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Partner programme unlocks growth for niche ISPs. (Image source: Vox)

Internet

Andre Eksteen, senior product manager – FTTB at Vox, highlights how niche internet service providers (ISPs) in South Africa play a critical role in delivering connectivity to underserved areas

Yet, their growth is often constrained by the high capital investment required to build and maintain complex network infrastructure. To address this challenge, Vox, one of South Africa’s leading internet and communications companies, has launched the Vox Partner Programme, allowing ISPs to leverage Vox’s extensive network infrastructure, peering agreements, technical expertise, and operational support while they focus on delivering exceptional service to their customers.

Smaller ISPs provide reliable broadband and voice services in areas often overlooked by larger providers. However, they face multiple barriers, including limited economies of scale, infrastructure investment challenges, and the absence of long-standing vendor relationships. These hurdles make it difficult for new and mid-sized players to compete effectively.

ISPs must secure high-quality network equipment, implement Business Support Systems (BSS) and Operations Support Systems (OSS), and build skilled technical teams to manage complex networks. They also contend with high interconnect costs and the need to negotiate peering and caching agreements with major technology companies such as Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Netflix. Many of these agreements include minimum capacity thresholds, which can be cost-prohibitive for smaller providers.

Modern customers expect comprehensive solutions that combine multiple access technologies such as fibre, wireless, and satellite with voice and PBX functionality, delivered with reliability and speed. Meeting these demands is often impossible for niche ISPs, making it challenging to thrive in the market.

Expand without the heavy lifting: Vox partner programme

The Vox Partner Programme enables ISPs to overcome these challenges by leveraging Vox’s experience in building and managing network infrastructure, delivering broadband and voice services to hundreds of thousands of customers nationwide, and providing access to commercial partnerships with a wide range of access providers.

Key benefits for small and mid-sized ISPs include:

Seamless integration with flexible topologies: Vox adapts to each ISP’s setup, offering multiple connection options including point-to-point, ring, or mesh configurations to minimise disruption.

Premium infrastructure and expertise:

ISPs gain cost-effective access to carrier-grade routers, switches, and skilled technicians without overinvesting in scale. This allows them to focus on customer acquisition and service excellence.

Ecosystem partnerships:

ISPs can leverage Vox’s commercial agreements to access 10 FTTB networks, 18 FTTH networks, and 6 WTTB networks. They can also bypass minimum requirements and secure peering and caching with global platforms like Google and Netflix at manageable volumes.

Tailored services: Modular, scalable offerings from wholesale bandwidth to advanced voice solutions enable ISPs to grow at their own pace while delivering high uptime and low-latency performance to customers.

The Partner Programme is designed specifically for emerging and mid-sized ISPs ready to expand without the heavy lifting. Vox takes on the fixed costs, network management, upstream relationships, and operational complexities, freeing ISPs to focus on their unique value proposition. This approach enables smart, sustainable growth for providers of all sizes.

ISPs wishing to join the programme need an ECS Licence, billing and network management systems, Teraco presence, CPE installation capability, and first-line support. For national and international core network capacity, partners may use their own infrastructure or leverage Vox’s world-class backbone to deliver exceptional service.

The collaboration aims to deliver affordable, high-quality mobile connectivity to underserved and remote communities across Africa

Mobile

Vanu, Inc., a leading provider of mobile network infrastructure designed to help operators profitably serve rural areas, has entered a strategic partnership with Amazon’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network, Project Kuiper

The collaboration aims to deliver affordable, high-quality mobile connectivity to underserved and remote communities across Africa, beginning with southern Africa.

Vanu’s mission centres on bridging the global digital divide by connecting those who remain unconnected. Its innovative coverage solutions already enable millions of people in isolated regions across multiple continents to access mobile networks

Through the integration of Amazon’s advanced satellite network into its portfolio, Vanu will strengthen its capacity to deliver reliable connectivity while partnering with a globally recognised technology leader.

Project Kuiper currently has over 150 satellites in orbit and continues to expand its growing constellation. Leveraging this infrastructure, Vanu plans to deploy its “Coverage as a Service” model, using Amazon’s low-latency backhaul connectivity to provide mobile broadband to rural populations starting in 2026.

By utilising satellite backhaul, Vanu can bypass the high costs and complexity of traditional telecom expansion, enabling access to high-speed communication for education, healthcare, commerce, and emergency response in remote communities.

“We are energized by this opportunity to accelerate our mission,” said Andrew Beard, CEO of Vanu. “Amazon’s low Earth orbit constellation gives us the scale, reliability, and performance to reach areas that have been technologically excluded for far too long. Together, we can reshape what is possible for rural connectivity worldwide.”

