Ethio Telecom, Djibouti Telecom, and Sudatel Telecom Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Horizon Fibre Initiative on Tuesday, marking a historic collaboration. By creating effective communication channels between the Horn of Africa and areas in Europe and Asia, this ambitious initiative seeks to improve digital connections across Africa.
The collaboration, which focuses on building a multi-terabit, redundant terrestrial fibre optic link, represents a substantial shift in regional and global digital infrastructure. Africa’s digital transformation is anticipated to be greatly aided by this new infrastructure, which is intended to offer quicker and more dependable connectivity.
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Technical team working together on the Horizon Fibre Initiative
A technical team comprising representatives from the three telecom carriers has been working together on the Horizon Fibre Initiative since June 2024.
After completing a thorough feasibility analysis, the group addressed current issues and produced suggestive ideas for the project’s advancement.
The partners want to start services by April 2025, and they expect to finalise the contract by January 2024.
Through the Horizon Fibre Initiative, Ethio Telecom, Djibouti Telecom, and Sudatel Telecom Group will pool their resources and technical know-how to optimise data transfer through a streamlined network.
Horizon Fiber Initiative to improve communication
It is anticipated that the network upgrades will improve communication between consumers and businesses, lowering latency and expanding access to high-speed services.
The Horizon Fibre project provides a new outlook on connectivity by addressing some of the enduring issues related to undersea cables, especially in the Red Sea.
Historically, some problems, including environmental conditions and even sabotage, have caused disruptions to submarine cables, necessitating expensive repairs and service interruptions.
However, the new terrestrial fibre network that links Ethiopia, Sudan, and Djibouti offers a more affordable, easily maintained, and robust option.
As this project develops, it has the potential to completely transform regional and worldwide telecommunications by providing a reliable, low-latency network that connects Africa to important global markets.
These developments will not only spur economic expansion but also foster regional cooperation and creativity, allowing companies to thrive in an environment enabled by technology.
Read also: Algérie Télécom set to launch Africa’s first 1.2 Gbps high-speed Internet in Algeria
Leaders of the telecom companies express enthusiasm
The leaders of the corresponding telecom firms affirmed their commitment to the project.
Representatives from Ethio Telecom emphasised the initiative’s compatibility with the Africa Digital Transformation Strategy 2030 and its potential influence on the continent’s economic growth.
Mohamed Assoweh Bouh, Director General of Djibouti Telecom, acknowledged the project as a significant step towards better digital connectivity and regional cohesion.
Sudatel Telecom Group, meanwhile, emphasised Sudan’s strategic location and dedication to improving connectivity across the region.
These telecom titans’ commitment to closing the digital divide and advancing Africa’s transition to a more connected and inclusive future is embodied in the Horizon Fibre Initiative.
Africa is poised to become a major force in the global digital environment due to improved connectivity.
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