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Africa: Ethio Telecom, Djibouti Telecom, and Sudatel Sign MoU For Horizon Fibre Initiative

On 3 December 2024, Ethio Telecom, Djibouti Telecom, and Sudatel Telecom Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Horizon Fibre Initiative, to deploy a new high capacity, diverse cross-border terrestrial fibre route between Djibouti, Ethiopia and Sudan to connect the Horn of Africa to Europe and Asia. The Horizon Fiber Initiative has been in discussion since June 2024, when a technical team was established with representatives from all three operators. With an accelerated timeline, the partners aim to finalize the contract by the end of January 2024 and commence services by April 2025.

“The Horizon Fibre Cable Initiative offers a transformative solution to the persistent challenges posed by submarine fibre cables in the Red Sea”, said a company press release. “These cables are frequently disrupted by issues such as anchoring incidents, degradation, potential sabotage, natural disaster and conflicts, all of which result in significant service interruptions and costly repairs. The unique geographical complexities of the Red Sea further amplify these challenges, making submarine cable maintenance both technically demanding and financially burdensome. The Horizon Fibre Initiative, however, reimagines connectivity by establishing a terrestrial fibre network spanning Djibouti, Sudan and Ethiopia”.

Ethiopia already has existing cross-border fibre links with Djibouti and Sudan, both of which land submarine cables (see for example Djibouti: Djibouti Telecom Renovates Terrestrial Fibre Optic Links To Ethiopia). “This strategic partnership marks a transformative step in reshaping both international and regional digital infrastructure, focusing on the development of a Multi-Terabit, redundant terrestrial fibre optic link that will facilitate faster, more reliable, and robust connectivity, contributing to Africa’s digital transformation,” said a company press release.

“Sudan’s strategic location in the heart of Africa supports Sudatel’s vision of becoming a regional leader in connectivity,” said Sudatel Telecom Group in a company press release. “With its extensive fibre infrastructure in East, Middle, and West Africa, combined with its unique access to the Red Sea and submarine cables through Port Sudan’s Cable Landing Station, Sudatel is uniquely positioned to drive regional integration and connect Africa to the world.”

Source: Ethio Telecom

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