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IFC invests in Safaricom Ethiopia's greenfield telecommunications network
This first partnership between IFC, MIGA, Vodafone, Vodacom, Safaricom, Sumitomo Corporation, and British International Investment in Ethiopia addresses the World Bank Group's core mandate to help countries end poverty and meet their citizens' demands for services including digital connectivity.
Huawei advocates for affordable spectrum to deepen home internet access in Africa
Huawei Technologies has called for a collective adoption of the 2.6 GHz as the dedicated spectrum with the most cost-effective 4G Fixed Wireless Access for home broadband service to scale up the current low penetration rate.
MTN Group Fintech appoints Mudassar Aqil as Executive: BankTech
With a wealth of experience in the financial services industry, including a 12-year tenure as a CEO in the banking and fintech space, Mudassar brings with him a deep understanding of banking regulation, lending, payments, and platform strategy.
MTN Group empowers entrepreneurs with launch of 21 Days of Y'ello Care campaign
Building on the successes of prior years, the 2023 campaign underlines MTN's enduring commitment to instigating positive change within the communities it serves.
Angola Cable et Orange signent une accord de partage d'infrastructures en Afrique de l'Ouest
Angola Cables et Orange ont conclu un accord de partage des infrastructures sur le réseau Ouest-Africain de Djoliba.
Azercosmos and Intelsat’s collaboration opens the way to unreachable places in the African region
Azercosmos and the global satellite operator Intelsat have signed a commercial agreement on the joint implementation of long-term projects in the West African region.
MTN targets over 40 million small businesses across Africa with launch SME Day
MTN, Africa's telecommunications company, has announced its upcoming SME hybrid event aimed at fostering growth and providing essential resources to the continent's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
[South Africa] Vodacom partners with South Point to bring a new youth-focused store to Braamfontein
Vodacom''s new OnPoint Mobile store has opened in Braamfontein. Developed in partnership with South Point, Braamfontein's largest property owner and developer and home to more than 6 000 students, the new space delivers exciting retail design and curated consumer experiences to Africa's largest academic district.
Mobile money services reached transaction value of $1.26 trillion in 2022, report
The report, published annually by the GSMA and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, demonstrates that rates of adoption are even quicker than expected, with the number of registered mobile money accounts growing by 13% year on year, from 1.4 billion in 2021 to 1.6 billion in 2022.
[South Africa] Vodacom hands over five live sites to the Limpopo Department of Health
The sites will increase coverage and access to high-speed connectivity for hospital staff, patients, visitors and surrounding communities and help to ensure better healthcare delivery.
Safaricom profits decline to Ksh.52.48 billion
Kenya’s leading telco Safaricom profits stood at Ksh.52.48 billion in the full year ended March 2023, down from Ksh.67.49 billion recorded in the previous period.
Safaricom granted license to operate M-PESA in Ethiopia
Safaricom Ethiopia has today officially been granted the license to operate mobile money services in Ethiopia. The licence, coming seven months after the commercial launch of GSM services.
Vodacom South Africa and WWF recommit to Ocean Conservation with Global Partnership
The first-of-its-kind global partnership, which started with collaboration in South Africa in 2010, will see Vodacom SA and other Vodafone markets strengthen their commitments to the protection of biodiversity as well as their vision of using digital innovation to support the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
[Kenya] Safaricom and Elgeyo Marakwet County sign deal to digitize county services
This is part of a Safaricom led technology initiative to enable all 47counties to digitise their services and operations through a single, citizen access channel.
[Ghana] Citizens have up to 31 May to register their SIM Cards
The country’s National Communications Authority (NCA) has now confirmed that the SIM registration exercise will finally come to an end on 31 May.
Vodacom pledges additional R60 billion to boost connectivity in South Africa
This latest investment is expected to contribute significantly to enhancing network resilience to keep customers connected, further accelerating Vodacom's deep rural coverage programme to help bridge the digital divide and deepening financial inclusion.
[Kenya] Safaricom and HELB to disburse loans via M-PESA
Safaricom and the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) have today announced a partnership launching the HELB Mobile Wallet and HELB M-PESA Mini App. T
[Kenya] Safaricom increases 5G coverage to 21 counties
Safaricom has increased its 5G coverage to 28 towns across 21 counties, empowering its customers in 5G areas to enjoy superfast internet connectivity on the move, and for their homes and businesses.
AMS-IX and MDXi launch a new Internet Exchange for Lagos, Nigeria
AMS-IX, one of the largest Internet Exchange operators in the world, and MDXi, an Equinix company, are pleased to announce that they launched a new Internet Exchange in Lagos, Nigeria.
MTN Group appoints Abbad Reda CEO of Zambia
With more than 20 years of experience, Abbad has successfully delivered market share, revenue, and profit growth. Abbad joined MTN Group in 2002 and has held several senior positions, including Chief Information Officer for MTN Ghana, CEO for MTN Liberia, and is currently the CEO of MTN Afghanistan.
Airtel Rwanda and UNICEF Rwanda team up to increase access to digital learning for school children in Rwanda
Airtel Rwanda and UNICEF Rwanda has announced a partnership to help accelerate the roll-out of digital learning through connecting schools to the internet and ensuring access to learning platforms in Rwanda.
[South Africa] Alpheus Mangale takes over from Oliver Fortuin as new SEACOM Group CEO
SEACOM has announced that Alpheus Mangale is joining the company as the incoming Group Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 April 2023.
[Column] Chris Boshoff: Connecting the digital backbone
The Internet of Things (IoT) isn’t new, but it has simmered on the edges of innovation and transformation for years and now it has, as the World Economic Forum puts it, ‘quietly arrived’.
Africa Mobile Networks reaches financial close of $20M to improve mobile communications towers in rural Africa
Africa Mobile Networks Limited to announce that it has successfully reached financial close on their US$20million senior secured loan facility.
Telecom Egypt announces changes to board structure and executive management
Telecom Egypt has announced that Eng. Mohamed Nasr Eldin Mohamed Ali has been appointed as Managing Director and CEO of the company to succeed Eng. Adel Hamed Ibrahim Gadallah.
Orange et OneWeb signent un accord visant à améliorer et étendre la connectivité mondiale
Ce partenariat avec OneWeb permettra d’améliorer et d’étendre la connectivité globale d’Orange, en particulier dans les zones rurales et isolées d’Europe, d’Amérique latine et d’Afrique
Liquid Intelligent Technologies acquires Egyptian cloud and cyber security provider Cysiv MEA
The acquisition allows the London-based group with operations in Africa, UK, the US and Latin America, to bring some of the best global cloud and cyber security products to the Egyptian market.
MTN GlobalConnect partners with BICS to grow mobile and digital services across Africa
This partnership will see the complementary strengths of both companies coming together to accelerate the growth of mobile and digital services in Africa.
Santam acquires MTN South Africa device insurance book
Santam, South Africa’s leading short-term insurer, has entered into an alliance with MTN South Africa, that will see the company purchase the mobile telecommunication firm’s device insurance book.
[Kenya] Fawzia Ali replaces Sylvia Mulinge as new Safaricom Chief Consumer Business Officer
Fawzia has been holding the position in an acting capacity since July 2022 after the exit of Sylvia Mulinge who took up a new role at MTN Uganda as CEO.
Infra Impact and Prescient support Eagle Towers expansion
Infra Impact Investment Managers has helped its portfolio company, Eagle Towers, secure a ZAR100m senior secured loan facility to support Eagle Towers’ growth and expansion plans.
SEACOM goes live on Equiano subsea cable
The cable now forms part of SEACOM’s subsea cable ecosystem surrounding Africa, which is supported by a continent-wide IP-MPLS network.
[Kenya] Safaricom partners with Huawei to unveil 5G experience centres in Nairobi
The three centres, located in Safaricom’s Village Market, The Hub and Buruburu Shops, will showcase the superfast speeds and cutting-edge devices that come with 5G connectivity.
[ChatGPT Biography] Mo Ibrahim, Founder of Celtel International
Artificial Intelligence is taking the world by storm. As an experiment, Africa Business Communities is publishing a series of 100 biographies of the most successful entrepreneurs in Africa. We only ask the questions and let ChatGPT write.
[ChatGPT Biography] Mike Adenuga, Founder of Globacom
Artificial Intelligence is taking the world by storm. As an experiment, Africa Business Communities is publishing a series of 100 biographies of the most successful entrepreneurs in Africa. We only ask the questions and let ChatGPT write.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Digitization on all fronts, tech takes the lead
There is an obvious, increasing amount of technology awareness, and appeals for more extensive technology trainings in Nigeria.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Investments take priority over all
With global inflation spiraling out of control, every country is working harder than ever to welcome new enterprise and business. Nigeria made great progress in this in recent months.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Local fintech spreads to East Africa, oil and gas find major milestone
Nigeria, like other countries of the world, is going through some economically turbulent times. Inflation is on the rise (recently pegged at 21.9%) and local startups are directly impacted by financial crises on the other side of the world.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Gas price triggers ripple effect across industries
Nigeria’s inflation as of the month of May stood at 17.71%, but economists are now predicting just a month later a new figure we can expect at the end of this year.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Banks move into East Africa, telecom pushes NSE profit
The telecom industry this week recorded a peculiar development – the massive registration of Nigerian SIM card holders.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Banks rally behind women-led SMEs
The NNPC has an approximated value of 50 trillion naira. With oil and gas infrastructure in Nigeria constantly plagued by mischief and vandalism, an ECOWAS expert has profferred a very interesting solution to this persisting problem
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Region bets on $91.5 million budget to drive economic integration
This week, the East African Community has tabled before the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) the budget estimates for the 2022/2023 Financial Year totaling $91.5 million.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Telecoms slide into banking, Central Bank ups interest rates
The last few days have shown us developments and setbacks, statistics that show growth on the one hand and room for improvement on the other.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: DR Congo’s factor in the integration agenda
The recent entry of the Democratic Republic of Congo to the East African Community has heralded a new economic dispensation expanding the regional market.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Digitization set to penetrate capital market, investment
Given the economic situation spreading across the globe in the last couple of years, it is with some optimism we can take the modest increase in Nigeria’s GDP.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: FG targets unidentified sim cards, CBN targets non-compliant banks
Events this week have taken an interesting turn – investors have in the last few days demonstrated a lack of confidence in the banking sector, otherwise known for its resilience in the face of economic instability.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Telcos break new ground, digital loans gain momentum
Instant loans, sometimes called digital loans, are gaining speed in the country and the telecom sector took some giant steps forward this week.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Persistent shortages and inflation call for new measures
Africa has in the past decade positioned itself as a knowledge economy, with one of the most robust startup ecosystems in the world.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Crude industry facts underlining the Nigerian economy
The Nigerian stock market indicators have shown lately a typical pattern in stock markets – investors stay loyal to the resilient stocks.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Investing in women-led businesses to deepen integration
East African member states, private sector players and development partners have stepped up their investment in women-led businesses and SMEs in a move likely to impact cross-border trade and boost integration in the region.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Economic conditions returning to pre-pandemic levels
The startup movement has picked up pace in Nigeria over the last decade, with the government and responsible agencies ramping up efforts in motivating the burgeoning industry.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: What EU’s lifting of financial sanctions on Burundi means for EAC
The EU made the decision in the wake of deteriorating political situation occasioned by a disputed presidential election in 2015.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: What 2022 portends for East Africa
As the East African Community, EAC, member states eye innovative ways of deepening integration and trading more with each other, the bloc and individual countries are putting in place mechanisms, policies and legislation that seek to address longstanding hiccups that have put the brakes on seamless regional trade.
COVID-19 brings Work-From-Home to Africa; What has been the impact on businesses so far?
The Covid-19 crisis has pierced through the fabric of every layer of society, leaving virtually no country unscathed. The consequences for businesses has been significant and African economies have had to make rapid changes to their way of doing business.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: The 'ember' months performance review
The end of year (fondly referred to as ‘ember months’) tends to bring about anxieties of different sorts among Nigerians.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Industries unanimously look toward renewable, sustainable practices
The Covid-19 crisis has been cause for numerous economic slumps round the world; companies were shut down, production halted, industries crippled and prices skyrocketed the world over.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: A 5G promise looms, global trade predictions show winning numbers
Nigeria’s tactic is one of sharpening the sectors that have shown promise (such as technology, agriculture and banking) while throwing resources at those that have been in a work-in-progress mode for years.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Nigeria enters green market, takes on AfCFTA implementation
The collaboration of government with industries is crucial for economic progress, be the market large or small. Nigeria knows this and is taking steps to work closely and create better transparency in one of the country’s most robust industries.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Q3 stats show industries thriving, strong investor confidence
Nigeria earns every week its place as Africa’s largest economy. While subject to the typical ups and downs any market is expected to have, its mere size guarantees a general continuity of business operations even in the face of a spiraling inflation trend.
[Rwanda] MTN considers setting up financial tech firm
MTN Rwanda is considering setting up an independent company to take on and operate its financial technology operations.
South African entrepreneurs who made the best of the COVID-19 pandemic
On the evening of 23 March, South Africans gathered around their television sets to listen to arguably the most important announcement of this year. At the time, the nation was on edge.
[Kenya Business Week] No to robots in banks
Even as Kenya continues to record impressive penetration of technology, a section of citizens still prefer the brick and mortar services and are still apprehensive about embracing new innovations among them machine intelligence.
[Kenya Business Week] US key investment target in Africa
US has reiterating its commitment to strong partnerships with key countries in Africa, specifically naming Kenya as a target for future US aid and investment.
[Kenya Business Week] Competition, customer service drive expansion binge
As customers demand top notch services grows and competition reach fever pitch, companies are investing millions to improve infrastructure and service quality.
[SA Business Week] Propelling economic growth with aviation, telecommunication sectors
The South Africa aviation and telecommunication sectors continue to drive the country’s economic growth while assisting the country reap from existing and emerging markets locally and internationally.
[SA Business Week] Mixed fortunes for public and private sectors
The public and private sectors have this week recorded heightened activities with partnerships, trade and capital markets dominating headlines.
[SA Business Week] Investment wave boosts country’s earnings, attractiveness
South Africa continues to be the continent’s preferred destination for international investors due to its competitive market, favorable political climate, a booming middle class and strategic location.
[Kenya Business Week] Manufacturing, automation and job creation nexus
Even with mounting fears that rapid automation could reduce the number of jobs in the Kenya’s manufacturing sector, a new report posits that digital technologies can, in fact, boost job creation.
[Interview] Ahmad Sayed, Regional Director, Nexign, Middle East and Africa
Ahmad Sayed is Regional Director, Middle East and Africa at Nexign, a business support systems provider company currently planning its entry into the African market.
[SA Business Week] Telcos shine at AfricaCom, A2X gains new traders
AfricaCom is Africa’s largest tech, media and telcos annual festival where digital Africa interacts, learns, debates and ultimately make deals.
[Kenya Business Week] Flying into new opportunities
African countries have been pushing for an open skies agreement to make intra Africa trade and movement cheaper and faster.
[SA Business Week] Opening businesses to the world, growing markets
In the recent years, South Africa has continued to prove that it is one of the most diverse and promising emerging markets in Africa. The country has become a key global hub for investment, innovation and research.
