Huawei and the East African Communication Organisation (EACO) have joined forces to drive digitisation of the region.

The parties recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that hastens digital adoption in the region through skills development.

Dr Ally Simba, executive secretary, EACO and Yang Hongjie, director of ICT strategy and policy department of Huawei Southern Africa Region, signed the MoU at the 25th EACO Congress in Burundi.

In terms of the agreement, the two will work together in building ICT capacity for EACO staff and members in areas such as 5G, cyber security, data protection and privacy, and spectrum management.

This comes after Huawei's announcement in April that it plans to spend $3.4 trillion on global digital transformation.

Meng Wanzhou, Huawei’s vice chair and CFO, detailed the plan at Huawei’s 20th Global Analyst Conference, saying the world is embracing digital transformation. 

And, in support of this, by 2026, spending on global digital transformation by the Chinese technology company will reach US$3.4 trillion.

Now, commenting on the Huawei partnership, Dr Simba said: “The MoU is about collaboration in capacity building and training for all our members, and we look forward to collaboration for the future in our meetings and technical groups.”

"We thank Huawei for its commitment to advance EACO in connecting the unconnected,” added Dr Samuel Muhizi, director general of Agence de Régulation et de Contrôle des Telecommunications.

He continued: “I am happy that this MoU announcement will benefit all the EACO member states. We look forward to future discussions and benchmarking together to connect all. Digital economy participation for all is crucial for economic and job growth on the continent.”

For Patrick Baganizi, director general at the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority and EACO Chairman, the signing of the MoU reinforces cooperation with Huawei.

He said: “We thank Huawei for its ongoing support. I request you help us to get where we need to be."

“In this era of rapid technological advancements, digital transformation has emerged as a vital catalyst for economic growth, social development, and regional integration.

“Recognising this, Huawei and EACO have come together with a shared vision to foster collaboration and bridge the digital divide across East Africa.”