Ethio telecom, Djibouti Telecom and Sudatel Group have signed a binding tripartite agreement to operationalise the Horizon Fiber Initiative in a major step toward regionally integrated digital infrastructure.
The landmark deal establishes a multi-terabit terrestrial fibre corridor linking Djibouti’s submarine cable gateways through Ethiopia and onward to Sudan, creating a new high-capacity cross-border data route.
The project is designed to diversify regional routes, improve redundancy and unlock next-generation capacity for enterprises, fintech platforms, cloud providers and cross-border digital trade, sectors driving Africa’s expanding digital economy.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Djibouti, Ethio Telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamru framed the initiative as infrastructure with continental ambition.
“Through this tripartite agreement, we are not merely signing a contract. We are building a shared digital future,” she said. “Horizon represents a bold step toward a resilient, high-capacity Africa-to-Africa connectivity corridor that strengthens regional and global integration.”
Tamru added that combining infrastructure assets and expertise demonstrates how African operators can collaborate to solve real connectivity challenges and unlock new value for customers and hyperscalers.
Djibouti Telecom CEO Mohamed Assoweh Bouh emphasised the strategic importance of Djibouti’s role as a submarine cable gateway serving East Africa and beyond.
“The Horizon project opens a new chapter in regional integration and strengthening digital sovereignty while affirming our position on the global stage,” he said.
The third partner, Sudatel Group CEO Magdi Abdalla Taha, lauded the collaboration as a template for continental cooperation.
“Horizon stands as a living model of innovative partnership. It is a benchmark that shows what becomes possible when African operators align their visions,” he said.
The combined reach of the partners reinforces the initiative’s regional weight. Ethio telecom serves more than 87 million subscribers and is expanding into cloud, fintech and data infrastructure.
Djibouti Telecom anchors one of Africa’s most critical submarine cable hubs, linking multiple global systems. Sudatel connects millions across Sudan and regional markets, positioning itself as a cross-border ICT player.
Together, the corridor strengthens East Africa’s role as a digital transit gateway while supporting exponential traffic growth driven by AI, cloud adoption and enterprise digitisation .
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