Paula Gilbert

Intelsat, AMN expand rural coverage across Africa

Paula Gilbert
12/1/2023

Satellite operator Intelsat and off-grid tower provider Africa Mobile Networks (AMN) have now deployed more than 3,000 rural base satellite antennas across Africa, with plans for more deployments in 2024.

SA regulator warns against 'illegal' Starlink equipment sales

Paula Gilbert
11/29/2023

South Africa's communications regulator ICASA has warned companies that are illegally importing and selling Starlink satellite Internet terminals in South Africa, saying the service is not licensed to operate in the country.

Orange walks away from Ethio Telecom acquisition

Paula Gilbert
11/28/2023

French telecoms operator Orange Group has decided not to buy a minority stake in Ethiopian state-owned operator Ethio Telecom.

Orange launches super app 'Max it' for Africa

Paula Gilbert
11/24/2023

Telecoms operator Orange has launched its own super app, called Max it, in five African countries with plans to roll it out across its operations in Africa and the Middle East.

Raxio launches flagship data center in Ethiopia

Paula Gilbert
11/22/2023

Raxio Data Centres has announced the launch of a new flagship facility in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and promises more African data centers in 2024.

Telkom SA in talks to sell towers portfolio

Paula Gilbert
11/21/2023

Telkom South Africa has entered into exclusive negotiations with an unnamed bidder for the potential sale of its masts and towers subsidiary Swiftnet.

Vodacom interim revenue boosted by Egyptian acquisition

Paula Gilbert
11/13/2023

Vodacom Group saw a 35.5% bump in half-year revenue spurred by its investment in Vodafone Egypt last year.

Cassava Tech Talks Ep. 3: Connecting the next billion

Paula Gilbert
11/9/2023

In the latest Cassava Tech Talks podcast we discuss Africa's connectivity mix and how satellite and subsea cables factor into overcoming connectivity gaps on the continent. Guests are David Eurin, CEO of Liquid Dataport, and Dobek Pater, analyst and director at Africa Analysis. #sponsored

Orange eyes more African 5G launches in 2024

Paula Gilbert
11/8/2023

Orange Middle East and Africa CEO, Jérôme Hénique, told Connecting Africa that the group plans to launch 5G services in most of its African operations by the end of 2024, with Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire first in line.

MainOne expands data center footprint in Côte d'Ivoire

Paula Gilbert
11/7/2023

West African connectivity and data center solutions provider MainOne, which is owned by Equinix, has launched a data center in Côte d'Ivoire.

Vodacom SA, Old Mutual to offer personal loans

Paula Gilbert
11/2/2023

Telecoms operator Vodacom is expanding its lending business to now offer personal loans in South Africa through a partnership with credit provider Old Mutual Finance.

Kenya opens smartphone assembly factory

Paula Gilbert
11/1/2023

Kenya has officially opened a local device assembly factory with capacity to produce up to 3 million smartphones per year at a price point of around $50.

MTN to appeal tax demand in Nigeria

Paula Gilbert
10/31/2023

MTN plans to appeal a hefty tax demand it has received in its largest market of Nigeria.

Airtel Uganda closes IPO

Paula Gilbert
10/27/2023

Airtel Uganda is closing its initial public offering (IPO) on October 27, 2023, ahead of its listing on the Uganda Securities Exchange on November 7, 2023.

Raxio raises additional $46M for data center growth, CEO plans exit

Paula Gilbert
10/25/2023

African data center operator Raxio has secured an additional $46 million in equity funding from existing shareholders Roha and Meridiam, while CEO Robert Mullins announced plans to step down in the second half of 2024.

Yahsat to launch satellite services in South Sudan

Paula Gilbert
10/24/2023

Satellite communications company Yahsat will launch mobility and data services in South Sudan through its companies Thuraya and YahClick and a partnership with local start-up Gate for Technologies.

