Huawei, AU deepen relationship with new 3-year deal

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Chinese technology giant, Huawei, and the African Union (AU) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to consolidate ICT cooperation.

The MoU aims at strengthening the partnership between the two sides on broadband, internet of things (IoT), cloud computing, 5G and artificial intelligence, according to a statement issued by Huawei.

The initiative will also train young people in tech skills, and offer AU departments support in dealing with cybersecurity, as well as digital health and education.

The deal follows a 2015 MOU which focused on improving the union's technological capabilities, including by organizing annual tours to Huawei's training centers in China.

Huawei's vice-president for northern Africa Philippe Wang said the firm is committed to providing the continent with cutting edge solutions in a fast-evolving world focused more on ICT.

“Huawei, a strategic partner for the digitalization of Africa, is committed to providing the African Union with a unique experience that meets their expectations and needs, especially in terms of technology transfer and connectivity,” Wang said.

AU Commission deputy chairperson Thomas Kwesi Quartey said the latest agreement would consolidate the partnership between the AU and Huawei.

“Under this agreement, we are pleased to consolidate our existing partnership with Huawei, a leading group in the fields of innovation and technological research,” Quartey said.

Digital transformation offers huge opportunities and will allow connections to be distributed with a high density on the entire African continent, the statement said.

The deployment of new technologies in Africa will also improve the performance of key sectors that have a significant impact on the daily lives of Africans, such as health, transport, media and energy, the statement added.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency