New Delhi, Jul 12 (IANS): Telecom giant Bharti Airtel Tuesday said it has signed a 10- year agreement with IBM to provide IT solutions to its employees across 16 African countries.

"In terms of the agreement, IBM will provide a standard operating environment, 'help desk' and 'desk side' support to enhance employee efficiency and convenience," the company said in a statement.

"Today's announcement builds on a strategic partnership signed in late 2010 to manage computing technology and services to power Airtel's mobile communications network spanning 16 African countries," it added.

However, the company did not disclose any financial transaction involved.

IBM will provide end-user services to Airtel employees across Africa, in French and English. The consolidation of Airtel's help desks is expected to bring greater cost savings and efficiencies by streamlining the processes of addressing IT operational issue.

Airtel and IBM's relationship began in 2004 when South Asia's leading mobile communications provider selected IBM to run IT and applications for its entire network in India.