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Axelspace has signed MoU with Jethi to develop satellite data platform in Ethiopia

Internet

Axelspace Corporation, a leading developer and operator of microsatellites dedicated to realising its vision of “Space within Your Reach,” has signed a MoU with Ethiopian technology company Jethi Software Development PLC to collaborate on using satellite-based Earth observation data to address social and development challenges

The partnership aims to build win-win relationships with African partners and develop a local platform for utilising satellite data in Ethiopia.

The MoU was signed by Naol Debele, CEO of Jethi, and Yuya Nakamura, president and CEO of Axelspace, during a ceremony held in Ethiopia on January 13. The event was attended by representatives from the Space Science and Geospatial Institute of Ethiopia, members of Jethi’s board, and invited guests in an official capacity.

Axelspace has identified the expansion of EO data utilisation in emerging markets, including Africa, as a key medium- to long-term strategic priority. Through this collaboration, the company seeks to support locally driven, data-informed solutions.

Under the agreement, Axelspace will provide EO data and technical expertise for applications across several priority sectors, including agriculture, environmental and forest conservation, disaster risk management, climate resilience, urban planning, and infrastructure development. Jethi will lead efforts to establish a local framework for EO data use, coordinating with stakeholders to integrate satellite data with local information and institutional needs.

The partnership is designed to identify priority challenges, develop scalable solutions combining EO data with local information, and foster a sustainable ecosystem for satellite data utilization in Ethiopia.

Axelspace is also participating in the Emerging Countries Working Group, launched in 2024 by Cross U, a general incorporated association, which promotes co-creation of space-related business between Japan and African countries.

“With the economic development of emerging countries, including those in Africa, the demand for satellite data utilization is expected to increase significantly,” said Yuya Nakamura, President and CEO of Axelspace. “We will work to build win-win relationships that create new value with local public and private sector partners, leveraging Japan’s advanced technological capabilities and expertise to contribute to the long-term development of a platform for satellite data utilization.”

EBRD backs Tunisie telecom with major financing to accelerate 5G rollout. (Image source: EBRD)

Internet

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has entered into a strategic partnership with Tunisie Telecom, Tunisia’s national telecommunications operator, to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure and support the company’s long-term transformation

Under the agreement, the EBRD will provide a development-linked loan of up to €190 million (approx. US$205mn), to be released in four tranches, starting with an initial committed tranche of €50 million (approx. US$54mn). The financing will support a multi-year investment programme aimed at upgrading Tunisie Telecom’s mobile access network from 4G to 5G, expanding its fibre footprint, and connecting up to 200,000 households through fibre-to-the-home services. The programme also includes modernisation of the operator’s backbone and core networks, alongside targeted investments in energy efficiency and energy generation.

The financing package will further enhance Tunisia’s international connectivity by supporting Tunisie Telecom’s connection to the MEDUSA submarine cable, a Mediterranean subsea network backed by the European Union (EU) and led by Spanish firm AFR-IX. Spanning more than 8,000 km, MEDUSA links nearly 13 countries across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.

The EBRD loan is supported by an €11 million (approx. US$12mn) EU grant provided through the Neighbourhood Investment Platform. This includes an investment grant for core network upgrades and cybersecurity improvements, as well as a technical assistance grant to deliver a comprehensive transformation programme for the national operator.

That transformation programme is designed to address key areas of corporate development, including workforce skills, sustainability, energy efficiency, digitalisation, cybersecurity and strategic reform. It is expected to enhance Tunisie Telecom’s operational efficiency, resilience and competitive positioning.

Notably, this marks the first time since 2012 that the EBRD has extended financing to Tunisia’s public sector without a sovereign guarantee. The loan is also structured as a development-linked facility, meaning interest rates will be adjusted based on progress against agreed transformation milestones, including sustainability targets and broader state-owned enterprise reform objectives.

The project reflects the EBRD’s integrated approach to Tunisia’s digital sector and builds on its collaboration with the Tunisian government, the Ministry of Communication Technologies and the national telecom regulator to advance digital services, sector competitiveness and innovation.

EBRD president Odile Renaud-Basso said, “We are very proud to support a key sector for Tunisia at a time when digitalisation and connectivity are of very high and ever-increasing importance. Partnering with the Tunisian government and the EU, we are contributing to the modernisation of Tunisie Telecom and the digital transformation of the country. This upgrade will also enhance connectivity to Europe and ultimately help position the country as a key digital hub across the Mediterranean region and in Africa.”

