Huawei, Angola's Education Ministry Launch E-Net to Connect the Youth

Huawei Angola E-Net Project

"The objective of this project is to promote bridging of digital divide among Angola youth, at the same time enhancing research and development in ICT leading to localized innovations.

' Said Mr. Leon Liu, Director at Huawei Technologies Angola Representative office. He added that Huawei was committed to collaborate with local partners such as the government and Unitel to advance Angola as knowledge based economy.

The digital inclusion project will benefit over 18000 youth, covering the 18 provinces of the country. The first phase has already connected Bie, Cabinda, Luanda, Benguela, Kwanza Norte, Malanje, Huambo, Uige, and Huila.

 The second phase is expected to cover the provinces of Zaire, Moxico, Kubango, Kwanza Sul, Bengo, Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Namibe and Cunene.

Inverstment in infrastructure, competitive internet pricing, and enabling regulatory enviroment are key in enhancing Africa's connectivity.

According to Internet World Stats, by end of June 2012 Angola internet users were 2,976,657 forming a 14.8% penetration of the country's population, translating to Africa's 1.8% internet users. Initiatives such as the E-net project are key in increasing the country's connectivity and internet usage.