This selection of large public sector organisations in Ethiopia includes a significant presence of higher education institutions, alongside key players in infrastructure and finance. Among them are ethio telecom, a telecommunications pioneer, and Ethiopian Airlines, operating extensive flights across five continents. Commercial Bank of Ethiopia is a long-established banking institution, while Jimma University combines health science and agriculture.
A notable characteristic of these organisations is their substantial employee counts, indicating their scale and impact within the Ethiopian economy. A significant cluster of these large public entities, including ethio telecom, Ethiopian Airlines, and Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, are headquartered in Addis Ababa, highlighting the capital's role as a central hub for major public sector operations.
| # | Company | Employees | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
ethio telecomethiotelecom.et
A pioneering telecom company in Africa with over 128 years of experience, leading Ethiopia towards a bright future while prioritizing customer feedback and interaction |
13,267 | |||
| 2 |
Ethiopian Airlinesethiopianairlines.com
Operating extensive passenger and cargo flights across five continents, focusing on comfort, sustainability, and multi-hub African connectivity. |
12,191 | |||
| 3 |
Commercial Bank of Ethiopiacombanketh.et
Established in 1942, this bank is a pioneer in modern banking in Ethiopia, with over 1800 branches nationwide |
7,671 | |||
| 4 |
Jimma Universityju.edu.et
Higher education institution combining health science and agriculture, focused on national development and expanding educational programs across Ethiopia. |
4,296 | |||
| 5 |
University of Gondaruog.edu.et
A prestigious higher education institution in Ethiopia, dedicated to teaching, learning, research, and community engagement to develop future leaders for positive impact |
3,597 | |||
| 6 |
Bahir Dar Universitybdu.edu.et
A leading university in Ethiopia offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, focused on high quality education, research and community service |
3,063 | |||
| 7 |
St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College- SPHMMCsphmmc.edu.et
A leading medical college and hospital in Ethiopia offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs, specialized medical services, and research opportunities with a large staff and patient capacity |
1,524 | |||
| 8 |
Dilla Universitydu.edu.et
Dilla University offers a wide range of undergraduate, post-graduate, and PhD programs with multiple campuses and a large student population |
1,494 | |||
| 9 |
wolaita sodo universitywsu.edu.et
Aiming to become a top-ranking university in East Africa by 2020, providing competent graduates, research solutions, technological advancements, and community services |
1,360 | |||
| 10 |
Adama Science and Technology Universityastu.edu.et
This company is focused on innovating knowledge and advancing in the field of education or information dissemination |
1,351 | |||
| 11 |
Debre Markos Universitydmu.edu.et
A public Ethiopian university founded in 2007, located near the Blue Nile, focusing on scientific and epistemological inquiries |
1,303 | |||
| 12 |
Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Researcheiar.gov.et
A leading African agricultural research institute focused on developing and promoting market-competitive technologies to enhance productivity, sustainability, and livelihoods in Ethiopia |
1,184 | |||
| 13 |
Dire Dawa Universityddu.edu.et
Dire Dawa University is a higher education institution in Ethiopia, offering a variety of academic programs to produce competent human resources and research outputs |
1,181 | |||
| 14 |
Hawassa Universityhu.edu.et
A comprehensive university offering diverse undergraduate, masters, and PhD programs, known for quality education, research, and community services in Ethiopia |
1,154 | |||
| 15 |
Ethiopian Electric Utilityethiopianelectricutility.gov.et
This company provides electricity services to the people of Ethiopia and is responsible for managing the electric utility infrastructure in the country |
1,048 | |||
| 16 |
Aksum University
A teaching university in Aksum, Ethiopia offering undergraduate and master's degrees through teaching programs, research projects, and community service |
985 | |||
| 17 |
Information Network Security Administrationinsa.gov.et
A national agency focused on ensuring information supremacy, protecting information infrastructure, and defending against cyber threats for the national interest |
936 | |||
| 18 |
Ethiopian Public Health Instituteephi.gov.et