MTN appoints Liquid veteran to head ICT Centre of Excellence

Paula Gilbert
10/23/2023

Liquid C2 CEO David Behr is leaving Liquid Intelligent Technologies to become head of MTN's ICT Centre of Excellence.

MWC Kigali 2023: Closing the mobile usage gap – GSMA

Paula Gilbert
10/20/2023

In sub-Saharan Africa 59% of people who are covered by a mobile network are still not using the mobile Internet – GSMA execs at MWC Kigali 2023 discussed the barriers holding back adoption and why it's important to close this usage gap.

Cassava Tech Talks Ep. 2: Solving Africa's energy crisis

Paula Gilbert
10/19/2023

In the latest Cassava Tech Talks podcast we discuss the role of distributed energy as a solution for Africa's energy crisis. Guests are Norman Moyo, CEO of Distributed Power Africa, and Frost & Sullivan consultant Patrick Prestele. #sponsored

MWC Kigali 2023: Three strategies for digital transformation – ITU

Paula Gilbert
10/18/2023

ITU Secretary General Doreen Bogdan-Martin told MWC Kigali in Rwanda that closing the mobile usage gap, building partnerships and investing in sustainable digital transformation are key focus areas for Africa's digital future.

Paratus adds two fiber links between Mozambique, South Africa

Paula Gilbert
10/13/2023

Connectivity solutions provider Paratus Group is launching two new cross-border fiber links between Mozambique and South Africa.

SpaceX's Starlink launches in Zambia

Paula Gilbert
10/9/2023

SpaceX's satellite Internet service, Starlink, has added another African nation to its list, with services now available in Zambia.

Microsoft, M-Pesa partner to support MSME digital skills

Paula Gilbert
10/4/2023

Microsoft and M-Pesa Africa are partnering to digitize skilling for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, the DRC and Tanzania.

SA's Bank Zero launches app-based business banking

Paula Gilbert
10/3/2023

South African digital bank, Bank Zero, has made the move into commercial banking, taking on traditional banks in the market with its zero monthly fees proposition.

MTN SA launches MoMo business wallet, remittance service

Paula Gilbert
9/29/2023

MTN's Mobile Money platform (MoMo) has announced more services in South Africa including a business wallet, a streamlined payments feature and international remittances.

Vodacom KZN to invest $53M into network improvement, rural sites

Paula Gilbert
9/22/2023

Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) will invest over R1 billion (US$53 million) this financial year into its network — to increase capacity and resilience and accelerate connectivity, particularly in rural areas of the SA province.

Cassava Tech Talks, Ep. 1: Building African Intelligence

Paula Gilbert
9/21/2023

The pilot episode of the Cassava Tech Talks podcast covers the transformative power of technology to reduce the digital divide by leveraging true African Intelligence. Guests are Hardy Pemhiwa, Group CEO of Cassava Technologies, and Hendrik Malan, CEO of Frost & Sullivan Sub-Saharan Africa. #sponsored

Interoperability key for mobile financial inclusion – AfricaNenda

Paula Gilbert
9/20/2023

AfricaNenda Deputy CEO Sabine Mensah believes that increased interoperability in Africa's fintech sector and more policy harmonization will aid financial inclusion.

Bob van Dijk steps down as Naspers, Prosus CEO

Paula Gilbert
9/19/2023

Bob van Dijk – the CEO of Africa's biggest listed company, Naspers, and Dutch technology investment company Prosus – has stepped down with immediate effect.

MTN signs IoT deal in SA, e-waste recycling project in Benin

Paula Gilbert
9/18/2023

MTN South Africa announced a partnership with Eseye, a global provider of Internet of Things (IoT) services, while MTN Benin has opened up about an e-waste recycling project in collaboration with Ericsson.

Ethiopia gives global investors more time to apply for telecom license

Paula Gilbert
9/15/2023

The Ethiopian Communications Authority has extended the deadline for international operators to show interest in applying for a new telecom license to operate in the country.

