Nokia, ATU Partner to Drive Digital Transformation in Africa

Nokia has partnered with the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) to drive digital transformation and the knowledge economy across the African continent.

The partnership seeks to leverage the power of telecommunications, including 5G networks, for connecting the unconnected and identifying innovative use cases, as well as business models, Nokia said in a press release on Wednesday.

The MoU was signed by the two parties in Nairobi, Kenya on September 15 by John OMO, Secretary-General at ATU, and Rajiv Aggarwal, Nokia Representative and Head of Central, East, and West Africa Market Unit at Nokia.

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According to John OMO, ATU’s aim 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 the continent.

“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,” added Mr. OMO.

The partnership will enable sharing of best practices on telecom technology trends and developments while helping in the identification of innovative industrial use cases toward the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The framework is also built on the recommendation on the implementation of emerging technologies and business models, the promotion of connecting the unconnected with broadband, the development of emerging talent for digital innovation, and the promotion of inclusion and diversity.

With this latest agreement, both organizations reiterate commitment to shape telecom policy, develop talent and promote inclusion and diversity in Africa.

Nokia has also joined forces with UN Women to promote inclusion and diversity in the Middle East and Africa region. The Finnish firm 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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“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,” concluded Rajiv Aggarwal, Head of Central, East and West Africa Market Unit at Nokia.