Living or traveling in Ethiopia? Whether you’re a local resident, business owner, student, or visitor, having the right apps on your phone can make your life easier, more productive, and more connected.
In recent years, Ethiopia’s digital landscape has grown rapidly. From mobile banking to transportation, entertainment, and communication, there are countless apps designed specifically for the Ethiopian market.
In this post, we’ve carefully selected the Top Apps to Download in Ethiopia for 2025, whether you use Android or iOS.
Why Having the Right Apps Matters in Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s tech industry is booming, with more startups, services, and digital platforms being developed to meet local needs. But at the same time, access to global apps can sometimes be limited due to:
✔️ Payment system restrictions
✔️ Regional availability
✔️ Internet infrastructure differences
That’s why choosing apps that are either Ethiopian-made or work well in Ethiopia is essential. They help with:
✅ Communication with friends, family, or businesses
✅ Cashless transactions through mobile money services
✅ Access to local news and updates
✅ Transportation and food delivery convenience
✅ Entertainment tailored to local preferences
Best Apps to Download in Ethiopia – Our 2025 Picks
1. Telebirr – Mobile Money & Payments
Category: Finance | Mobile Payments
Platform: Android & iOS
Telebirr is Ethiopia’s most popular mobile money service, launched by Ethio Telecom. With Telebirr, you can:
✔️ Send and receive money instantly
✔️ Pay for goods and services at partner merchants
✔️ Buy mobile airtime and data packages
✔️ Pay utility bills and government services
If you’re in Ethiopia, Telebirr is a must-have for cashless transactions, especially in cities like Addis Ababa.
2. Ride Ethiopia – Ride-Hailing & Transport
Category: Transportation | Taxi Services
Platform: Android & iOS
Getting around in Ethiopian cities is easier with Ride. It’s Ethiopia’s version of Uber, providing:
✔️ Safe and affordable taxi services
✔️ Easy ride requests via the app
✔️ Reliable drivers and vehicles
✔️ In-app payment options
Ride operates in major cities, including Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, and Hawassa.
3. My Ethiotel – Manage Your Mobile Account
Category: Utilities | Mobile Services
Platform: Android & iOS
Stay on top of your mobile usage with My Ethiotel, the official app from Ethio Telecom. With it, you can:
✔️ Check airtime balance
✔️ Buy mobile data packages
✔️ Recharge your account
✔️ Access customer support
Perfect for both prepaid and postpaid Ethio Telecom customers.
4. Amole App – Digital Payments & Banking
Category: Finance | Mobile Money
Platform: Android & iOS
Amole by Dashen Bank is another top digital wallet in Ethiopia. It offers:
✔️ Secure mobile money transfers
✔️ Bill payments and airtime top-ups
✔️ Merchant payments at participating businesses
✔️ E-commerce transaction support
Amole is growing rapidly, making everyday payments fast and cashless.
5. ArifZefen – Ethiopian Music & Podcasts
Category: Entertainment | Music Streaming
Platform: Android & iOS
Love Ethiopian music? Download ArifZefen to access:
✔️ Thousands of Ethiopian songs from various genres
✔️ Traditional, modern, and gospel music collections
✔️ Exclusive local podcasts
✔️ Curated playlists for different moods
Streaming Ethiopian content has never been easier.
6. Abay Bank Mobile – Banking Made Simple
Category: Finance | Mobile Banking
Platform: Android & iOS
Abay Bank’s mobile app allows you to:
✔️ Check your bank account balance
✔️ Transfer funds between accounts
✔️ Pay bills and purchase mobile airtime
✔️ Monitor transactions on the go
Other major banks like CBE (Commercial Bank of Ethiopia), Awash Bank, and Bank of Abyssinia also offer similar apps.
7. Tikvah Ethiopia News App
Category: News & Information
Platform: Android
Stay informed with local and international news through Tikvah Ethiopia. Get:
✔️ Breaking news alerts
✔️ Politics, business, and cultural updates
✔️ User-friendly interface for quick browsing
For those who prefer news in Amharic, Tikvah is a solid option.
8. WhatsApp – Messaging & Communication
Category: Communication | Chat & Calls
Platform: Android & iOS
WhatsApp remains one of Ethiopia’s most used apps for:
✔️ Free messaging with family and friends
✔️ Voice and video calls
✔️ Group chats for work, education, or social connections
Despite occasional restrictions, WhatsApp is essential for daily communication.
9. Telegram – Secure Messaging
Category: Communication | Messaging
Platform: Android & iOS
In Ethiopia, Telegram is growing rapidly due to:
✔️ Secure private chats
✔️ Large groups and public channels
✔️ Sharing files, photos, and videos
✔️ News and community updates
Many Ethiopian businesses, influencers, and organizations use Telegram to connect with audiences.
10. Google Maps – Navigation & Local Discovery
Category: Maps & Navigation
Platform: Android & iOS
While Ethiopian addresses can be tricky, Google Maps is still essential for:
✔️ Finding businesses and landmarks
✔️ Navigating city streets
✔️ Exploring new locations
✔️ Getting directions, especially in Addis Ababa
Combine with ride-hailing apps for seamless transport.
Bonus Apps to Consider in Ethiopia
- Shega Delivery: For fast food and grocery delivery
- Ethio Jobs: Find local job opportunities
- Bank Apps: CBE Mobile, Awash Bank Mobile, etc.
- Eyerusalem Ethiopian Calendar: Traditional calendar app
- VPN Apps: Useful during temporary internet restrictions
Conclusion – Build Your Digital Toolkit for Ethiopia
Whether you’re a local resident, an expat, or a visitor, having these essential apps on your device will:
✔️ Simplify everyday tasks
✔️ Enhance communication
✔️ Enable cashless payments
✔️ Keep you informed and entertained
Ethiopia’s digital space is evolving fast, and mobile apps are a big part of that transformation.
Before Downloading:
✅ Make sure your device is compatible
✅ Check for the latest versions on Google Play or App Store
✅ Read user reviews for the best experience
Did We Miss Your Favorite Ethiopian App?
We love discovering new, helpful apps! If you have recommendations for apps used in Ethiopia, send us an email:
We might feature your suggestions in our next update!
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