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World Bank joins AfDB and Mastercard to expand digital access for 100 million people and businesses in Africa

Internet

The World Bank Group has joined the Mobilizing Access to the Digital Economy (MADE) Alliance: Africa as a co-chair, supporting the initiative’s mission to deliver digital access to essential services for 100 million individuals and businesses across Africa by 2034

The Bank will serve alongside current co-chairs and founding members — the African Development Bank Group and Mastercard — combining efforts to expand the reach of critical digital solutions across the continent.

This partnership aligns with the World Bank Group’s strategy to drive digital transformation by broadening access to secure, affordable, and high-quality broadband and data connectivity, while ensuring that diverse digital services can integrate seamlessly for the benefit of users. The Bank will contribute its expertise, data-driven insights, and experience in enabling sustainable digital change.

The MADE Alliance is prioritising opportunities in agriculture, recognising the sector’s potential for digital technologies to accelerate development. World Bank-supported “Digital Agriculture Roadmaps” will unite stakeholders in crafting tailored action plans for specific countries, enabling the alliance to reach more farmers with impactful solutions.

“The World Bank Group is deeply committed to expanding inclusive digital access across Africa and connecting farmers to the digital tools they need to reach markets, access finance, and grow their businesses. Joining the MADE Alliance will help accelerate both of these goals, driving economic growth and improving livelihoods across the continent,” said Sangbu Kim, vice-president for Digital at the World Bank. “By bringing together our digital and agriculture expertise, global knowledge, and local experience, we can help scale lasting, transformational impact.”

The World Bank Group formally joined the MADE Alliance in late April during the alliance’s Steering Committee meeting, held alongside the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C. 

“Two of the African Development Bank Group’s priority areas are to Feed Africa and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa. The MADE Alliance: Africa brings us closer to achieving those goals by connecting the continent’s smallholder farmers to digital services that lead to greater food production, greater access to markets, financing and farming practices, as well as to increased incomes,” said Dr Beth Dunford, vice-president for Agriculture, Human and Social Development at the African Development Bank, which has committed US$300mn to the alliance’s first five years of programming. “The World Bank’s demonstrated expertise in the digital connectivity and agriculture sectors enables the MADE Alliance: Africa to reach more farmers eager to be part of Africa’s agricultural transformation.”

“The MADE Alliance brings complementary partners together to execute and implement programs that target the same regions and communities, allowing us to amplify our impact,” said Tara Nathan, founder and executive vice-president of community pass, Mastercard. “The World Bank brings enormous expertise in digital transformation and agriculture, and we are honored they have joined the alliance to deploy resources more efficiently and accelerate our work to help bring everyone into the digital economy.”

Google Pay launches in Lebanon and Oman, expanding digital wallet access securely. (Image source: Google Pay)

Mobile

Google has officially launched Google Pay in Lebanon and Oman, extending its mobile payment services to two more countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region

As of today, Android phone and Wear OS users in both countries can use Google Pay to make quick, secure, and convenient payments.

With this expansion, users in Lebanon and Oman can now tap to pay in stores where contactless payments are accepted, make purchases in apps, and complete transactions online. The service is integrated with Google Wallet, which also launches today in both countries. Cardholders can securely store their credit or debit cards within the digital wallet, simplifying their everyday payments.

Google Pay enhances payment security by using multiple layers of protection. “This includes industry-standard tokenization, which means when you use Google Pay to pay, transactions are made using a virtual card number (a token). A Token is device-specific and is associated with a dynamic security code that changes with each transaction,” the company explained.

With Google Pay and Google Wallet now available, users in Lebanon and Oman can enjoy a safer and more streamlined digital payment experience, in line with global standards for mobile transactions.

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.

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

Commerce

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.

GeniWatt expands footprint with FG Wilson gensets across Guinea Bissau and Cameroon’s telecom and healthcare sectors. (Image source: GeniWatt)

Power

France-based GeniWatt has enjoyed a string of Africa successes so far in 2025, most recently completing a genset installation at a telecommunications site in Guinea Bissau

The company supplied a P22 generator set, in partnership with Synergy, for telecoms group MTN in the West African country.

The FG Wilson P22 and P33 gensets are “perfectly suited” to telecoms towers, the company noted in a statement, citing soundproof enclosures, safety options, large tanks and telemetry, with full customisation available.