Liquid launches Kenya-Ethiopia, Zambia-Malawi fiber routes

Paula Gilbert
9/14/2023

Liquid Intelligent Technologies has announced the launch of two new terrestrial fiber routes connecting Kenya to Ethiopia and Zambia to Malawi.

SA government pledges $158M for 'SA Connect' program by 2025

Paula Gilbert
9/13/2023

South Africa plans to spend R3 billion (US$158 million) by 2025 on its 'SA Connect' project, which aims to connect all government municipalities, healthcare facilities and schools to the Internet.

MTN Nigeria terminates tower deal with IHS, picks ATC

Paula Gilbert
9/11/2023

Telecom operator MTN is changing its tower supplier in Nigeria, ending a deal with IHS Nigeria and signing with American Tower Corporation (ATC) from 2025 onward.

4Sight Holdings ramps up 4IR, enterprise tech expansion

Paula Gilbert
9/8/2023

4Sight Holdings CEO Tertius Zitzke spoke with Connecting Africa about the diversified technology group's expansion plans in Africa and globally, as demand for digital transformation and fourth industrial revolution (4IR) tech grows in the enterprise market.

Vodacom, Eskom sign 'virtual wheeling' power deal in SA

Paula Gilbert
8/31/2023

Telecom operator Vodacom has signed a "virtual wheeling agreement" with state-owned power company Eskom, which aims to help accelerate efforts to solve South Africa's energy crisis.

Power cuts, Cell C impact SA's Blue Label Telecoms earnings

Paula Gilbert
8/30/2023

South Africa's Blue Label Telecoms' full year earnings have again been negatively impacted by its investment in mobile operator Cell C, as well as rolling blackouts that plagued the country over the past year.

African fintechs raised $2.7B since 2021 – Disrupt Africa

Paula Gilbert
8/29/2023

Disrupt Africa's 'Finnovating for Africa' 2023 report found that the number of African fintech startups grew 17.7% over the past two years and they raised more than $2.7 billion in funding.

Ghana to establish neutral shared infrastructure for 5G

Paula Gilbert
8/25/2023

Ghana will establish a neutral shared infrastructure company to deliver nationwide 4G and 5G services, according to Communications and Digitalisation Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful.

Airtel Chad fined $8.3M for deteriorating network

Paula Gilbert
8/21/2023

Chad's telecoms regulator has slapped Airtel Chad with a fine of 5 billion Central Africa CFA francs (US$8.3 million) for poor network quality.

MTN SA CTIO leaves, two execs replace him

Paula Gilbert
8/18/2023

MTN South Africa's Chief Technology and Information Officer (CTIO) Michele Gamberini has resigned, and his role has been split with two new execs appointed.

2Africa submarine cable lands in Mozambique

Paula Gilbert
8/17/2023

Vodacom has landed the latest section of the 2Africa submarine cable in the city of Nacala in northern Mozambique.

Safaricom launches M-Pesa in Ethiopia

Paula Gilbert
8/17/2023

Mobile financial services platform M-Pesa is now officially live in Ethiopia, three months after Safaricom Ethiopia was given a license to operate mobile money in the country.

MAZIV embarks on $21M SA fiber expansion project

Paula Gilbert
8/16/2023

MAZIV, the parent company of fiber infrastructure providers Dark Fibre Africa (DFA) and Vumatel, has embarked on a R400 million (US$21 million) infrastructure expansion project in South Africa.

Liquid Intelligent Technologies launches Gaborone metro fiber ring in Botswana

Paula Gilbert
8/15/2023

Liquid Intelligent Technologies has launched its Gaborone Metro Ring, aiming to boost connectivity for businesses in Botswana.

Mastercard to buy stake in MTN's $5.2B fintech business

Paula Gilbert
8/14/2023

MTN Group announced that Mastercard plans to become a minority investor in its fintech business, which the pan-African telco values at $5.2 billion.

