•  e& pledges $6 billion ($1.6 billion) investment in technological advancement, infrastructure, and digital solutions over 2024-26 through the ITU’s Partner2Connect Digital Coalition.

•  The investment aims to provide accessible and affordable network connectivity across 16 operating countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, fostering economic growth and innovation while reducing inequalities.

•  e&’s commitment focuses on expanding network coverage, increasing speed, and facilitating the adoption of digital services, particularly in underserved regions, to ensure vital services such as finance, health, and education reach all communities.

UAE telecom giant e& pledges $6 billion investment in technological advancement, infrastructure, and digital solutions over 2024-26, as part of the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Partner2Connect Digital Coalition, according to the company.

This commitment aims to ensure widespread connectivity across 16 operating countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, offering accessible and affordable network services.

Announced at the Mobile World Congress (MWC), e&’s CEO Hatem Dowidar emphasized the company’s dedication to advancing inclusive economies through state-of-the-art connectivity. 

These investments are poised to enhance customer experiences and promote economic activities, fostering growth, innovation, and infrastructure development.

e&‘s investment will particularly benefit customers in emerging markets, facilitating access to vital services such as finance, health, and education through high-speed connections. 

The telecom infrastructure will play a pivotal role in expanding access to essential services, particularly in markets with limited connectivity.

With a diverse market presence ranging from highly developed to emerging economies, e& aims to bolster innovation and technology adoption, especially in markets like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

The company’s Chief Strategy Officer, Harrison Lung, stressed their commitment to ITU’s Partner2Connect Coalition, emphasizing the goal of leaving no one behind in the digital revolution.

e&’s pledge targets meaningful connectivity across various emerging markets, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and several African nations. 

The investment plan aims to improve network accessibility and affordability, expand coverage, and increase speed, ensuring essential digital services reach underserved regions.

e& plans to pioneer innovative technologies, leverage AI, and invest in future networks to accelerate technology adoption and enhance network capabilities, including increased fiber penetration and faster mobile network speeds.