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

Commerce

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.”

Strategic partnership expands secure colocation and cloud services across South Africa's key markets. (Image source: African Data Centres)

Internet

Africa Data Centres, part of pan-African technology group Cassava Technologies, has entered a commercial agreement with South African enterprise IT solutions provider Blue Turtle to expand colocation services in its Cape Town and Midrand data centres

The collaboration is set to enhance South Africa’s digital infrastructure landscape, offering scalable, secure, and compliant colocation and private hosted cloud solutions to local businesses.

Through this partnership, Blue Turtle will deploy multiple racks in both facilities, giving its enterprise customers access to top-tier digital infrastructure. This setup supports a broad shift among South African enterprises toward cloud adoption, digital transformation, and more agile, data-driven operations in a performance-optimised and regulation-compliant environment.

“This partnership enables us to offer customers trusted colocation and private cloud solutions in two of South Africa’s most strategic data centre locations,” said Jan Hitge, head of managed services at Blue Turtle. “As enterprise clients increasingly look for secure, scalable, and cost-efficient alternatives to on-premises infrastructure, we anticipate strong market uptake – a confidence reflected in the accelerated ramp-up timeline we’ve committed to.”

The services delivered through this partnership are expected to help enterprises update their IT strategies, address data sovereignty demands, and meet compliance requirements under South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). By offering low-latency connections, disaster recovery solutions, and high-availability colocation, the collaboration aims to support the growing demand for secure digital ecosystems.

“This agreement is about more than just filling racks; it’s about enabling digital transformation across the economy,” remarked Adil El Youssefi, CEO of Africa Data Centres. “Blue Turtle brings a strong client base and the ability to scale rapidly, making them an ideal partner in our mission to deliver secure, resilient, and sustainable digital infrastructure across South Africa. As demand for trusted infrastructure continues to climb, we will work towards this partnership evolving to support broader cloud initiatives, edge computing, and AI-ready infrastructure deployments.”

The alliance also strengthens Africa Data Centres’ ability to serve the enterprise sector by leveraging Blue Turtle’s local market presence and established reputation for delivering effective IT solutions. As Africa Data Centres continues to grow its footprint across the continent, partnerships like this one help reinforce South Africa’s leadership position in Africa’s tech and cloud ecosystem.

Africa Data Centres operates the largest interconnected and neutral data centre platform across the continent. With support from partners like Blue Turtle, the company aims to drive the next stage of enterprise transformation, powering critical services and digital progress throughout South Africa.

Kaspersky unveils eSIM Store offering worldwide data access for seamless travel connectivity. (Image source: Kaspersky)

Internet

Kaspersky has introduced its new eSIM store, a digital solution designed to simplify internet access for travellers by offering convenient, cost-effective global data plans

With coverage in over 150 countries and more than 2,000 flexible plans, the service is geared toward both leisure and business users seeking reliable internet without physical SIM cards.

According to GSMA, the production of devices compatible with eSIM has grown tenfold in just five years. By 2028, around half of all mobile connections worldwide are projected to run on eSIM technology. The growing appeal is largely due to the convenience it offers — eliminating the need for SIM swaps while ensuring continuous access on the move.

To address this market shift, Kaspersky’s eSIM Store connects users to global telecom providers via a user-friendly interface that allows quick plan selection, purchase, top-ups, and management of data usage.

A smarter way to stay connected

With Kaspersky’s eSIM Store, users can avoid roaming fees and enjoy uninterrupted connectivity throughout their travels. The platform helps users bypass physical SIM hassles and unreliable public Wi-Fi networks, while providing transparency, competitive pricing, and ease of setup.

An eSIM not only reduces costs but also removes the need to share personal information with local vendors while abroad. Travellers can connect instantly upon arrival — either through immediate activation or by scheduling their data plan in advance.

Flexible and easy to use

The platform allows users to filter plans based on destination (individual countries or grouped regions) and choose between expiring or non-expiring data options — depending on the length and nature of their trip. All plans come with real-time data tracking and alerts, helping travellers avoid running out of data unexpectedly. Users can also manage multiple international destinations with a single eSIM installation that lasts a lifetime.

Kaspersky’s eSIM Store is powered by BNESIM Limited, an award-winning global eSIM service provider operating since 2017.

“At Kaspersky we are constantly keeping up with latest trends shaping our digital habits, and eSIM is definitely one of them. eSIM technology greatly simplifies travelling abroad, allowing people to stay connected and not worry about issues like roaming charges. We know from our own experience how important it is to stay in touch with your family or colleagues when you are on a trip, so we designed Kaspersky eSIM Store for all types of travellers to ensure instant access to eSIM data plans wherever they go, as well as to provide a safe and positive digital experience,” – said Mikhail Gerber, Executive Vice President, Consumer Business, Kaspersky.

