Zadara-TouchNet, a provider of enterprise storage-as-a-service solutions, joins forces with 251 Telecom, an Ethiopian telecommunications sector player, to spearhead cloud and digital transformation initiatives in the region.
Africa’s burgeoning role in the global economy brings forth challenges, particularly with tightening data regulations. The partnership between Zadara-TouchNet and 251 Telecom is poised to address these challenges by establishing local cloud infrastructure. Working hand in hand with esteemed local partners such as Raxio Ethiopia, this collaboration aims to empower businesses and governments with advanced cloud solutions, fostering a resilient and self-sufficient digital ecosystem.
At the heart of this transformative alliance is the commitment to adhere to the African Union’s Data Policy Framework, envisioning the potent role of data in empowering nations, improving lives, and driving socio-economic development. With 27 countries already having data protection legislation and more joining the trend, this partnership aligns seamlessly with the framework’s objectives. Through e-government initiatives and secure data systems integration, the collaboration seeks to create opportunities, mitigate risks, and ensure the free flow of data across borders.
One of the key highlights of this collaboration is the establishment of a “mini AWS” cloud, addressing both security and regulatory perspectives. This innovative approach provides businesses in Ethiopia with a unique opportunity to harness the power of global cloud infrastructure with low latency, bringing all the crucial features and services of VMware and AWS to the local forefront.
Zadara-TouchNet’s Storage-as-a-Service offering comes with a robust Service Level Agreement (SLA) guaranteeing 99.999% availability on storage.
Commenting on the collaboration, Charly Bahous, CEO of Zadara-TouchNet, stated, “This partnership represents a commitment to local empowerment and digital sovereignty. By combining Zadara-TouchNet’s cutting-edge technology with 251 Telecom’s infrastructure, we aim to catalyze a new era of digital innovation in Ethiopia.”
251 Telecom, as a B2B company, is set to play a pivotal role in delivering agile, reliable, and secure cloud computing services tailored to the unique needs of Ethiopian businesses. 251 Telecom offers comprehensive managed cloud computing services, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations while entrusting their cloud infrastructure to seasoned experts.
“As a telecommunications provider in Ethiopia, we recognize the transformative potential of advanced cloud solutions in fostering economic growth and innovation. Our partnership with Zadara-TouchNet is a strategic move to provide our clients with world-class cloud services that ensure data sovereignty, security, and performance,” said Addis Alemayehu, Chairman of Kazana Group, the holding company of 251 Telecom.
The Zadara-TouchNet and 251 Telecom collaboration signals a new chapter for Ethiopia’s digital landscape, promising unparalleled cloud solutions that empower businesses, protect digital rights, and drive equitable socio-economic development. This partnership not only propels Ethiopia into the forefront of cloud and digital transformation but also paves the way for a thriving, self-sufficient digital ecosystem in Africa.