Addis Ababa, Nov,20/2025 (ABN)
Ethio telecom, in partnership with Awash Bank, has officially launched “Tila”, a groundbreaking non-collateral digital finance and device-financing service delivered through telebirr. The initiative marks a major milestone in Ethiopia’s digital transformation journey, expanding inclusive financial access and accelerating smartphone penetration across the country.
As a national telecom operator serving over 57.59 million subscribers, Ethio telecom continues to expand its role beyond connectivity driving digital finance, digital solutions, and inclusive economic growth. Through telebirr, the company has already disbursed over 31.6 billion Birr in digital microloans to 15 million customers, while enabling 4.71 million users to save more than 30.3 billion Birr in collaboration with partner banks.
Introducing “Tila” Inclusive Digital Credit & Smart Device Access
Launched under Ethio telecom’s Next Horizon: Digital and Beyond 2028 Strategy, “Tila” offers AI-powered, non-collateral credit and device financing to:
- Individual customers in rural and urban areas
- Government & private employees paid via telebirr or Awash Bank
- Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
- Merchants and agents
The annual credit pool for the partnership exceeds 2 billion Birr, supporting a wide range of digital financial services.
Key Services Under “Tila”
1. Tila Micro Saving Service
Customers can save any amount through telebirr, choosing between interest-bearing or non-interest-bearing options.
2. Tila Personal Micro Credit
AI-based scoring allows individual users to borrow up to 16,000 Birr:
- Up to 5,000 Birr repayable in 15 days
- Up to 12,000 Birr repayable in 40 days
- Up to 16,000 Birr repayable in 75 days (unsecured)
3. Salary Loan for Employees
Employees of institutions paying salaries via telebirr/Awash Bank including Ethio telecom and Awash Bank staff can borrow up to:
- 1 million Birr
- Equivalent to six months’ salary
- Repayable over 16 months
4. SME & Merchant Micro-Credit
Designed to support business expansion and job creation:
- Up to 50,000 Birr for 1 month
- Up to 90,000 Birr for 3 months
- Up to 150,000 Birr for 6 months
All without collateral, based on telebirr transaction volumes.
5. Device Financing – Making Smartphones Affordable
A major highlight of the partnership is the device-financing service, which allows customers especially farmers, merchants, employees, and rural communities to acquire smartphones through long-term installment plans.
This initiative directly targets the digital access gap, ensuring more Ethiopians can participate in digital and financial ecosystems.
6. Cardless ATM Withdrawal & School Pay
telebirr users can withdraw cash from Awash Bank ATMs without a card, a service already tested with strong success:
- 92,600+ transactions
- 97.3 million Birr withdrawn during the pilot phase
School fees can also now be paid seamlessly through the telebirr SuperApp using Awash Bank’s School Pay integration.
Driving Digital Inclusion for All
Ethio telecom recently introduced “znexus” cloud-based smart devices at affordable prices to further strengthen digital inclusion and smartphone adoption.
With the launch of “Tila,” the company reaffirms its commitment to building an inclusive digital economy expanding access to digital financial services, enabling device ownership, and improving everyday life for millions of Ethiopians.
