Since entering the African telecom market in 1997, ZTE has been a key player in the rapid growth of the Middle East and Africa (MEA) telecom markets over the past two decades. With the region’s increasing demand for telecom network capacity in today’s digital economy, ZTE is committed to bridging the digital divide and stimulating local economic growth.
ZTE has collaborated extensively with leading telecom operators across over 50 countries, accelerating telecom networks to 3G, 4G, and 5G, significantly enhancing connectivity and coverage in the region. The company’s efforts have been focused on helping local operators and industry customers enhance network value and drive digital transformation.
Wang Xiaoxing, Vice President of ZTE and General Manager of Engineering Services for Africa and the Middle East, explained that ZTE’s brand concept of “Ultimate Services” involves deep cooperation with operators, focusing on network services and the building of digital intelligence networks. By emphasizing end-to-end delivery and fostering a borderless future, ZTE leverages innovative digital solutions to deliver high-quality communication networks, optimize network value, and accelerate digital transformation in the region.
End-to-End Delivery: Building Digital Intelligence Networks
With over 39 years of experience in engineering services project management, ZTE has pioneered digital network deployment, simplifying telecom network development with automation, intelligence, and digitalization. ZTE’s iEPMS (Intelligent Engineering Project Management System) platform facilitates real-time, collaborative, and efficient network deployment, improving network quality, and enhancing the user experience. The system connects customers, partners, and project teams to analyze delays and resolve critical issues. ZTE’s approach has been instrumental in delivering major projects across countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, Uganda, and Algeria, ensuring high-quality networks and boosting customer brand reputation.
A Borderless Future: Building Digital Bridges
ZTE’s commitment to bridging the digital divide is evident through its ongoing efforts to drive digital inclusion and sustainable development in Africa. With nearly 1,000 employees in the MEA region, 3 innovation centers, and over 4,000 projects completed, ZTE has constructed more than 150,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables, improving network access for millions of users. The company’s collaborative efforts with local operators have significantly enhanced connectivity, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
ZTE has faced operational challenges due to Africa’s complex geography, but the company has successfully tackled these obstacles through strategic partnerships. In Mauritania, ZTE built the country’s first national backbone network, and in Southern Africa, it established a 100G fiber optic network to enhance connectivity between border cities. ZTE’s involvement in energy projects has also helped solve regional power issues by upgrading nationwide sites to smart networks.
Bridging the Digital Divide for Sustainable Development
ZTE is focused on bridging the digital divide through programs like “Rural Reach,” which aims to improve network coverage in rural areas. In 2024, ZTE partnered with Orange Liberia to deploy solar-powered EcoSite base stations, providing reliable internet access to over 580,000 people in rural areas. This initiative has improved access to educational resources, telemedicine, and local economic opportunities, helping to reduce educational gaps and promote social development.
ZTE’s “Sea Reach” program has extended network connectivity to Africa’s coastal regions, enhancing the digital transformation of industries like fisheries and marine tourism. The collaboration with MTN South Africa enabled the first-ever 5G ultra-long-range maritime coverage in Africa, improving safety and resource management in coastal areas.
Additionally, ZTE is working with universities across Africa to cultivate local talent in telecommunications. In 2024, ZTE collaborated with Kyambogo University in Uganda and Marien Ngouabi University in the Republic of Congo to promote university-industry exchanges, sharing insights on network operations and the latest technological trends with students.
Looking ahead, ZTE remains committed to innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development. By optimizing technological solutions and improving service quality, ZTE aims to bridge the digital divide, enhance services in education, healthcare, and the economy, and contribute to the overall development of African and Middle Eastern societies. ZTE is dedicated to creating a more sustainable and prosperous future for Africa and beyond.