“We are pleased to partner with the EBRD in a move that underscores international confidence in Tunisia’s economy and supports our vision for advancing the telecommunications sector. Through modernised digital infrastructure, improved international connectivity and new technologies, such as 5G and fibre, we aim to enhance services in education, healthcare and smart cities, bridging the digital divide and driving Tunisia’s digital economy forward," added Lassaad Ben Dhiab, CEO of Tunisie Telecom.  

EU ambassador to Tunisia Giuseppe Perrone commented, “Today we mark a landmark investment in Tunisia’s digital future. Through our joint EU-EBRD support for Tunisie Telecom, we are accompanying the company’s modernisation plans by reinforcing its critical infrastructure in line with the National Digital Strategy, accelerating 5G rollout and connecting Tunisia to the MEDUSA submarine cable – a Global Gateway flagship. This is more than a project: it is a concrete step toward fast, secure and future-proof connectivity across the Mediterranean, strengthening the EU–Tunisia partnership launched in 2023 for the benefit of our citizens.”

The EBRD financing is backed by a first-loss guarantee from the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), delivered through its Digital Transformation Platform, an EU flagship initiative supporting digital inclusion and sustainable growth in partner countries. The guarantee aligns the project with the EU Global Gateway strategy, supporting high-speed broadband deployment, digital solutions and inclusive economic development in Tunisia and the wider region.

Digifarm transforms Kenyan agriculture. (Image source: Safaricom)

Internet

Digifarm, a subsidiary of Safaricom, is leveraging technology to empower farmers in Kenya, drawing inspiration from the success of M-PESA in promoting financial inclusion at the grassroots level

“Today, everybody can access mobile money on their phone. That is the vision for Digifarm. 25 years from now, I want you to look back and look at how technology will have transformed agriculture in this country. 80% of our food is from small-holder farmers, so we must enable our farmers. And technology is the way to do it,” said Seema Gohil, Digifarm’s director.

The platform is accessible to all farmers across Kenya, regardless of their location or farm size. Digifarm delivers tailored digital solutions and services directly to farmers’ phones through two main arms: Kilimo and Soko.

Kilimo, the agriculture-focused arm, integrates digital technology, artificial intelligence, partnerships, and farmer services to meet the full spectrum of smallholder needs. Through Kilimo, farmers gain access to digital extension services, agricultural inputs, financial services, and training programmes designed to enhance their skills and productivity.

Soko, the marketplace arm, connects farmers directly with buyers, cooperatives, and processors across multiple value chains. The platform also provides market-oriented services, such as digital tracking of sales and inventory, maintaining sales records to qualify for future credit, and enabling instant payments via M-PESA.

Having spent the past two decades driving financial inclusion through M-PESA in Kenya and beyond, Safaricom now aims to extend its impact into agriculture through Digifarm.

“The entire ecosystem of farmers in this country needs support. Because if farming is nearly half of the people in the country, from an employment perspective, and nearly a third of the GDP of the country, then making sure that farmers are thriving is critical to our success as Safaricom and critical to the economic success of the country,” explained Michael Mutiga, chief business development and strategy officer at Safaricom.

For farmers, Digifarm is designed to be a simple and trusted digital companion. For banks, agribusinesses, and other stakeholders, it provides a platform with data, scale, and direct access to millions of farmers. For Safaricom, Digifarm represents a strategic component in the telco’s mission to become Africa’s leading purpose-led technology company by 2030.

NEW interactive digital platform

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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Grid List

Internet

Starlink faces affordability, adoption challenges locally

Internet

South Africa’s Starlink debate raises questions on affordability, adoption, and opportunities for local WISPsby Jens Langenhorst, specialist RF engineer and vice chair of WAPA

South African media has been flooded with coverage of Starlink for months. Every regulatory update, ministerial statement, or parliamentary objection makes headlines. Amid this intense attention, one question stands out: why is Starlink drawing so much focus?

The regulatory hurdles facing Elon Musk’s satellite service are not unique. Major global technology companies have long navigated South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) framework when entering the market.