Safaricom Ethiopia closes $257M IFC deal

Paula Gilbert
8/8/2023

Safaricom Ethiopia has closed a deal with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) which includes an equity investment of $157.4 million and a $100 million loan.

Uber Eats pledges $10.7M investment in SA, after competition watchdog report

Paula Gilbert
8/4/2023

Uber Eats promised to invest R200 million (US$10.7 million) to create economic opportunities for youth in South Africa's low-income areas just days after landing in hot water with the country's Competition Commission.

Emtel launches 5G in Mauritius

Paula Gilbert
8/3/2023

Telecoms operator Emtel has become the second operator to launch 5G services in the island nation of Mauritius.

5G launches in Uganda, Zambia

Paula Gilbert
8/2/2023

MTN and Airtel have both launched 5G services in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, and Airtel has begun rolling out 5G in Zambian capital Lusaka.

<<
<
Page 2 / 2

View Content by Month

[close this box]

Latest resources

More Information resources

Innovation hub

Story

Four agritech startups to watch in 2024

Connecting Africa has compiled a list of four agritech startups that are making a difference in the communities they serve.

Story

Paymentology looks to strengthen its African roots

Global issuer-processor Paymentology's CEO Jeff Parker spoke to Connecting Africa about the company's African roots and aspirations to work with more banks, fintechs and enterprises both on the continent and globally.

More Innovation hub

Latest video

Partner perspectives

Empowering Africa through enhanced global connectivity

By China Mobile International

Accelerating Africa's business opportunities with an adaptable 5G

By Red Hat

Future proof your business with integrated customer experience

By Digital Solutions Group

Boosting digital inclusion for socio-economic improvement

By Amdocs

How innovative device financing can help Africa's mobile evolution

By Trustonic

All Partner Perspectives

Tweets by connect__africa

Industry announcements

New Africa eGovernance Conference comes to Rwanda
Kigali, Rwanda, Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Africa Tech Festival announces finalists for Startup World Cup
Johannesburg, Friday, October 27, 2023
AfricaIgnite Hosts the African leg of the Startup World Cup at ATF
Johannesburg, Wednesday, October 11, 2023

More Industry announcements

Upcoming events

Africa Tech Festival 2024

November 11-14, 2024
Cape Town, South Africa

More Upcoming events

Africa Tech Perspectives

Story

Uber's Marjorie Saint-Lot on inclusion and sustainability in Africa

Uber's Country Manager for Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire, Marjorie Saint-Lot, shares how the ride-hailing company is approaching public-private partnerships, environmentally friendly initiatives and gender inclusion in Africa.

Story

The 100 most influential African leaders in 2023

A new report from Africa Tech Festival and Connecting Africa puts a spotlight on the top 100 African leaders in the telecoms and technology sector in 2023.

Story

Deep dive into East Africa's tech startup ecosystem

New survey reveals a lack of access to investors, reliance on international VCs and global recession trends as the biggest barriers for East African tech startups to access funds.

More Africa Tech perspectives

Guest Perspectives

Story

Omdia View: February 2024

By Omdia Analysts

Highlights in February 2024 in the Middle East and Africa included 5G launches in Senegal and 5G trials in Egypt as well as Kenya's first 5G MVNO. Airtel also launched a new wholesale connectivity business while MTN and Huawei are planning a joint Innovation Technology Lab in South Africa – that and more in this month's Omdia View.

Story

Omdia View: January 2024

By Omdia Analysts

Highlights in January 2024 in the Middle East and Africa included a $200 million fintech deal between MTN and Mastercard as well as 5G network trials by Telecom Egypt – that and more in this month's Omdia View.

More Guest Perspectives

Paula Gilbert

Latest resources

Innovation hub

Latest video

Partner perspectives

Sponsored video

Twitter Feed

Industry announcements

Upcoming events

Africa Tech Perspectives

Guest Perspectives

Like us on Facebook

Newsletter Sign Up