Chinese multinational telecoms firm ZTE Corporation has launched its network operation centre in Uganda in order to deliver enhanced network and maintenance services to its industry partner MTN Uganda.

ZTE is currently working with the operator to provide a full scope of managed services for its equipment sourced from various service providers.

The total number of network elements will be increased from over 4000 to over 5000 by 2019.

Uganda's Minister of ICT, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, joined MTN Uganda's CEO Wim Vanhelleputte and the company's CTO Gordian Kyomukama at the launch of the centre.

"This NOC is the most advanced in Uganda and will serve the entire MTN Uganda network. The establishment and opening of the NOC will ensure MTN's leading performance in the local market, improve network quality, simplify network management and fortify a solid foundation of deepening and widening business exchange between China and Uganda, thus creating a new means of cooperation that is in pace with modern times," according to a statement by ZTE.

ZTE officially began operations in Uganda in 2007 and has since established itself as a major stakeholder in the East African country's tech sector.

"By the end of December 2016, ZTE has signed more than 228 management service contracts, has more than 402,000 sites, more than 508,000km of O&M optical cables and more than 350 million subscribers all over the world," the company said.