Ethio Telecom, Djibouti Telecom, And Sudatel Sign Fiber Rollout Agreement

Ethio telecom, Djibouti Telecom, and Sudatel Group have signed a tripartite agreement to implement the Horizon Fiber initiative, a cross-border optical fiber project aimed at strengthening digital connectivity across East and Northeast Africa.

The agreement was formalised during a signing ceremony in Djibouti and marks a major milestone in the development of a high-capacity and resilient regional fiber infrastructure. Once completed, the project will establish a robust Africa-to-Africa connectivity corridor linking Djibouti’s submarine cable landing stations through Ethiopia and extending into Sudan.

Speaking at the event, Ethio telecom Chief Executive Officer Frehiwot Tamru described the partnership as more than a commercial arrangement, emphasising its role in shaping a shared digital future for the region. She noted that Horizon Fiber is designed to deliver a secure, diversified, and scalable terrestrial route that enhances both regional and global connectivity.

According to Frehiwot, the initiative responds to increasing demand from customers, enterprises, and hyperscalers for reliable, high-capacity digital infrastructure. She added that collaboration lies at the heart of the project, with the three operators pooling infrastructure assets, technical expertise, and long-term strategic vision to address connectivity challenges and unlock new economic value.

“The Horizon Fiber initiative lays the foundation for a future-ready digital backbone that connects countries, supports economic growth, and positions the region as a reliable gateway within the global digital ecosystem,” she said.

Djibouti Telecom Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Assoweh Bouh described the Horizon Fiber initiative as a new chapter in regional telecommunications development and integration. He highlighted its role in reinforcing digital sovereignty while elevating the region’s standing on the global stage through jointly developed, world-class infrastructure.

“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,” Bouh said. “It demonstrates our ability to build strategic infrastructure together, strengthen our digital sovereignty, and affirm our role on the global stage.”

Sudatel Group Chief Executive Officer Magdi M. Abdalla Taha echoed these sentiments, describing Horizon as a practical example of innovative collaboration among African telecom operators. He noted that the initiative illustrates the value of cooperation over competition and positions Horizon as a model that could be replicated across the continent.

“Beyond infrastructure, Horizon stands as a living model of innovative partnership among African operators,” Taha said. “It demonstrates what becomes possible when visions align, priorities converge, and collaboration supplants competition.”

The Horizon Fiber agreement also aligns with Ethio telecom’s long-term transformation roadmap under its Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028 strategy, which focuses on expanding digital infrastructure, strengthening connectivity resilience, and positioning the company for sustained growth in Africa’s evolving digital economy.