According to Paul Colmer, Executive Member at WAPA, what sets Starlink apart is its requirement for a radio license. Section 9(2)(b) of the Electronic Communications Act mandates 30% equity ownership by historically disadvantaged South Africans, yet SpaceX’s global policy forbids local equity dilution. This conflict has played out in government gazettes, ministerial directives, and parliamentary committee objections throughout 2025.

In December 2025, Communications Minister Solly Malatsi issued a directive instructing ICASA to align its regulations with the ICT Sector Code, which allows Equity Equivalent Investment Programmes (EEIPs) as an alternative to direct ownership. SpaceX has pledged R2.5 billion in local investment, including R500 million to connect 5,000 schools with free internet and equipment. Regulatory clarity now rests with ICASA, and ministerial pressure alone cannot resolve the process.

Yet the media attention raises another question: why the focus on Starlink when OneWeb is already providing LEO services in South Africa through partners like Paratus and Q-KON Africa, and Amazon’s Project Kuiper is preparing to launch? Public interest is overwhelmingly concentrated on Starlink, overshadowing the fundamental issue: who actually needs this service?

Affordability matters

Starlink promises broadband anywhere with fiber-like speeds. But affordability is relative. Pricing in Eswatini and Lesotho indicates monthly subscriptions of R900–R950, plus a R3,800 one-time equipment cost for the Starlink Mini kit. In comparison, FTTH services in South Africa typically cost R950 per month for uncapped 100Mbps, placing Starlink at the premium end of the market.

ICASA’s 2023 report notes 2.7 million fixed broadband subscriptions, 2.47 million of which are FTTH. Households able to pay R950 per month fall largely within LSM7–10, representing 1.3–2.5 million homes. Many of these households already have FTTH or fixed wireless services. Jens Langenhorst points out that the addressable market for Starlink in South Africa is thus limited to incremental adoption, backup use, or mobile connectivity during travel, rather than representing a transformative opportunity.

Lower-income households are being served by innovative WISPs. Fibertime has connected over 250,000 homes with uncapped 100Mbps at R5 per day, targeting 2 million homes by 2028. TooMuchWifi serves over 70 communities in the Western Cape with uncapped internet for over 1 million users at the same daily rate. This starkly contrasts with Starlink’s premium pricing.

Opportunity in Remote Infrastructure

Starlink’s strength lies in areas where traditional infrastructure is not viable: remote farms, forestry stations, villages, and schools. Local WISPs have a major role here. While Starlink has committed to providing free connectivity for 5,000 schools, it is a satellite service, not a full infrastructure provider.

This opens opportunities for WISPs to build networks around Starlink deployments. They can handle last-mile distribution, equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and integration with local systems. As Langenhorst notes, fixed wireless and fiber solutions have historically failed in these regions because they deliver connectivity only to a single point, not throughout entire campuses or farms. Starlink will face similar challenges without local partners bridging the gap from terminal to end user.

Market Context and Competition

Globally, Starlink has over 7 million subscribers, making South Africa an attractive market even with limited uptake. Demand was evident when over 12,000 “illegal” terminals were sold between 2023 and early 2024, despite regulatory uncertainty.

Starlink will serve a purpose, particularly in areas lacking robust broadband coverage. But South Africa is less critical strategically, and competitors like Amazon’s Project Kuiper and China’s Thousand Sails constellation will be ready to enter as regulatory processes conclude.

LEO satellite services will eventually cover significant parts of South Africa, though universal access remains unlikely. Jens Langenhorst emphasizes that success will depend on strategies tailored to income levels and collaboration with local infrastructure providers to turn satellite connectivity into meaningful internet access for schools, farms, and rural communities.

Cassava and AXON leverage AI and fibre networks to deliver Africa’s first real-time, scalable Operator-as-a-Service. (Image source: Cassava Technolgies)

David Bunei country leader Kenya Oracle and Snehar Shah CEO iXAfrica Data Centres. (Image source: iX Africa)

Mobile

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.

Airtel Africa and SpaceX are positioning satellite-enabled mobile connectivity as a critical pillar of Africa’s digital transformation. (Image credit: Tech Africa)

National digital platform transforms Liberia’s payments. (Image source: The Central Bank of Liberia)

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

Arrel launches modular remittance APIs

Commerce

Arrel has introduced a new suite of DAPL (Digital Asset Platform) APIs aimed at remittance operators, offering a modular approach to building and scaling cross-border payment infrastructure

The APIs enable operators to activate individual infrastructure modules, deploy them as needed, and scale capacity in line with transaction volumes rather than committing to fixed, bundled platforms.

