Ethio telecom has officially launched Zemen GEBEYA, a digital marketplace intended to modernise Ethiopia’s commerce system by connecting product and service providers with consumers nationwide.

Speaking at the launch event, Ethio telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamiru described the platform as a step towards strengthening the country’s commercial infrastructure.

“It is with great pleasure that we announce the official launch of Zemen GEBEYA, a digital marketplace designed to elevate our country’s commerce system to a higher level and serve as an inclusive platform,” she said. “This marks a new chapter for our country, laying the foundation for delivering innovation and inclusive growth to all citizens.”

The platform forms part of Ethio telecom’s wider strategy to establish a secure and centralised digital commerce system.

It builds on the company’s existing digital infrastructure, including improved internet connectivity, cloud services, a modular data centre, and the expansion of its Telebirr digital payment system.

The initiative also supports the government’s e-commerce strategy under the “Digital Ethiopia” programme.

Frehiwot cited various factors contributing to the development of Zemen GEBEYA, including increased use of technology among young people, urbanisation, growing consumer demand, wider smartphone adoption, use of digital IDs, and supportive government policies.

These elements, she said, have created a conducive environment for the implementation of digital commerce on a national scale.

The platform places particular emphasis on supporting MSMEs by providing wider market access and enabling their participation in the digital economy.

According to Ethio telecom, Zemen GEBEYA could contribute to job creation, financial inclusion, and the digital transformation of local businesses by streamlining transactions and reducing intermediaries, thereby improving efficiency and transparency in supply chains.

Zemen GEBEYA is available as a mini-application within the Telebirr SuperApp.

Key components include a merchant portal, consumer mobile application, logistics management system, dispatcher app, and system administration portal.

Ethio telecom stated that over 42 businesses and logistics service providers are already operating on the platform.

Featured image credit: Ethio telecom