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Microsoft exceeds its 2025 connectivity target and partners with AfDB to accelerate digital and agricultural transformation across Africa

Internet

During the B20 South Africa Summit last week, Microsoft revealed that it has now connected more than 117 million people in Africa to the internet, surpassing its original 2025 goal

The company also announced a new partnership with the African Development Bank to strengthen small and medium enterprises in the agriculture sector through a combination of financing support and technological solutions.

Bridging the digital divide

Microsoft’s expanded connectivity efforts stem from a commitment made in 2022 to broaden internet access and provide digital skills training across Africa. The achievement was made possible through collaborations with regional Internet Service Providers, hardware manufacturers, and global development organisations. This milestone marks a significant leap forward in narrowing Africa’s digital divide and advancing inclusive socioeconomic development.

“Connectivity is a key enabler for AI adoption and inclusive growth,” Melanie Nakagawa, chief sustainability officer, Microsoft said. “Without access to the internet, the promise of technology remains out of reach. To meaningfully participate in this moment of transformation, we must also empower people with the skills to use these digital tools.”

Microsoft plans to integrate increased connectivity with AI-powered solutions designed to advance economic opportunities. Expanded internet access has already delivered tangible improvements: enhanced patient care through video consultations in rural Kenya, more affordable devices and youth gaming hubs in South Africa, and high-speed broadband paired with free public Wi-Fi to support community learning and local business engagement.

Transforming African agriculture through digital innovation

Microsoft also confirmed its support for the African Development Bank’s creation of a continent-wide financing mechanism dedicated to agricultural SMEs. This fund will merge financial resources with improved digital infrastructure to strengthen productivity and enhance climate resilience, leveraging both Microsoft’s technology capabilities and AfDB’s financial expertise.

Digital connectivity, paired with AI tools, is positioned as a catalyst for growth, resilience and broader participation across African economies. Microsoft noted that the continent’s growing digital ecosystem — together with the launch of the AfDB Financing Agribusiness SME Trust Fund — illustrates how coordinated financial and technological efforts can scale solutions. As the company emphasized, no single organization can eliminate the digital divide or fully unlock AI-driven opportunity on its own.

Paratus Botswana upgrades FTTH and SKY-Fi services with faster speeds

Internet

Paratus Botswana has revised its Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) offerings and pricing structure, strengthening its position in the market by continuing to provide uncapped home internet with low contention ratios and zero fair usage limitations, a notable contrast to typical industry practices

The FTTH service remains accessible across most of Gaborone, subject to feasibility checks.

The new updates mirror shifting consumer expectations, as more households seek higher speeds, reduced costs, and shorter contractual terms. Reflecting these preferences, Paratus has phased out 36-month agreements and standardised its contracts to 12 months, while still offering a 24-month option for users wanting lower monthly fees. Current customers with active contracts will also benefit from speed upgrades aligned with the value of their existing plans, ensuring that service performance matches evolving usage needs.

Commenting on these changes, Shawn Bruwer, Managing Director of Paratus Botswana, says, “The demand for higher internet speeds at home has increased dramatically due to popularity of social media, streaming services and higher definition media. Older packages are now obsolete and frustrating. Anticipating this increase in demand, Paratus invested significantly into our privately-owned network to accommodate exponentially more bandwidth for Botswana, and maintaining what we are known for – quality, great service and reliability.”

In locations where fibre has yet to be deployed, Paratus has also revised the pricing of its SKY-Fi fixed wireless service. SKY-Fi continues to be offered as an uncapped solution, designed with the same low contention and no-FUP approach, backed by the company’s carrier-grade backbone and international connections. To keep pace with advancements in fibre, Paratus has tested and begun deploying new fixed wireless technologies capable of delivering fibre-like speeds. These enhanced SKY-Fi options are scheduled for rollout during the first half of 2026.

This partnership further positions Ghana as one of Africa’s most internationally connected countries

Internet

CSquared, a pan-African technology company dedicated to enhancing digital connectivity across the continent, has officially submitted its application to join LINX Accra, Ghana’s newly established Internet Exchange Point (IXP)

The move aligns with CSquared’s broader mission to foster a more inclusive and interconnected Africa and follows the company’s recent expansion of its West African fibre network.

Operated by the London Internet Exchange (LINX), LINX Accra is a fully redundant, multi-site interconnection hub built to future-proof digital services and strengthen Ghana’s connectivity landscape. The exchange currently operates at Onix and PAIX data centres, with a third site planned at Digital Realty’s ACR2 facility. LINX Accra provides low-latency, cost-efficient peering solutions that keep local traffic local, reducing dependence on international transit routes.

