Ethio telecom, Djibouti Telecom, and Sudatel Group have officially signed a landmark tripartite agreement to implement the “Horizon Fiber” initiative, a strategic partnership aimed at establishing a high-capacity, cross-border optical fiber infrastructure.

The signing ceremony was held on Wednesday in Djibouti.

Speaking at the event, Ethio telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamru said the agreement goes beyond a contractual commitment.

“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,” she said.

Frehiwot noted that the Horizon Fiber Initiative represents a bold step toward creating a resilient, high-capacity Africa-to-Africa connectivity corridor.

According to Ethio telecom, the project will link the submarine cable landing stations of Djibouti, pass through Ethiopia, and extend to Sudan, creating a secure, diversified, and scalable terrestrial route that strengthens both regional and global connectivity.

“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 our customers, enterprises, and hyperscalers,” she emphasized.

“Together, we are laying the foundation for a future-ready digital backbone—one that connects nations, empowers economies, and positions our region as a strong and reliable gateway in the global digital ecosystem.”

Mohamed Assoweh Bouh, CEO of Djibouti Telecom, said the Horizon Fiber project marks a new chapter in regional telecommunications development.

“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,” he said.

“This initiative demonstrates our ability to build world-class strategic infrastructure together, strengthen our digital sovereignty, and affirm our role on the global stage.”

Magdi M. Abdalla Taha, CEO of Sudatel Group, highlighted the partnership’s broader significance beyond infrastructure development.

“Beyond infrastructure, Horizon stands as a living model of innovative partnership among African operators,” he said.

“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.”

The agreement also plays a key role in advancing Ethio telecom’s “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028” strategic vision.