Ethio Telecom and Huawei are expanding their collaboration to develop digital solutions aimed at supporting enterprise and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) growth in Ethiopia.
The companies recently held discussions involving Ethio Telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamru, Huawei Northern Africa president Li Shen and their respective executive teams, focusing on expanding cooperation beyond telecoms infrastructure into enterprise technology services.
The discussions form part of Ethio Telecom's Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028 strategy and focus on technologies including cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), data centre services and digital platforms.
The companies said the expanded collaboration is intended to support Ethiopia's digital transformation by helping businesses access more advanced connectivity and digital services.
"A key focus of the meeting was the joint development of integrated, industry-specific digital solutions that combine advanced connectivity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, Internet of Things, data centre services and digital platforms to accelerate the digital transformation of enterprises across key sectors of the economy," Ethio Telecom said in a statement.
The discussions also covered the development of local digital capabilities, including software development, solution customisation, system integration and technical support.
The companies said they would explore ways to strengthen local engineering expertise, solution architecture capabilities and research and development collaboration.
Ethio Telecom and Huawei also discussed initiatives to improve access to smartphones and digital devices through financing models and broader market programmes.
"Both companies recognised that increasing access to affordable smart devices is fundamental to accelerating digital inclusion and enabling greater participation in Ethiopia's growing digital economy," Ethio Telecom said.
The companies further highlighted potential collaboration in environmental, social and governance initiatives and corporate social responsibility programmes focused on digital inclusion, literacy, rural connectivity, digital education, community empowerment and sustainable digital infrastructure.
The partnership will also include customer education and awareness initiatives aimed at increasing adoption of Ethio Telecom's digital services, including telebirr and enterprise solutions.
The companies said these initiatives will include customer engagement campaigns, educational content and promotional activities to improve awareness of available digital products and services.
Share
