MTN and Intel have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which will see both companies work together to accelerate the deployment and penetration of broadband access in Africa and the Middle East.

 

The collaboration will cover a large spectrum of projects areas including broadband access via WiMax, affordable PC bundles for the ordinary African consumer as well as cost-effective internet browsing devices.

 

“Strategies developed by MTN and Intel to connect the next generation of broadband users in Africa and the Middle East were a perfect fit, which is why we went into discussions to collaborate,” says Gordon Graylish, vice president, sales and marketing group of Intel Corporation. “Both companies have expertise in different aspects of ICT deployment and together we can accelerate bridging the digital divide on the continent.”

 

“MTN recognises the strategic value of partnering with an industry player of Intel’s calibre and stature,” stated Christian De Faria, MTN Group’s senior vice president of Commercial and Innovation. “We believe this MOU will facilitate the establishment of joint initiatives to support our broadband strategy as well as CSR projects.”

 

Other areas of collaboration include joint efforts by the MTN Foundation and Intel Education’s corporate social responsibility initiatives to equip students and teachers with technology skills. These initiatives will provide Africa’s youth with the latest maths, science and life skills including critical thinking in the current knowledge economy.

 

Intel’s venture capital division, Intel Capital, will together with the MTN Group also invest in emerging companies that show a potential to advance the ICT sector by developing products that contribute to solving typically African business and social problems.