Liquid Intelligent Technologies has introduced BIA service to deliver reliable, high-speed, and secure internet for South African businesses. (Image source: Liquid Intelligent Technologies)

Liquid Intelligent Technologies, part of Cassava Technologies, has introduced a new Business Internet Access (BIA) service in South Africa, designed to meet the evolving connectivity needs of businesses, big and small

This latest offering brings fast, reliable internet without the high cost and complexity usually associated with Dedicated Internet Access (DIA).

What makes BIA stand out is its dedicated internet line for each customer. That means consistent speeds for important tasks without interruptions. And to give businesses even more peace of mind, the service comes with a solid Service Level Agreement (SLA), 24/7 support every single day of the year, and up to 99% guaranteed uptime.

“Reliable internet is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s essential for any business to function properly,” said Ziaad Suleman, CEO of Cassava Technologies in South Africa and Botswana. “With BIA, we’re not just launching another product, we’re making sure businesses across South Africa, regardless of their size, have the tools they need to grow and contribute to our economy. It’s about making sure no one is left behind.”

Cybersecurity is also top of mind with this launch. Every BIA connection includes real-time DDoS visibility reports, helping companies spot and respond to potential threats before they cause harm. This kind of insight allows businesses to stay a step ahead when it comes to digital security.

Backed by Liquid’s own network infrastructure, BIA is part of the company’s ongoing mission to support growth through smart, scalable, and affordable digital solutions. With this new offering, Liquid is reinforcing its role as a leading provider of technology services in South Africa, helping businesses run smoother, faster, and more securely.

Orange Money and JUMO partner to deliver AI-driven microloans and digital credit access across Francophone Africa

Orange Money Group has joined forces with JUMO, a leading banking-as-a-service fintech, to strengthen digital financial services and expand microcredit offerings across Africa

This strategic partnership aims to bring financial inclusion to underserved and unbanked populations, with an initial focus on Francophone Africa.

With a customer base of over 100 million across 16 countries in Africa and the Middle East, Orange Money Group processed more than EUR 160 billion (approx. US$174bn) in transactions in 2024. JUMO, which has already disbursed over US$8 billion to more than 31 million African users, brings its advanced AI-driven technology and deep experience in data analytics and credit risk management to the collaboration.

The partnership will enable Orange Money Group to enhance its value proposition by introducing tailored microcredit solutions via mobile platforms. JUMO’s AI tools, refined over a decade, optimise credit allocation and reduce lending risk to below 4%, supporting sustainable financial services at scale.

A multi-country rollout of diverse credit products will follow, facilitated by JUMO’s partnerships with pan-African banks and development finance institutions. Orange Money Group customers will be able to access these credit services directly from their mobile phones—without a bank account or the need for collateral.

The credit process is simple:

• Customers access the service through their Orange Money wallet

• Request a loan amount

• JUMO’s AI assesses their eligibility based on transactional data

• If approved, funds are credited instantly

• Repayment is automated according to the agreed schedule

Aminata Kane, CEO of Orange Money Group, stated, “After developing transfer and payment services used thousands of times every second, we now aim to support our customers in their personal projects, as well as help them manage everyday emergencies. In recent years, Orange Money has expanded its portfolio with highly accessible small loan offers. By partnering with JUMO, we aim to accelerate this momentum, roll out these services across a wide range of countries, and combine our expertise with their technology to deliver support that is even faster, more transparent, and better tailored to the needs of all our customers.”

Andrew Watkins-Ball, CEO and founder of JUMO, added, “We are proud to have been chosen to partner with Orange and we are excited to connect Orange customers with products from the market leading banks that run on our platform. This collaboration, built on top of Orange Money Group's mobile payments and money transfer platforms, will provide customers with great financial choices and allows our bank partners to grow in new markets.”

The first country to benefit from this rollout will be Burkina Faso, followed by Mali and Botswana.