Jennifer Holmes, CEO of LINX, said, “Having CSquared not only as a new network to the LINX community, but as one of our first champions connecting to LINX Accra is amazing. We value the support of such a key player in the region for connectivity.”

CSquared’s application follows its significant infrastructure achievement: the deployment of a strategic cross-border fibre backbone across West Africa. This network connects coastal and landlocked nations, including Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, and Burkina Faso, delivering high-capacity, low-latency connectivity that complements subsea cable systems such as Equiano, where CSquared serves as the landing partner in the Republic of Togo.

“Joining LINX Accra is a natural step in our journey to empower Africa’s digital future,” said Ian Paterson, CEO of CSquared.

“Our expanded fibre backbone is designed to reduce single points of failure and deliver resilient, scalable connectivity. By peering locally in Ghana, we’re helping to build a stronger, more efficient Internet ecosystem for the region.”

The combination of CSquared’s terrestrial fibre network with LINX Accra’s interconnection platform is expected to accelerate digital transformation, support local ISPs and enterprises, and attract global digital services to West Africa. This partnership further positions Ghana as one of Africa’s most internationally connected countries, leveraging its strategic location, thriving technology ecosystem, and robust digital infrastructure.

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Cassava Technologies and SAAIA join forces to boost AI development across Africa.

Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader with African heritage, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA) to deliver advanced artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) across Africa

The strategic partnership aims to bolster AI development by giving SAAIA’s community of over 3,000 AI practitioners—including entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry professionals—access to Cassava’s state-of-the-art data centre GPU infrastructure. This will enable them to develop, test, and deploy AI applications that address local and regional challenges.

As part of the collaboration, Cassava Technologies and SAAIA will also work together on joint initiatives that support the broader African AI ecosystem, promoting innovation, research, and sustainable growth.

“We are proud to partner with SAAIA to support the growth of Africa’s AI ecosystem. By extending our advanced AI infrastructure and capabilities to SAAIA’s growing community of AI professionals, we’re enabling greater access to the compute power required to build, test, and scale innovative local solutions. We believe this partnership will deliver meaningful value to both organisations and, more importantly, to the business and research communities driving AI development on the continent,” said Ziaad Suleman, CEO of Cassava Technologies South Africa and Botswana.

SAAIA, a leading force in South Africa’s AI landscape, is dedicated to promoting responsible AI by connecting AI practitioners from academia, government, private enterprise, startups, and NGOs. It is also the organiser of AI Expo Africa, the continent’s largest AI-focused event, and plays a key role in driving investment in Africa’s smart technology sector.

“SAAIA is pleased to be partnering with Cassava Technologies in strengthening AI in South Africa. Supporting local AI entrepreneurs is a key pillar of SAAIA, and access to GPU-as-a-Service is a key enabler to growing the emerging AI startup ecosystem,” said SAAIA Founder and Chairman, Dr Nick Bradshaw.

The partnership underscores Cassava’s commitment to advancing digital transformation across Africa. It follows the company’s recent announcement of plans to build the continent’s first AI factory, a move aimed at providing local businesses, governments, and academic institutions with access to cutting-edge AI computing capabilities. This initiative aligns with Cassava’s vision of becoming the leading provider of digital solutions across its markets and empowering Africans to thrive in the digital economy.

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Internet

Infinity Wireless and Frogfoot will work together to ensure fibre service delivery remains exceptional

Internet

Frogfoot has acquired the fibre network assets of Infinity Wireless (Pty) Ltd in Rustenburg, which will now be integrated into Frogfoot’s national infrastructure

This move expands the company’s footprint in the North West province, strengthening its presence in a key regional market, with the transition officially commencing on 1 November 2025.

Infinity Wireless currently manages and supports the network in the area, and over the next 12 months, it will transition into Frogfoot’s national operating model. Infinity will continue functioning as an ISP on the network, and their customers will remain Infinity customers throughout the process, with no action required on their part. This ensures complete continuity, with no service disruption.

“This is an exciting acquisition that reflects our commitment to regional growth and network investment,” commented Richard Henn, head of mergers and acquisitions at Frogfoot Networks. “Rustenburg is a thriving community, and this move allows us to bring the benefits of our national customer support systems, long-term infrastructure investment and product speed upgrades to existing Infinity Wireless customers. We are particularly pleased to be able to continue working closely with the Koen brothers, who founded this impressive business. We are partner-centric and could not have hoped for better people to join hands with on this journey.”

“We are delighted to be part of this process and to see the fibre segment of our network transition into the Frogfoot ecosystem,” says JJ Koen. “Frogfoot has the scale, technical resources and national presence needed to continue delivering value to customers in Rustenburg. This decision supports the long-term stability of the network and the community we serve.”