[Kenya Business Week] Cementing bilateral relations with South Africa, China
As Kenya continues to cement its position as East Africa’s economic powerhouse, it has been on a charm offensive targeting African and global public and private players.
[Kenya Business Week] Breathing new life into SMEs
Small and medium sized businesses in Kenya represents 75 per cent of the country's workforce, constitute 98 percent of all businesses in Kenya and contribute 3 percent to the national purse.
Your complimentary report: Lessons learned from Africa's massive data breach
Cybercrime has dominated South Africa’s news headlines throughout the course of 2018, as one high-profile attack follows another on an almost monthly basis
[SA Business Week] Key sectors appointments and a busy air route
October is already proving to be a great month for the South African business and economy, maybe even greater. With only a week into the month, three South Africans have been appointed for senior positions in the ICT, aviation and engineering sectors.
[Nigeria Business Week] Calling for free-trade, efficient energy
The possibility of free trade within Africa is an ongoing one, to which several African countries have pledged their support and signed their agreements. Though Nigeria has shown caution in joining The Agreement, its one champion is Aliko Dangote, Nigerian industrialist and wealthiest African.
[South Africa Business Week] JSE grows listing portfolio
This week, the ever aggressive South African business world has seen two major companies, Vivo energy and Naspers all set to list on Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).
[Kenya Business Week] Fertilizer shortage and the ripple effects
Mergers, expansions, partnerships, taxation controversy and delays at major installations have dominated Kenya’s headlines this week.
[South Africa Business Week] Monash South Africa is now AdvTech owned
ADvTECH has announced the acquisition of Monash South Africa (MSA), a leading South African private tertiary education institution with students from more than 50 countries.
[South Africa Business Week] Why SA entrepreneurs are not thriving
A Study carried out on more than 1000 entrepreneurs in South Africa revealed that entrepreneurship in South Africa is not thriving, despite the fact that South Africa is one of Africa's strongest economies.
[Kenya Business Week] Unity of purpose in war on counterfeits
Each year counterfeit goods cost the Kenyan economy $300 million in a well-oiled illicit trade that has not only taken away the citizen’s right to quality and genuine products, but put their lives at risk by infiltrating their markets with substandard goods.
[Kenya Business Week] Cementing US trade with direct flights
Known for its aggressive approach in selling its economic sectors, Kenya has this week been on a charm offensive, as both public and private players step up efforts to win investors and grow businesses.
[Nigeria Business Week] Collaborations birth opportunities
The forming and maintaining of strategic, mutually beneficial partnerships is pertinent to the development of any economy, especially a growing one like Nigeria.
[Kenya Business Week] Power to businesses
As Kenya now fully recovers from a grueling election that took a toll on its economy, key sectors are experienced renewed resurgence and the business climate is promising.
[Nigeria Business Week] Industries' growth encourage investments
At first glance, one cannot help but notice that Nigeria is prime ground for investment. Any doubts as to that fact are dissolved when you examine the sheer number of startups being funded, especially in the ICT sector.
[Vacancy] Freelance African Tech Journalist
Africa Business Communities will be developing a Tech Platform on its website and is therefore looking for a freelance journalist/webmaster
AfricaCom 2017 | 7-9 November | Cape Town | Register for free
Get your free AfricaCom visitor ticket and join the biggest gathering of Telecoms & Technology enthusiasts on the continent.
[Column] Mariam Abdullahi: The top 4 digital transformation priorities for African telecoms operators
After nearly two decades of uninhibited growth and profitability, African telecoms operators (telcos) are facing the converging forces of digital disruption.
[Free Webinar] Utilizing dynamic partnerships to ignite innovation in Africa
This webinar addresses how Qualcomm® empowers stakeholders and innovators through access to multinational resources.