“Project Kuiper was created to help connect customers and communities beyond the reach of existing networks, and our backhaul solutions are an important part of that vision,” said Chris Weber, Vice President of Consumer and Enterprise for Project Kuiper. “Vanu has a proven track record connecting some of the hardest-to-reach places on the planet. Using satellite-based connectivity from Amazon, they can enable mobile network operators to reach more subscribers in more places.”

The partnership will begin in southern Africa, where Vanu and Amazon plan to showcase a sustainable and scalable framework for rural connectivity. By merging Vanu’s innovative terrestrial technology with Project Kuiper’s global satellite broadband capabilities, the collaboration aims to establish a replicable model for inclusive digital growth, setting the foundation for long-term global impact.

LEO services enhance AD Ports digital transformation. (Image source: AD Ports Group)

Satellite

AD Ports Group, a global leader in trade, logistics, and industrial services, has begun the deployment of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services across its worldwide fleet and terminal operations

This initiative represents a major advancement in the Group’s digital transformation strategy, designed to provide vessels with real-time data and ensure resilient, uninterrupted connectivity for ports and terminals. The move is expected to enhance efficiency and support fuel savings.

The rollout commenced this month following agreements signed with two leading global LEO satellite service providers.

Mohamed Jamal-Eddine, group chief information officer, AD Ports Group, said, “LEO satellite connectivity serves as the digital backbone that unlocks the full potential of our technology ecosystem. With high-speed, low-latency communications, we can deploy advanced AI applications for predictive maintenance, dynamic route optimisation, and automated cargo tracking in real-time. This is not just about faster connectivity; it's about creating a smart, resilient infrastructure that maintains business continuity even in the most remote areas. By integrating this connectivity with our IoT sensors, smart port platforms, and AI analytics, we are building a truly connected supply chain that provides unparalleled visibility and control to our customers and partners.”

The phased introduction has started on several vessels within the Group’s 270-ship fleet. With high-speed, low-latency communications, LEO services enable real-time vessel tracking, predictive maintenance, and dynamic route optimisation.

The satellite-enabled digital backbone will also drive AI-powered applications at sea, such as smarter voyage planning, fuel optimisation, and advanced safety monitoring, unlocking efficiencies previously restricted by limited connectivity.

At the port level, deployment is expanding to AD Ports Group’s network of 34 terminals across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Southwest Asia. The technology will deliver uninterrupted communications and operational continuity, particularly in remote regions and during critical activities. It will also bolster cargo monitoring, emergency response coordination, and service reliability.

This initiative aligns with AD Ports Group’s wider digitalisation programme, which includes smart port platforms, integrated supply chain systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) adoption. With LEO satellite connectivity serving as the foundation, these systems will now deliver richer, real-time insights and greater automation across the Group’s global operations.

Through the introduction of LEO satellite services, AD Ports Group underscores its commitment to driving digital innovation and sustainable growth in the global maritime sector. The Group intends to continue investing in advanced technologies and strategic alliances to deliver world-class solutions that benefit customers, partners, and stakeholders worldwide.

Brady boosts reliability for field cable labelling. (Image source: Brady)

Commerce

In the rain, heat or cold. In dark, tight crawlspaces, manholes or high up in antennas and poles. If you need to print labels, Brady enables you to do that fast, right on the first try and with labels that last up to 20 years

From self-laminating cable labels and cable flags, through sleeves and tags, up to unique engraved plate replacements and BradyGrip identification for Velcro cable ties - all these and much more you can design and print in the field with Brady mobile label printers.

In addition, Brady offers an intelligent and affordable solution that helps ensure you have all your trusted tools with you. All of the time. Check out our field installer identification solutions that enable faster interventions.

 

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* Fast field printing: Built for speed and mobility, our tough mobile label printers print any reliable label your installation requires, anywhere.

* Reliable labels: Use reliable labels that stay attached and remain legible on cables and components for up to 20 years, in any installation.
* All tools present: Confirm vehicle inventories in seconds, digitally and automatically. Select a missing asset to home in for fast retrieval.

Brady develops and manufactures every component in its solution. Tested in in-house laboratories, each component is designed to withstand the wear and tear of field interventions, including exposure to UV, dust and moisture. Used by large telecom groups in France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, Brady labels are field-tested after having been developed in in-house laboratories, using more than a century of identification experience and expertise.

Are you interested in reliable identification solutions to keep telecom cables identified for up to 20 years?