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Internet

Strategic partnership enhances connectivity across Africa, Latin America and beyond

Internet

Rack Centre, West Africa’s premier carrier- and cloud-neutral Tier III data centre, has signed a strategic co-location agreement with TelCables Nigeria, a subsidiary of Angola Cables and one of Africa’s most connected network operators

The partnership will see TelCables Nigeria integrate its high-capacity network and cloud infrastructure directly into Rack Centre’s ecosystem, leveraging four international subsea cables – SACS, MONET, SEBRAS and EllaLink.

This deployment significantly strengthens Rack Centre’s intercontinental reach by delivering resilient, low-latency routes to Europe, the Americas and Latin America. It also helps mitigate the risks of future cable outages along West Africa’s coast, a growing concern for regional digital infrastructure.

“Our unique Africa – to – Latin America route via SACS, combined with MONET, SEBRAS and EllaLink, gives customers the lowest - latency paths to the Americas and Europe,” said Fernando Fernandes, CEO of TelCables Nigeria. “Businesses in latency sensitive sectors: financial services, content delivery and real-time communications will experience faster transactions, reduced lag and an enhanced user experience. By hosting at Rack Centre we also localise Clouds2Africa resources, price them in naira, and remove expensive ingress/egress charges or FX exposure.”

The agreement brings several advantages to Rack Centre’s clients, including:

  • Dark fibre integration for enhanced performance through diverse, redundant connections.

  • On-net availability of Clouds2Africa’s IaaS, PaaS and CDN services, offered within a localised, data-sovereign environment.

  • Direct access to leading public cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure and Google Cloud.

  • High-speed intercontinental connectivity to three continents, including the only direct path between Africa and Latin America.

The collaboration supports Rack Centre’s ongoing expansion, including its new 13.5MW LGS2 facility, designed with sustainability in mind and powered by renewable energy. The campus currently hosts more than 70 carriers, ISPs, and network operators.

“Adding a global operator of Angola Cables’ calibre through TelCables Nigeria dramatically deepens our connectivity fabric,” remarked Lars Johannisson, CEO of Rack Centre. “We can now offer 99.95 % SLA routes to more destinations, enabling enterprises, governments and cloud providers to meet performance and data-residency requirements while keeping traffic local.”

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Strategic partnership expands secure colocation and cloud services across South Africa's key markets. (Image source: African Data Centres)

Mobile

MTN rolls out bioSIM and eSIM solutions to cut plastic waste and promote sustainability in telecom

Mobile

MTN has taken a major step towards reducing plastic waste across its operations by introducing a biodegradable alternative to traditional SIM cards

In 2024, the telecom giant began rolling out bioSIMs—SIM cards made entirely from biodegradable, FSC-certified paper—in Rwanda, with expansion underway across other African markets.

Unlike conventional plastic SIM cards, bioSIMs decompose naturally, leaving behind no microplastics or harmful residue. The cards offer the same functionality as their plastic counterparts but are designed with long-term environmental impact in mind. With over 4.5 billion plastic SIM cards produced globally in 2020 alone, MTN's initiative presents a practical and scalable solution to an often overlooked source of telecom-related pollution.

The initiative comes as the continent braces for a significant increase in plastic waste. Sub-Saharan Africa’s annual plastic waste is expected to reach 116 million tonnes by 2060—a sixfold jump from 2019. MTN’s move is a response to both the waste crisis and the broader climate challenges that disproportionately affect Africa, despite the region contributing only 3–4% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Alongside bioSIMs, MTN is also expanding the adoption of eSIMs, which eliminate the need for a physical card entirely. Together, these innovations support more sustainable choices for consumers and help cut tonnes of plastic from the telecom supply chain.

As World Environment Day 2025 calls for urgent action on plastic pollution, MTN’s bioSIM initiative underscores the role of design and innovation in building more responsible connectivity.

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Satellite

Satellite connectivity boosts education in South Sudan and Uganda. (Image source: Intelsat)

Satellite

Intelsat, operator of one of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks, has announced a landmark partnership with the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI), founded by Academy Award-winning actor and humanitarian Forest Whitaker

This collaboration aims to transform educational access in conflict-affected areas across Africa by delivering high-speed satellite internet to WPDI’s Community Learning Centers in South Sudan and Uganda, regions where infrastructure remains limited or disrupted.

Through this three-year partnership, Intelsat will provide managed connectivity services, satellite equipment, installation, and ongoing technical support to 10 centres— seven in South Sudan and three in Uganda. This initiative marks the first time these WPDI sites will have reliable internet access, opening the door to modern digital education for thousands of young people in underserved communities.

“Education is the foundation for peace,” said Forest Whitaker. “At WPDI, we use technology as a conduit to opportunity, bringing knowledge to young people whose lives have been upended by violence and political unrest. With the right tools, youths can reclaim their futures to become powerful agents of peace in their communities.”

This partnership addresses the urgent issue of digital inequality. According to the International Telecommunication Union, only 19% of people in the least developed countries, such as South Sudan and Uganda, use the internet. The numbers are even lower in conflict-affected regions, creating severe obstacles to education and economic opportunity. By enhancing digital access, WPDI and Intelsat aim to equip learners with the tools to build stronger, more resilient communities.

