and organizations to securely access cloud-based desktops and applications, reducing IT costs and improving productivity.
The znexus Cloud Workspace product range includes: Znexus R2025 Rise-Cloud Tab, Znexus E2025 Pro Cloud Laptop, Znexus E131 Pro Cloud Laptop and Znexus E2025 Ultra Thin Client. These devices are optimized for sectors such as education, agriculture, health, trade, and public administration, offering scalable and secure computing for all users. Ethio telecom is bundling its services, devices, connectivity, telebirr mobile payments, and telecloud storage, into unified, affordable packages. This holistic approach ensures that customers can enjoy seamless access to digital tools without worrying about hardware limitations or data safety.
With its Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028 strategy, the company aims for 99% 4G LTE Advanced coverage, continuing to expand both its infrastructure and accessibility solutions. “Znexus is designed to make digital inclusion real,” Ethio telecom stated. “Our goal is to ensure that every Ethiopian, regardless of income or geography, can access the opportunities of the digital economy.” By combining innovation, affordability, and inclusivity, znexus represents a major step toward Ethiopia’s digital transformation, powering inclusion, redefining access, and inspiring the future.