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Mozambique’s energy sector to receive a boost from the African Development Bank following the institution’s participation in Maputo at the Africa50 summit

Power

Mozambique’s energy sector is to receive a boost from the African Development Bank (AfDB) following the institution’s participation in Maputo at the Africa50 shareholders meeting

Africa50 is an investment platform established by African governments with the AfDB, which has now surpassed US$1.4bn in managed assets directed at infrastructure provision.

At the 2025 summit, a memorandum of understanding was signed with Electricidade de Mozambique (EDM) for the development of three transmission lines under an Independent Power Transmission (IPT) framework.

“This will help support the government’s ambition to achieve universal electricity access by 2030 and become a significant exporter of power across the Southern African Development Community,” a statement released by AfDB noted.

Finalisation of the project development agreements is now underway for three lines under an IPT framework, partnering with Power Grid and EDM, it added.

A separate MoU was also signed with the Ministry of Communications and Digital Transformation to build a new data centre facility in Maputo and to modernise the existing one.

Africa50’s Mozambique portfolio already includes equity investment in the 175MW Central Termica de Ressano Garcia (CTRG) gas-fired power plant.

According to Dr Akinwumi Adesina, president of the AfDB Group, investments by Africa50 complement broader support from the bank itself that have delivered some US$1.6bn to Mozambique over the past decade.

This investment includes US$400mn in senior debt financing for the country's flagship US$20bn liquified natural gas (LNG) project in Cabo Delgado, as well as the US$34mn Mozambique Energy for All Project, which has connected more than 45,500 households to electricity.

The bank claims its energy sector investments have helped to double Mozambique's national energy access rate from 30% in 2018 to 60% in 2024.

The AfDB has also supported agricultural transformation through special agro-industrial processing zones, including the Pemba-Lichinga corridor, while financing critical transport infrastructure along the Nacala and Beira corridors that enhance regional trade connectivity for the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Earlier this year, the AfDB approved US$43.6mn in funding for the construction of the Namaacha-Boane transmission line and related electricity infrastructure

EDM will implement the project in partnership with Central Eléctrica da Namaacha (CEN), a private sector-led development group involving Globeleq Africa Limited and Source Energia that is building the 120 MW Namaacha wind farm in the southwestern part of the country. 

MultiChoice strengthens Africa’s digital ecosystem, protecting creative content and customer data through advanced cybersecurity solutions

Security

Cybersecurity has evolved from a technical necessity to a core pillar of trust, business continuity, and safe digital experiences

For MultiChoice, Africa’s leading video entertainment company, protecting both customer data and the creative works at the heart of its business is a top priority. In an increasingly connected environment, threats such as phishing, ransomware, and piracy continually evolve, posing risks not only to corporate systems but also to the creative content that drives Africa’s entertainment economy.

To address these challenges, MultiChoice invests heavily in advanced cybersecurity systems, global best practices, and strategic partnerships. The company’s dedicated cybersecurity and information security teams monitor digital threats around the clock, ensuring data integrity and maintaining a secure environment for millions of customers across the continent. These efforts demonstrate that cybersecurity is not just about defending networks; it is also about protecting intellectual property and the creative output that fuels Africa’s storytelling industry.

A major area of focus for MultiChoice is combating piracy, one of the most persistent threats to the sustainability of local content. Piracy undermines creators, producers, and investors by depriving them of rightful earnings. To tackle this, MultiChoice has partnered with global leader Irdeto, a specialist in digital platform cybersecurity. Together, they have developed cutting-edge anti-piracy technologies capable of detecting, disrupting, and removing illegal content distribution networks in real time.

Beyond technology, MultiChoice collaborates closely with law enforcement to bring perpetrators to justice. Several operations have successfully dismantled piracy syndicates, leading to arrests and reinforcing the company’s commitment to defending Africa’s creative economy. Through these measures, MultiChoice is setting a benchmark for content protection across the continent, safeguarding intellectual property while supporting the growth of local creative industries.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month serves as a timely reminder that protecting digital assets, whether personal data or creative content, is a shared responsibility. MultiChoice continues to champion this mission by fostering a culture of awareness, innovation, and collaboration. By integrating advanced cybersecurity technologies, partnering with global experts, and actively supporting law enforcement efforts, the company ensures that African creativity is both respected and secure.

MultiChoice’s ongoing initiatives, from monitoring threats to combating piracy, reflect a broader mission: “to create a secure, trusted, and sustainable digital ecosystem where African creativity can thrive.” In doing so, the company not only protects its platforms and customers but also empowers the continent’s creative industry, ensuring that local storytellers, producers, and innovators can flourish in a safe and resilient digital environment.