Telco equipment vendor Nokia, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) to drive Digital Transformation and the knowledge economy for socio-economic development across the continent.
The two parties will leverage the power of telecommunications, including 5G networks, to connect the unconnected and identify innovative use cases, as well as business models. In addition, the MoU will lay ground for both organisations to better help governments shape telecom policy, develop talent and promote inclusion and diversity, including women, as well as the underprivileged in both rural and urban areas.
The MoU was signed in Nairobi, Kenya, by John Omo, Secretary General at ATU and Rajiv Aggarwal, Nokia Representative and Head of Central, East and West Africa Market Unit, Nokia.
Rajiv Aggarwal, Head, Central, East and West Africa Market Unit, Nokia, said: “We remain keen on supporting Africa’s digital transformation journey and by collaborating with the ATU, we strengthen this commitment. We will leverage our global technology expertise and insights on policy matters to positively impact the universal socio-economic development in the continent.”
Omo said: “Our vision is to make Africa a full and active participant in the global information and knowledge society by enabling universal access to ICT systems and services across Africa. Collaboration with a global industry leader such as Nokia is therefore crucial in this regard and will help us accelerate towards a digital transformation and knowledge economy.”
Nokia has a long history of collaboration with international organisations and bodies across the globe. Regionally in MEA, Nokia recently partnered with UN Women to promote inclusion and diversity in Middle East and Africa. Nokia is also working with UNICEF as part of a shared-value partnership in Kenya to connect schools with broadband and empower children in rural as well as disadvantaged urban areas.
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