The institute conducts research on public health and nutrition, surveillance for health risks, and provides diagnostic and analytical support nationally |
934 | |||
Want more companies than this list?This page shows the largest ones only. Connect to Tamtam to see every company that matches, filter by size, industry or growth, and reach their decision-makers. | |||||
| 19 |
Ethiopian Engineering Corporationeec.com.et
A large construction company in Ethiopia specializing in providing construction solutions with in-house design and build capabilities |
927 | |||
| 20 |
Wachemo Universitywcu.edu.et
A leading public university in Ethiopia with two campuses, offering various fields of study to over 8,000 students With 200+ instructors and 400+ administrative staff |
847 | |||
| 21 |
Addis Ababa Science and Technology Universityaastu.edu.et
An Ethiopian university focused on science, technology, engineering, and ICT, aiming to build an economically developed and industrialized state |
809 | |||
| 22 |
Wolkite Universitywku.edu.et
A public university focused on providing higher education and empowering individuals through academic programs and research opportunities |
738 | |||
| 23 |
Debre Tabor Universitydtu.edu.et
A university established in 2008 with a focus on infrastructure development to support academia, located on 126 hectares of land |
688 | |||
| 24 |
EEUeeu.gov.et
The company specializes in distributing and selling power products and services to customers |
658 | |||
| 25 |
Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical Collegey12hmc.edu.et
The company is a historical hospitality institution founded in 1915, offering accommodation, conference facilities, catering services, and more |
614 | |||
| 26 |
Jigjiga Universityjju.edu.et
A public university in Ethiopia offering a variety of academic programs, conducting research, and providing education, research, and community service |
608 | |||
| 27 |
Woldia University
Connecting individuals and businesses through innovative solutions and exceptional service to drive success and growth |
535 | |||
| 28 |
Gambella Universitygmu.edu.et
The company is involved in establishing higher education institutions in Ethiopia, with a focus on agricultural and natural resource education and training |
486 | |||
| 29 |
Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Instituteaii.et
An AI institute in Ethiopia focuses on AI services, solutions, and research to protect nation's interests, support start-ups, and empower Ethiopia digitally |
452 | |||
| 30 |
Ethiopian Electric Power - የኢትዮጵያ ኤሌክትሪክ ኃይልeep.com.et
Established in 1955, this organization focuses on providing electric power in Ethiopia through restructuring and reorganization into two separate entities in 2013 |
451 | |||
| 31 |
Ethio-Djibouti Railway Share Companyedrsc.com
The company operates a standard gauge railway connecting Ethiopia and Djibouti, providing freight and passenger transport services in East Africa |
432 | |||
| 32 |
Addis Ababa University (AAU)aau.edu.et
National university in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with thirteen campuses, including one in Bishoftu Associated with research institutions and admits students based on entrance exam scores |
414 | |||
| 33 |
Armauer Hansen Research Instituteahri.gov.et
Biomedical research institute focusing on poverty-related and neglected diseases, supported by Norwegian and Swedish funding agencies, as well as the Ethiopian government |
388 | |||
| 34 |
GIZ Ethiopia and Djiboutigiz.de
Supports Ethiopia's economic growth, poverty reduction, and job creation for youth, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals. |
382 | |||
| 35 |
Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Serviceepss.gov.et
The company aims to become a leading pharmaceutical supply chain organization in Africa by 2030, supplying affordable and quality essential pharmaceuticals to enhance society's health |
379 | |||
| 36 |
Mekelle University መቐለ ዩኒቨርሲቲmu.edu.et
Mekelle University in Northern Ethiopia was formed from two colleges in 2000, offering higher education programs after starting as a school of Economics in 1987 |
354 | |||
| 37 |
Ethiopostethio.post
With 130 years of experience, the company modernizes postal services in Ethiopia, supports e-commerce, and aims to be a leader in the industry |
185 | |||
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Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 12, 2026.
More company lists in Ethiopia
- The largest companies in Ethiopia 153
- Critical infrastructure operators in Ethiopia 36
- Education providers in Ethiopia 33
- Retail chains in Ethiopia 25