Freedom Telecom International (FTI), the global telecommunications unit of Nasdaq-listed Freedom Holding Corp., has signed a memorandum of understanding with e&, the UAE-based technology and telecom giant.
Under the agreement, the partners will explore business opportunities across international markets, using their respective capabilities in fintech, digital financial services, and telecommunications. For Freedom Holding, the agreement provides access to global experience and scale to support the growth of its telecommunications business and broader digital ecosystem development.
The MoU, signed in January 2026, sets out how the two companies will look for ways to work together on fintech and telecom projects that could make a difference in new markets. According to the press release, this is an important step toward a wider strategic partnership.
What’s in It for Freedom Holding Corp.?
Practically, Freedom Holding, a multisectoral group present in more than 20 countries, can strengthen the continued development of its telecom arm through engagement with a major global technology partner. In particular, the agreement gives the holding the ability to integrate advanced international expertise and technology into its operations.
“Telecommunications development is a core pillar of our long-term strategy. Partnering with a major global player like e& opens new horizons for Freedom Telecom International’s global growth,” says Timur Turlov, Founder & CEO of Freedom Holding Corp.
Perspective Segment
The telecommunications segment, which was launched a couple of years ago, has become an increasingly important strategic direction for Freedom Holding as the group expands beyond its core financial services and lifestyle businesses. This unit includes the Kazakhstan-based Freedom Telecom, which develops broadband and wireless networks, provides corporate telecoms services, and secures modern telecom infrastructure, as well as Freedom Telecom International, which is a subsidiary of Freedom Holding Corp., created to support the international expansion of the group’s digital services portfolio and to evaluate investment opportunities in the telecom and fintech sectors.
This structure allows the group to pursue cross-border projects and partnerships without being limited to a single national market. By building its own telecom capabilities, Freedom creates infrastructure that supports its digital financial and lifestyle services.
Beneficial Cooperation
For Freedom Holding Corp., the MoU with e& serves as a strategic signal rather than a transactional deal. FTI’s management described the agreement as an initial step toward longer-term cooperation rather than a finalized commercial arrangement. “This MoU marks an important milestone in our relationship with e&,” notes Johannes Hummer, CEO of Freedom Telecom International. “Today’s signing is the first step toward building long-term, scalable value for customers and partners worldwide.”
E& (formerly the Etisalat Group) is one of the largest telecoms operators and technology holding companies in the Middle East and emerging markets, expanding beyond traditional telecom into fintech, cloud, cybersecurity, and enterprise services. It operates in 38 countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe. In recent years, the group has steadily expanded its international presence by focusing on B2B services, infrastructure solutions, and digital platforms. The group has recently expressed increasing interest in expanding into emerging markets.
The agreement with Freedom aligns with this broader international strategy. “We see strong potential to work with trusted partners who help us bring more value to customers,” pointed out Jasim Abdalla, Head of Partner Networks at e& International. “This collaboration with FTI builds on our experience serving more than 250 million overall subscribers, including more than 16 million fintech customers across international markets.”
More Than Just Plans
In the future, this collaboration can strengthen Freedom Holding’s capacity to deliver corporate and institutional services, expand client reach, and enhance the group’s overall digital ecosystem. “The combined power of a global telecom ecosystem and a high-growth fintech platform enables us to scale innovation across key markets,” explains Timur Turlov.
Industry analysts say that working with a major global technology and telecom group shows Freedom as an internationally connected and forward-looking business. This boosts stakeholder confidence, builds credibility, and makes the company a strong partner for global projects in the fast-growing telecom sector.
