Information and communication technology (ICT) group Nokia and the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to drive digital transformation and the knowledge economy for socioeconomic development across Africa.

The two parties aim to leverage the power of ICT, including fifth-generation networks, to connect the unconnected and identify innovative use cases and business models.

The MoU, signed in Nairobi, Kenya, by ATU secretary-general John Omo and Nokia Central, East and West Africa market unit head Rajiv Aggarwal, will also enable both organizations to better help governments shape telecommunications policy, develop talent and promote inclusion and diversity.

“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 socioeconomic development in the continent,” Aggarwal said.

Omo added that the vision 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 Africa.

“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.”

The MoU framework is guided by six tenets designed to facilitate this acceleration, including the sharing of best practices on telecommunications technology trends and developments; the identification of innovative industrial use cases toward the Fourth Industrial Revolution; recommendations on the implementation of emerging technologies and business models; and the promotion of connecting the unconnected with broadband.

The MoU will further enable the development of emerging talent for digital innovation and the promotion of inclusion and diversity.