In a strategic step that reflects the increasing pace of regional digital transformation, the Sudanese Telecom Group signed a strategic agreement with Djiboutian Telecommunications and Ethiopian Telecommunications on February 4 to launch a qualitative initiative aimed at establishing an advanced cross-border fiber-optic infrastructure, with huge messaging capacities, in a way that enhances digital connectivity and consolidates the integration of telecommunications networks in the East African region.
The Pearl Hall at the Isla Grand Hotel in Djibouti witnessed the signing ceremony of the tripartite strategic agreement to launch the Horizon Fiber initiative, which represents a milestone in the development of regional digital infrastructure, through the deployment of a cross-border fiber optic network with capacities reaching several terabit.
The signing was witnessed by Mr. Magdy Taha, CEO of Sudatel Telecommunications Group, along with Ms. Frehiwot Tameru, Director General of Ethiopian Telecommunications, and Mr. Mohamed Asouye Bouh, Director General of Djibouti Telecommunications. The Sudatel delegation included senior leaders from the group’s senior management.
The tripartite agreement falls under the umbrella of the Horizon Fiber initiative, which aims to establish a high-capacity terrestrial fiber-optic corridor linking international submarine cable stations in Djibouti through Ethiopia, all the way to Sudan.
This corridor offers a flexible and scalable technical solution, combining land and sea routes, to connect East Africa directly to global networks.
In a joint statement, the CEOs stressed that the Fiber Initiative embodies a firm commitment to regional cooperation and advancing digital transformation, and lays the foundation for a strong and secure infrastructure that supports economic growth and digital inclusion in the region.
Through this initiative, the three operators will leverage their assets and operational expertise to achieve diverse and secure cross-border fiber optic capacities, improving service reliability for operators and enterprises who are highly interested in these services.
It is noteworthy that the agreement is the culmination of previous discussions that began since the signing of a memorandum of understanding in Addis Ababa on December 4, 2024, led by the technical teams of the three operators. The project is expected to play a pivotal role in accelerating digital transformation in Africa and providing faster and more reliable connectivity.
