A spotlight was put on expanding broadband infrastructure and optical fibre that connects directly to residences during a discussion between executives from Ethio telecom, the Ministry of Urban & Infrastructure and Huawei Ethiopia last week. State Minister Fenta Dejen said the initiative is positioned as a key strategy for advancing urban areas in line with ongoing efforts to digitise services. Ethiopia's internet penetration rate stood at 16.7pc at the start of 2023, indicating that internet users have shown a 2.6pc increase from the previous year. Tewodros Hailemeskel, chief technology officer at Ethio telecom, underscored the intensive need to improve broadband infrastructure and meet the growing demand for fast and reliable connectivity.