Beijing, 18 Oct 2023, (ECA) - The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and Shenzhen Transsion Holdings Co., Ltd. (Transsion) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster and accelerate digital transformation in Africa.
The partnership is founded on the complementary expertise and strengths of both parties, with a primary focus on fostering collaboration in research and analytical studies. The shared goal of the two institutions is to provide valuable insights and policy recommendations in key areas of the digital ecosystem in Africa, including e-commerce, fintech, digital payments, financial inclusion, digital trade, and more. Both organizations intend to harness the power of emerging technologies, big data, innovative tools and platforms to achieve these objectives.
Acting Director of the Technology, Climate Change, and Natural Resource Management Division at ECA. Nassim Oulmane appreciated Transsion's pivotal role in enhancing access to affordable and high-quality digital technology for African citizens and commended Transsion's proactive involvement with various stakeholders, including ECA, in driving Africa's digital transformation forward.
“This partnership can yield meaningful and impactful results in addressing digital challenges and bridging the digital divide on the African continent,” Mr. Oulmane remarked.
Africa is currently the continent with the lowest level of connectivity in the world, where 60% of its population remains offline. The ECA is dedicated to bridging digital divides by promoting infrastructure development and affordability, digital policy formulation, and fostering digital skills.
Harnessing Africa’s potential to embrace digital development and achieve the SDGs and Agenda 2063 requires that Africa’s youth, which will represent almost half of global youth by 2030, is ready for a digital future and the 4th Industrial Revolution.
Founder and Chair of Transsion, Mr. George Zhu Zhaojiang, said: “We are pleased to be ECA's collaborator and technical partner. We will give full play to Transsion's technical expertise, as well as Transsion Innovation Hub's investment capabilities and strategic resources, to jointly empower the development of Africa's digital economy, and help build new momentum for growth in the African economy.
Mr. Zhu Zhaojiang further added that through Transsion's data platform DataSparkle, the company will also provide data analytics support for Internet access and digital development in Africa.
About ECA
Established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations (UN) in 1958 as one of the UN’s five regional commissions, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa’s (ECA’s) mandate is to promote the economic and social development of its Member States, foster intraregional integration and promote international cooperation for Africa’s development. ECA is made up of 54 Member States and plays a dual role as a regional arm of the UN and as a key component of the African institutional landscape. For more information, visit: www.uneca.org
About Transsion
Transsion is a provider of smart devices and mobile services for consumers in global emerging markets. Transsion's brand portfolio comprises leading mobile phone brands, including TECNO, itel and Infinix, as well as Carlcare for after-sales services, oraimo for smart accessories, and Syinix for home appliances. After years of expansion, the company has become a leading player in the mobile industries of global emerging markets. Currently, its extensive global sales network covers more than 70 countries and regions. For more information, visit: www.transsion.com
Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org
For Transsion inquiries, contact:
Corporate PR
Transsion
17th Floor, Desay Building, Shenzhen
China
E-mail: media@transsion.com