Multinational ICT and network company Angola Cables has signed a memorandum of understanding with Macau-based telecommunications services provider CTM to explore digital business opportunities between Macau, Mainland China, African Portuguese-speaking countries and Brazil.

According to Angola Cables, Macau and neighbouring regions "have the conditions and opportunities to be the landing point for international cable systems and the ideal location for hosting datacentres, in order to promote the digital ecosystem of the region."

It added that CTM envisages leveraging its international network and Macau's position in the Greater Bay Area as a key hub for the digitalisation of the Asia-Pacific region.

The partnership aims to promote strategies and opportunities to link the Greater Bay Area to Africa and the Americas - and Portuguese-speaking countries.

Reshaping Africa's digital ecosystems

Angola Cables chief executive officer António Nunes says discussions and co-operation between the parties can be instrumental in reshaping the digital ecosystems within Africa and help leapfrog the existing gap between the continent and the rest of the world.

''Expanding connectivity across the southern hemisphere has the potential to unlock the many advantages and benefits brought about by secure, digital access - from the promotion of foreign trade to robust economic development," says Nunes. "Advancing technology in subsea cables networks have provided a backbone to support datacentres and digital ecosystems that will connect our new, digitally-driven world."

CTM chief executive officer Vandy Poon says the potential partnership reflects the company's positioning to actively participating in the realisation of Macau's designs in the context of the Greater Bay Area and the One Belt One Road Initiative.

CTM believes that with the increasing levels of integration in the Greater Bay Area, Macau will play a significant role in promoting business cooperation between companies from China and Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa and the Americas making it possible to jointly explore new investment and business opportunities and markets.