Frogfoot’s ongoing investment and focus on expanding coverage play a pivotal role in strengthening regional connectivity. Customers will benefit not only from the company’s extensive network investment but also from access to a wider selection of ISPs once the transition is complete.

Throughout the migration, Infinity Wireless and Frogfoot will work together to ensure fibre service delivery remains exceptional. Upon completion, customers will gain access to an expanded range of ISP options via the Frogfoot platform.

BBI is tasked with expanding the country’s broadband infrastructure. (Image source: Huawei)

2Africa west subsea cable goes Live

Mobile

The collaboration aims to rapidly scale the service and onboard the next wave of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in the country

Mobile

Vodacom South Africa has announced a strategic partnership with global technology leader Circles to accelerate the expansion of its Mobile Virtual Network Enabler (MVNE) platform

The collaboration aims to rapidly scale the service and onboard the next wave of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in the country.

The partnership leverages Circles Aspire, a product line from Circles, to enhance Vodacom’s wholesale services strategy. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in providing South African MVNOs with a more dynamic and efficient platform to launch and manage their operations.

"We are very pleased to announce our partnership with Vodacom to power their MVNE platform services in South Africa. With the first MVNO customer, Mr Price Mobile, already live, this marks an important milestone," said Sanjay Kaul, CEO, Circles Aspire.

"Vodacom already plays a pivotal ‘telco of telcos’ role, and by integrating Circles’ proven MVNO enablement services, they can now deliver even greater value to the market. We look forward to jointly expanding this success in South Africa," he added.

Shenge Buthelezi, managing executive of wholesale for Vodacom South Africa, commented, “We are excited to partner with Circles Aspire. This partnership re-affirms our long-term commitment to high quality, purpose driven, and value-creation led approach to the MVNO market in South Africa. As we continue to scale up and onboard more partners, we are confident that our MVNE platform will enable a sustainable, seamless, digital-first, API driven and faster time to revenue service for our MVNOs which is critical for value creation and sustainability of the MVNO Market.”

Vodacom’s MVNO strategy focuses on value creation, targeting three to five key MVNO partners over the next three years. These collaborations are expected to combine industry expertise with Vodacom’s robust network infrastructure and wholesale capabilities.

Circles’ MVNE technology offers a cloud-native, multi-tenant, and API-first architecture, designed for agility and rapid deployment. It enables faster onboarding, reduces time to market, and provides MVNO customers access to Circles’ suite of services, including Customer Value Management (CVM) tools — a key differentiator in South Africa’s competitive mobile sector.

The partnership also underscores Circles’ long-term commitment to Africa, supported by continuous investment in its EMEA operations and a shared vision to shape the future of mobile connectivity across the continent.

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

Yas expands fibre dominance with Wananchi Acquisition. (Image source: YAS)

Satellite

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.

This initiative utilises the Tianqi Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to deliver advanced industrial connectivity across multiple sectors

Airtel Africa and Eutelsat OneWeb have achieved a milestone by successfully testing high-speed satellite internet on a moving train across sub-Saharan Africa

Commerce

Niraj Shah joins Bayobab as general manager, leading Data Centres Programme to drive Africa’s digital growth. (Image source: Bayobab)

Commerce

Bayobab has announced the appointment of Niraj Shah as general manager – Data Centres Programme, effective 1 September 2025

As part of the MTN Group, Bayobab is strengthening its position as Africa’s foremost digital infrastructure provider. By combining its expertise in connectivity, infrastructure, and FinTech, the company aims to accelerate digital transformation across the continent. The Data Centres Programme plays a key role in this strategy, broadening Bayobab’s reach and reinforcing its status as the preferred partner for hyperscalers, enterprises, and governments in need of top-tier co-location and cloud services.

With more than 15 years of experience in data centres and digital infrastructure, Niraj has held senior and founding positions at IXAfrica and iColo. His professional background includes driving strategic growth, building partnerships, business development, and nurturing ecosystems to deliver scalable, sustainable infrastructure in Africa. He has been instrumental in shaping Kenya’s data centre landscape and has spearheaded major projects with hyperscalers, cloud operators, and content providers.

Bayobab has welcomed Niraj to its leadership team, confident that his extensive industry knowledge and collaborative mindset will be vital in advancing the company’s strategic goals.

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

Network International partners with National Union Bank to modernise Libya’s banking and expand secure, innovative digital payments

Power

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. 

The Vertiv PowerDirect 7100 Energy supplies up to 52 kW of scalable 48 V DC power and delivers efficiency levels of up to 98%. (Image source: Vertiv)

International Power Control Systems (IPCS) has been named as a distribution partner in Malawi by Vertiv, a specialist in critical digital infrastructure

Security

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.

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