Founded in 2011 by Damien Fétis, president of Secodi, GeniWatt was specially created for the distribution of FG Wilson generators in France, but has extended its footprint deeply into Africa.

West Africa, in particular, has proved fruitful ground so far during 2025.

That includes a string of orders from Cameroon, working together with another local partner, DM Approtech.

Together, the two companies have supplied generators to various groups and associations based in Yaoundé, the nation’s capital.

It includes a 110kVA FG Wilson emergency generator for the Association pour la Promotion de la Femme building, and another emergency generator with its source inverter for the Centre de Formation Sorawell, a separate entity created by the Association pour la Promotion de la Femme.

In addition, the two companies supplied a P22 generator for a new maternity unit financed by the Compassion Sans Frontière association.

Last year, GeniWatt also played a key role in a major dam project in Cameroon, modifying an FG Wilson open P150 for installation at the Nachtigal hydroelectric plant, which sits about 65 kilometres north-east of the capital.

The project included automatic load bank and oil top-up, dual starter with dual battery sets, NFE37-312 GSS2 compliance for safety, a tank with two electric pumps and a manual pump, conducted again alongside DM Approtech, with supervision from EDF to validate the specifications.

Nachtigal is a key strategic project for Cameroon, operated by a consortium that includes energy giant EDF.

The dam’s first turbine is now operational, with full commissioning expected during 2025.

With an expected total capacity of 420 MW, it will eventually cover nearly 30% of Cameroon’s energy needs with clean, available and inexpensive electricity.

NEC XON expands services to strengthen cybersecurity across South Africa and beyond

Security

NEC XON, a leading IT security solutions provider, has announced a major step forward in its service offering

The company has expanded its managed services portfolio to include full-scale Fortinet device management, a move already implemented at two of South Africa’s largest clothing retail chains.

This development comes at a critical time, as businesses across South Africa grapple with complex security needs and evolving cyber threats. The new managed service aims to enhance Fortinet performance, reduce system downtime, and deliver a stronger layer of protection.

A recent S&P Global Market Intelligence report presented at RSAC 2025 highlights the increasing reliance on managed security services (MSS). Nearly 29% of organisations now use MSS to support or replace their in-house teams. Meanwhile, 23% are consolidating security resources and 28% are downsizing their security teams – a risky decision amid rising threat levels. Another 37% report no major changes, suggesting stagnation in their security posture.

A South African response to a global challenge

“We are dedicated to providing top-tier support to help businesses stay secure and operational. That’s not just a slogan — it’s a promise South African companies urgently need,” commented Grant Ferreira, regional manager security at NEC XON. “We are very excited to have launched the expansion of our managed services to meet the growing security demands of our customers. With our team of certified experts, we have had great success with the expanded services in the coastal regions of South Africa and are in the process of rolling out the project to the rest of SA and Africa.”

More than just another device

As a certified Fortinet partner, NEC XON is delivering more than just another IT service. What sets this offering apart is the combination of top-tier technology with a people-first approach. Fortinet’s firewalls and secure networking solutions are industry leaders, but it’s the flexibility and support around them that makes the NEC XON approach unique.

With both onsite and remote support options, the company meets customers where they are – whether they need engineers on the ground or hands-off remote monitoring. That adaptability is especially important for businesses in smaller towns or rural regions that may not have the technical resources or budget to manage advanced infrastructure.

NEC XON’s team includes certified engineers skilled in Secure Connectivity, SD-WAN and Security Operations – closing the technical gap with confidence.

Backed by Fortinet’s elite programmes

NEC XON also brings serious credentials to the table, with access to Fortinet’s Engage Preferred Services Partner (EPSP) and Expert Technical Support (ETSP) programs. These designations represent more than vendor recognition – they enable advanced support like in-depth troubleshooting, specialised configuration, and tailored training that clients can rely on.

Cybersecurity with real economic impact

The value of this service goes beyond technology. By helping businesses avoid downtime, prevent breaches and improve operational efficiency, NEC XON is also contributing to a more resilient digital economy.

In South Africa, where energy uncertainty, strained public services and rising risks are the norm, solid cybersecurity remains one of the few controllable aspects of business infrastructure. It is an investment that pays off – not only in business continuity but in trust and confidence.

 

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