Beijing, China, September 7, 2024 – His Excellency Andry RAJOELINA, President of the Republic of Madagascar, witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Madagascar and Huawei today in Beijing, China. This represents a deeper collaboration between the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Madagascar and Huawei Technologies in the development of digital solutions.
This MoU aims to strengthen Madagascar’s digital transformation by further developing ICT infrastructure, and to promote the digitalization of various sectors across the country, such as e-government, education and digital energy, thereby contributing to Madagascar’s vision for digital, sustainable and inclusive development.
In the MoU, both sides agreed to explore opportunities for cooperation in strategic areas.
Electricity is a central element of the MoU, given its essential role as a driver of digital and smart applications. Aware of the efforts still to be made in terms of universal electricity coverage in Madagascar, particularly in rural areas, and the strong potential in photovoltaic energy that the country presents, both parties expressed a strong interest in exploring the use of Huawei’s Microgrid Solar solution to further “light up” Madagascar.
This would be done by further developing IT infrastructure, including the national fiber optic network, and by exploring the possibility of creating a national cloud aimed at establishing the foundations for the development of the digital economy in Madagascar.
The two sides also stressed the importance of promoting digital inclusion by improving connectivity in rural areas and supporting smart applications, such as online education. Huawei’s Digital Rural + initiative represents a promising solution to achieve these goals. The initiative aims to use Huawei’s solutions to provide network coverage in remote areas. In addition, when conditions permit, Huawei’s distance education system, including smart displays, can be installed to provide rural children with access to online education, contributing to educational equity. The “+” symbol in the initiative’s name evokes the unlimited possibilities of digital technologies in rural areas. In the future, more advanced applications, such as telemedicine, may also be integrated into the Digital Rural system.
Finally, both parties agree together to support more young talents in the field of ICT to pave the way for a digital and smart future in Madagascar.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, President Andry RAJOELINA said: “Development and digitalization go hand in hand. This moment marks a crucial step opening up prospects for the technological and economic development of our country. In several areas, Huawei can and must support Madagascar to achieve emergence in the digital economy, mainly in the new technologies sector and rural electrification, as well as in improving national coverage of rural areas. I would like to warmly thank Huawei for its commitment to the training of our youth and I am convinced that with our continued collaboration, Huawei is contributing to making Madagascar a true technology hub in the Indian Ocean.”
Mr. Leo Chen, Senior Vice President and President of Enterprise Sales, said: “Huawei is fully prepared to offer its expertise in the field of ICT and become a reliable partner for Madagascar, as part of its efforts to help the country achieve its overall development policy goals and promote its digital, intelligent and low greenhouse gas emission expansion.”
Huawei, present for 19 years in Madagascar, has continuously contributed to the digital development of the country through various initiatives, namely: improving Madagascar’s connectivity through the Telecommunications Network Modernization Project (MRTAM) of the Malagasy Administration. The company has also worked to develop ICT skills among young Malagasy people by offering professional training and international certifications through its flagship programs, such as ICT Academy, ICT Competition. To date, more than 1,500 people across the country have benefited from these programs.
This MoU marks an important milestone in the ongoing partnership between Madagascar and Huawei, paving the way for accelerated digital transformation and economic growth in the country.
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