2nd Annual Call Center Conference Africa | 22-24 August 2017 | Nairobi, Kenya
There is a growing desire to digitise African contact centres in order to make them as competitive, cost-efficient and customer-centric as possible. These emerging centres are being designed to exceed the expectations of an increasingly digital African population
Nigerian Communications Commission approves harmonized short codes
The Commission has already set a deadline of May 17, 2023, for all mobile networks to fully migrate from hitherto diverse short codes to the harmonised codes.
MTN Group appoints Marcin Waligora as Executive: Software Engineering
With more than 20 years of progressive experience, exceptional technical skills, and solid business acumen, Marcin joins MTN Group from Citigroup in Tampa, USA.
13th edition of Orange Social Venture Prize in Africa launched
The competition which is open to candidates from the 17 countries within the Orange footprint will see winning projects take home €25,000 in cash prizes.
[Kenya] Nairobi County partners with Safaricom to revamp revenue collection
Under the partnership, Safaricom will develop and host “My Nairobi App” which will include app, website and shortcode
[South Africa] SEACOM Group CEO Oliver Fortuin resigns
According to a statement from the telecommunications and managed services provider, Olivier will continue to serve in his position until June this year.
Telkom partners with Clickatell to launch mobile messaging payments in South Africa
Responding to the growing demand for fast, digital, self-help services, Telkom now deploys to its customers the Chat 2 Pay pay-by-link capability in WhatsApp.
Airtel Africa selects Nokia’s iSIM in SaaS delivery model to support its digitization efforts
Nokia today announced that Airtel Africa has selected its iSIM Secure Connect technology, in a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) delivery model, as part of the operator’s wider digitalization efforts.
Orange and OneWeb signs agreement to enhance and expand global connectivity
Partnership with OneWeb will improve and expand Orange’s overall connectivity, particularly in rural and remote areas across Europe, Latin America and Africa, and complement Orange’s market leading position for backhauling in regions such as Africa.
COLUMNS.
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[Column] Sinenhlanhla Zulu: Gender-smart infrastructure must be delivered at scale
Africa’s development finance community has set its sights on plugging the annual infrastructure investment gap ...read full column here
[Column] Pankaj Bedi: High production costs hurting Kenya’s apparel exports
The textiles and apparel sector is the third largest exporter in Kenya after horticulture and tea ...read full column here
[Column] NJ Ayuk: The outlook for African oil in 2023 is promising
Russian energy supplies to Europe continue to decline in the wake of the Ukraine war, Africa is poised to increase its oil and natural gas exports to the continent ...read full column here
INTERVIEWS.
[Interview] Anne-Marie Chidzero, Chief Investment Officer at FSD Africa Investments
Anne-Marie Chidzero, chief investment officer at FSD Africa Investments, talks about the risks and opportunities in backing Africa’s early-stage startups … read full interview here
[Interview] Awe Oludayo, Managing Partner, OS Concepts, Nigeria
Awe Oludayo is a business analyst with specialties in business process improvement, business process improvement and business process management … read full interview here
[Interview] Dr. Allan Pamba, Executive Vice President, Africa, Roche Diagnostics
Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve people’s lives … read full interview here
B2B Events
INC. Networking Event | Johannesburg South Africa | 13 June 2023
Are you looking to meet like-minded business people who can add value to your business? Look no further and join this INC. Networking Event! The big difference between INC. Networking and ... read full details here
The Africa Trade Expo (TATE) | Virtual Conference and Trade Show | 9 March 2022 - 9 March 2023
The Africa Trade Expo (TATE) presents direct access to African buyers whose main aim is to source the latest products, establish partnerships, and conclude import/export deals ... read full details here
Future Foods | African Food & Beverage Industries Virtual Conference & Trade Show | 9 March 2022 - 9 March 2023
Future Foods is a virtual meeting place for importers, F&B managers, retail category buyers, owner-operators, agents, and distributors from across Africa’s diverse and booming ... read full details here