Addis Ababa, February 4, 2026 (FMC) — Ethio telecom, Djibouti Telecom, and Sudatel Group have officially signed a tripartite agreement to implement the “Horizon Fiber” initiative, a strategic project aimed at establishing a high-capacity cross-border optical fiber infrastructure.
The signing ceremony was held in Djibouti, highlighting the formal launch of a project expected to enhance regional and global digital connectivity.
Ethio telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamru described the partnership as a milestone in building a shared digital future.
“Through this tripartite agreement between Ethio telecom, Djibouti Telecom, and Sudatel Group, we are not merely signing a contract—we are building a shared digital future,” Frehiwot said.
She emphasized that the Horizon Fiber Initiative will create a resilient, high-capacity Africa-to-Africa connectivity corridor. By linking submarine cable landing stations in Djibouti, traversing Ethiopia, and extending to Sudan, the project is designed to provide a secure, diversified, and scalable terrestrial route.
“By combining our infrastructure assets, technical expertise, and shared vision, we are demonstrating how African operators can collaborate to solve real connectivity challenges and unlock new value for customers, enterprises, and hyperscalers,” she added.
Frehiwot noted that the initiative lays the foundation for a future-ready digital backbone—one that connects nations, empowers economies, and positions the region as a reliable gateway in the global digital ecosystem.
Mohamed Assoweh Bouh, CEO of Djibouti Telecom, said the project marks a new chapter in regional telecommunications development and integration.
“The Horizon project opens a new chapter in the development and integration of telecommunications infrastructure in our region, with a common goal of progress and shared prosperity. This initiative demonstrates our ability to build world-class strategic infrastructure together, strengthen our digital sovereignty, and affirm our role on the global stage,” Bouh said.
Sudatel CEO Magdi M. Abdalla Taha described the initiative as a model of innovative partnership among African operators.
“Beyond infrastructure, Horizon stands as a living model of innovative partnership among African operators. It demonstrates what becomes possible when visions align, priorities converge, and collaboration supplants competition. We view Horizon as a replicable benchmark for the rest of the continent,” Taha said.
The tripartite agreement also forms a key component of Ethio telecom’s “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028” strategy, aimed at expanding connectivity and advancing the country’s digital infrastructure.