Huawei Ethiopia, in collaboration with Ethio Telecom and the Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure, held a summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia that focused on broadband development, Fiber to the Home.
In the opening remarks, Mr. Fenta Dejen, state minister to the Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure, said, “We perceive a global transformation driven by new technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, among many others, that offer new models of production, communication, and lifestyle. Thus, Ethiopia as a nation is highly interested in digitizing its economic, social, political, and environmental activities through the introduction of new technologies and innovations. This is also the aim of the 2025 Digital Ethiopia program.”
He also stated that taking advantage of these digital opportunities requires a new mindset and leadership style from the government. He added, “The Government of Ethiopia’s executive organs are appreciated for creating an enabling environment for courageous, innovative, and committed institutions like Huawei to develop new businesses, services, and jobs.”
He also mentioned that the ministry is working to digitize its entire service from the federal to the municipality level to promote citizens’ service satisfaction and good governance. A smart city strategy is also underway for implementation in some selected cities. Hence, he pinpoints that “working on fiber policies to drive up home broadband development is another array of methods to realize digital Ethiopia by 2025 in urban centers.”
Since his ministry collaborated with Ethio Telecom to provide digitalized services, the state minister recognizes Huawei and Ethio Telecom for organizing such an eye-opening summit.
Huawei Ethiopia CEO Mr. Liu Jifan also mentioned that “currently Ethiopia is entering the new era of digitalization, and fiber to the room is the basic for all digitalization.” And he said the reason for organizing the summit is to discuss the possible development of fiber and all together to make better infrastructure. He added, “As Huawei, we are elated to support Ethiopia in her journey towards full digitalization.”
Ethio telecom Chief Technology Officer, Mr. Tewodros Hailemeskel, stated that “Ethiopia has to benefit from the digital economy and technology revolution by having broadband infrastructure. Because it has a vital role in digital development. And our partner ministry of urban and infrastructure plays a significant role in this regard.”
Mr. Tewodros explained that in the digital world, the role of broadband is wide. Since people are working and learning and also making business from home, and our lives are highly connected with broadband, Ethiopia needs to improve broadband. And that’s why we need to work intensively.”
He also stated that, under the Urban and Infrastructure Ministry leadership, it is expected that buildings in Ethiopia will have basic telecom infrastructure in the future. Mr. Tewodros explained that Ethio Telecom is committed to working with the Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure regarding telecom infrastructure for buildings, and he hoped that using their collaboration, they will come up with a code of conduct for telecom infrastructure very soon.
The summit highlighted Ethiopia’s home broadband insight, fiber pre-deployment drive, HBB development, and the importance and application of broadband and fiber in every home to boost availability and accessibility. Furthermore, in some countries, practical experiences were also shared.
It is also discussed that in order to realize digital Ethiopia, it is necessary to focus on broadband infrastructure development. The importance of installing fiber in any building, just like water, electricity, and other infrastructure, is marked.
The ministry also stated that, considering technology is rapidly transforming the digital world, they will include all significant components of the meeting into their ongoing strategy for a better outcome.
Broadband refers to various high-capacity transmission technologies that transmit data, voice, and video across long distances and at high speeds.