AXIAN Telecom attracts strong investor demand for US$600mn bond maturing in 2030

AXIAN Telecom, a prominent pan-African operator in telecommunications, mobile financial services, and digital infrastructure, has successfully completed the pricing of its US$600mn Senior Notes due in 2030

The bond deal, finalised on 25 June 2025, drew significant interest from international investors. Initially marketed at around 7.875%, the notes were priced at a 7.250% coupon with a yield of 7.375%. This strong outcome, achieved despite global financial uncertainties, reflects high investor confidence. The offering was nearly three times oversubscribed at its peak, with participation from a broad mix of high-quality institutional investors.

Funds raised through this issuance will be used to refinance AXIAN Telecom’s notes and term loan, in addition to supporting general corporate initiatives. These include expanding the company’s digital infrastructure footprint, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable growth and bridging the digital divide across its operational markets. A key element of the issuance was AXIAN Telecom’s Sustainable Development Impact Disclosure, which outlines planned investments in infrastructure, wider smartphone access, enhanced mobile financial services, and improved digital connectivity throughout Africa.

The successful issuance illustrates investor optimism toward African markets and reinforces AXIAN Telecom’s position as a leader in innovation and connectivity on the continent.

J.P. Morgan, Standard Bank, and Standard Chartered Bank served as joint lead managers for the transaction. Legal support was provided by Latham & Watkins for AXIAN Telecom and White & Case for the initial purchasers.

“This bond issuance is a testament to the strength of our diversified business model and the trust investors place in our long-term vision. It enables us to accelerate our mission of delivering inclusive digital transformation and connectivity across Africa,” commented Hassan Jaber, CEO, AXIAN Telecom.

Yas Comoros secures US$27mn IFC loan to expand broadband and 5G services

Yas Comoros, a subsidiary of AXIAN Telecom, has announced a new partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to fuel the next stage of digital development across the Union of the Comoros

This collaboration will support the expansion of mobile and fixed broadband infrastructure, promoting economic advancement and greater digital inclusion throughout the islands.

Under the terms of the agreement, IFC will provide a €25 million loan (approx. US$26.75mn) to accelerate infrastructure rollouts, boost network quality, and improve inter-island connectivity. This builds on the IFC’s initial €13 million (approx. US$13.91mn) loan provided in 2019, which supported Yas Comoros’ network launch after being awarded the country’s second telecom licence. That earlier loan, IFC’s first private sector investment in Comoros, was fully repaid in June 2025.

Now undergoing rapid expansion, Yas Comoros is the fastest-growing brand within the AXIAN Telecom group. This new funding will enable the company to meet increasing demand for data services, improve service standards, and invest in advanced technologies such as 5G, fibre to the home (FTTH), and fibre to the office (FTTO), with rollout beginning in 2025.

“This loan is an opportunity not only to modernise our network but also to invest in advanced technologies from 2025, including 5G rollout, FTTH, and FTTO, and thus accelerate the digitisation of the Union of the Comoros over the next five years,” commented Christophe Oliver, CEO of Yas Comoros. “We are committed to delivering improved connectivity solutions across the board, for consumers, SMEs, corporates, and public sector institutions, in alignment with the government’s digital vision,” he continued.

“This partnership with AXIAN Telecom marks a pivotal step in IFC’s commitment to accelerating digital transformation in Comoros and across Africa. This partnership not only supports the country’s digital ambitions, but also unlocks pathways for innovation, financial inclusion, and economic opportunity for all Comorians, especially women, youth, and rural communities,” said Mehita Fanny, IFC country manager for Comoros, Eswatini, Madagascar, Mozambique and Seychelles. “Investing in digital infrastructure is central to IFC’s strategy to foster sustainable development, empower local entrepreneurs, and ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age.”

Commenting on the development, minister of post, communications, digital economy and transparency of Comoros, Oumouri Mmadi Hassani said, “This loan of 25 million EUR granted to Yas Comoros by the IFC represents a key milestone for the telecommunications sector in the Comoros. It will contribute to the expansion and modernization of digital infrastructures, thus providing better connectivity to our entire population, particularly in rural areas. It will also support key projects to stimulate innovation and digital inclusion, enhancing the competitiveness of our businesses and contributing to the country's digital transformation. This is a strong commitment to a sustainable digital future, which will promote economic growth and the well-being of Comorians. We are pleased about the effective involvement of the IFC, which, through this financing, contributes significantly to the development of Comoros' digital economy with unparalleled transparency.”