By: Kanto
Kai Okanta
Ethio Telecom and Huawei
have announced plans to strengthen their strategic partnership to accelerate
digital innovation and support the growth of enterprise and small and
medium-sized enterprise (SME) markets in Ethiopia.
The commitment was
reaffirmed during high-level discussions between Ethio Telecom Chief Executive
Officer Frehiwot Tamru and Huawei Northern Africa President Li Shen, alongside
senior executives from both organisations.
The discussions focused on
developing industry-specific digital solutions that leverage advanced
technologies, including connectivity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence
(AI), cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), data centre services, and digital
platforms to support the digital transformation of businesses across key
sectors of Ethiopia’s economy.
The two companies also
explored opportunities to enhance digital services for enterprise and SME
customers through integration with the telebirr platform, enabling businesses
to access digital payments, financial services, e-commerce solutions, business management
tools, and other value-added services aimed at improving efficiency and
competitiveness.
Both organisations
highlighted the importance of strengthening local innovation capabilities
through increased investment in software development, solution customisation,
system integration, and technical support. The collaboration will focus on
expanding local engineering expertise, solution architecture capabilities, and
research and development initiatives to create solutions tailored to Ethiopia’s
evolving digital needs.
The meeting also addressed
opportunities to improve smartphone affordability and access to digital devices
through innovative financing models and wider market initiatives.
Ethio Telecom and Huawei
further discussed joint efforts to promote digital inclusion, digital literacy,
rural connectivity, digital education, community empowerment, and sustainable
digital infrastructure development.
Huawei reaffirmed its
commitment to supporting Ethio Telecom’s transformation into a
technology-driven digital services company, with plans to deepen cooperation in
enterprise innovation, SME empowerment, digital ecosystem development, and the
creation of solutions that can support Ethiopia’s digital growth and regional
expansion ambitions.