“At Intelsat, we are great believers in the power of connectivity to promote education and sustainable development around the world,” said Dave Wajsgras, CEO of Intelsat. “Forest Whitaker and WPDI’s efforts represent exactly the kind of transformative work that satellite communications can enable. We’re proud to support WPDI’s efforts to bring young people together, close the digital divide, and create pathways to prosperity in communities that need it most.”

The connectivity enabled by Intelsat will allow WPDI to expand its educational reach, giving students access to digital tools, online courses, and virtual collaboration programs previously unavailable in these remote areas. Learners will also gain digital literacy skills, complementing WPDI’s training in conflict resolution, entrepreneurship, and community development. Many WPDI alumni have become leaders in their communities, such as Benson Lugwar, a former child soldier now serving as an elected official and radio host in Uganda.

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Commerce

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

Commerce

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.”

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Power

Brady has launched a dedicated online hub focused on Electrical Identification. (Image source: Brady)

Power

Looking for durable, compliant, and time-saving electrical labelling solutions? Brady's new Electrical Identification webpage is the go-to hub for electricians and installers needing expert guidance, professional-grade label printing tools, and compliant cable identification systems.

In the world of electrical installation, accurate labelling and identification are not just helpful—they're essential. Whether you're working on complex wiring systems, commercial fit-outs, or routine maintenance, having the right electrical identification tools can dramatically improve safety, efficiency, and compliance.

To support electricians, contractors, and electrical engineers, Brady has launched a dedicated online hub focused on electrical identification. This new webpage offers expert advice, robust labelling solutions, and practical tools designed to help you get the job done right—first time, every time.

Visit the Electrical Identification hub now!

Why electrical identification is essential

From wire and cable labelling to panel and component identification, professional-grade labelling helps ensure:

• Compliance with regulations

• Clear system layouts for future maintenance and troubleshooting

• Faster fault diagnosis and reduced downtime

• Safer working environments for everyone on site

brady2Brady’s new hub simplifies the selection of electrical label printers, materials, and application techniques, ensuring you find the right solution for any project or environment.
What’s inside the Electrical Identification Hub?

The Brady EMEA Electrical Identification webpage is a one-stop resource for everything related to electrical labelling and industrial label printing. Here’s what you can expect:

• Electrical label printing solutions – browse professional printers and software built for electrical environments
• Wire, cable & terminal labels – select from heat-shrink, self-laminating, wrap-around, and other specialised label types
• Label selection tools – easily identify the best materials for indoor, outdoor, and industrial conditions
• Tutorials & videos – learn application best practices and get hands-on with printer setup and use
• Durability insights – see which labels resist abrasion, oils, moisture, UV, and extreme temperatures

Why choose Brady for electrical labelling?

With a strong reputation in industrial identification, Brady provides solutions that stand up to the real-world challenges electricians face. Brady products are known for:

• Durability – long-lasting adhesion and print legibility, even in tough conditions

• Smart technology – portable, user-friendly label printers with mobile and desktop connectivity

• Customisation – print on-demand, on-site labels for wires, breakers, junction boxes, and more

• Compliance support – stay aligned with labelling requirements

Brady's tools are trusted by professionals across the industry for their reliability, efficiency, and precision.

Get started with better labelling today

Whether you're preparing a new installation or upgrading an existing system, Brady’s Electrical Identification hub is a powerful resource to help you label faster, smarter, and more confidently.

BRADY EMEA
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www.brady.eu

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Security

Card fraud continues to cost issuers and merchants billions each year

Security

Mastercard has launched Account Intelligence Reissuance, an advanced fraud prevention tool designed to streamline the card reissuance process in the Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA) region

This new service uses Mastercard’s proprietary Artificial Intelligence (AI) and extensive network insights to evaluate the risk associated with compromised cards and provide AI-based guidance on whether they should be monitored or replaced.

Card fraud continues to cost issuers and merchants billions each year. To prevent further unauthorised use, issuers typically assess primary account numbers (PANs) for risk and reissue vulnerable cards. This manual approach is often time-consuming and expensive. Mastercard’s Account Intelligence Reissuance simplifies and automates this process, offering a more efficient solution for tackling both physical and digital card skimming.

“At Mastercard, we have developed a comprehensive portfolio of fraud products that offer valuable and advanced insights and data. We are delighted to expand our proposition with Account Intelligence Reissuance that goes one step further by allowing issuers to aggregate data, measure risk and prioritize the most compromised cards for reissuance. Powered by our world-class AI technology, this highly accurate solution will significantly enhance credit card fraud prevention and customer protection efforts across the industry,” said Selin Bahadirli, executive vice-president, Services, EEMEA, Mastercard.

With the rise of digital transactions and the emergence of new types of fraud, Mastercard has continued to advance its technologies to protect stakeholders at every point in the payment process. Its Decision Intelligence platform currently secures over 159 billion transactions annually, and with generative AI improvements, Mastercard enables issuers to more quickly and accurately analyse account, transaction, merchant, and device data to detect and stop fraud in real time.

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