The offering is targeted at regulated or regulation-ready remittance startups, as well as established operators looking to open new corridors, improve existing flows, or modernise cross-border payment systems without locking into inflexible, enterprise-style infrastructure solutions.

Remittance services typically depend on a mix of liquidity access, compliance frameworks, treasury management, and settlement mechanisms. As transaction volumes grow and new corridors are added, each of these elements introduces additional operational complexity and cost. DAPL has been designed to support operators that require multiple infrastructure components operating across currencies, jurisdictions, and volumes.

Within DAPL, remittance infrastructure is broken down into core building blocks that are generally required from the outset of any remittance operation. These include multi-currency liquidity access, connectivity to exchanges and liquidity providers, transaction monitoring and compliance tools, treasury controls, settlement logic, and local payout rails for each corridor. The platform also includes a routing layer capable of executing across multiple liquidity venues through a single integration, without the need for an internal order management system. In addition, remittance operations often rely on pre-funded accounts across currencies and corridors, which ties up working capital and increases exposure to FX and liquidity risk as activity expands.

Traditionally, these components are sourced from multiple providers, each with its own commercial terms, technical integrations, regulatory reviews, and operational processes. In many cases, they are delivered as bundled platforms with fixed pricing, minimum volume thresholds, and long-term contracts that apply regardless of actual transaction activity. Maintaining pre-funded balances across markets further compounds capital allocation challenges.

DAPL addresses this by acting as a digital asset orchestration layer that separates infrastructure components and makes them available through standardised APIs. Arrel, which was established in Mauritius, developed the platform to give remittance operators an alternative to single-stack, bundled infrastructure models.

The APIs are grouped into four main functional areas.

The first focuses on liquidity and currency access. These APIs provide programmatic access to liquidity across multiple exchanges and providers through a single integration. Operators can access settlement currencies including USD, EUR, ZAR, XAF and XOF, along with corridor-specific currencies where available. Stablecoins are supported as a settlement option, supported by reconciliation and reporting tools.

Liquidity and venue integrations include Binance, Bitfinex, Bitstamp, CEX.IO, LMAX, Deribit, Gate.io, HTX, Indodax, Kraken, KuCoin, Luno, OKX, Poloniex, VALR and Xago. Settlement is supported on blockchains such as Arbitrum One, BNB Chain, Ethereum, Optimism, Polygon, Bitcoin, Stellar and Tron. Custody options include Fireblocks and native MPC wallets, while compliance tooling is integrated through Chainalysis for KYT and Sumsub for KYC and KYB.

The second functional area covers compliance and transaction monitoring. These APIs embed compliance checks directly into remittance flows, exposing KYT, AML, and KYC or KYB processes. Screening results, risk signals, and audit records are available programmatically, and compliance rules can be applied at the transaction level across supported corridors.

The third area addresses treasury and settlement orchestration. These APIs allow operators to configure treasury wallets, approval workflows, and settlement rules across connected venues. Capabilities include real-time balance visibility, automated fund movements, FX exposure monitoring, and policy-driven approvals, all managed through a central orchestration layer.

The fourth functional area focuses on local rails and corridor execution. Through integrations with regulated local partners such as Xago, the APIs enable payouts and settlement into domestic banking and payment systems without requiring operators to establish bilateral banking relationships in every corridor. Additional payout integrations can be added while maintaining a consistent orchestration, monitoring, and audit framework.

Looking ahead, Arrel plans to expand the platform to include integrations with telecom operators and mobile money aggregators. This would allow remittance workflows to connect with mobile-based payment systems, particularly in peri-urban and remote regions where traditional banking access is limited.

Alongside individual APIs, Arrel also offers modular infrastructure bundles built on these functional areas. Operators can deploy a Core Remittance Bundle covering liquidity routing, compliance monitoring, and treasury orchestration, and then add Corridor Bundles linked to specific payout rails and local requirements. These bundles are designed for usage-based deployment rather than fixed platform commitments.

Under this approach, expanding into new corridors is handled incrementally. Each new corridor typically requires adding a payout integration and applying local rules, while the underlying liquidity, compliance, and treasury infrastructure remains unchanged.

Arrel is a member of the Circle Alliance, signalling alignment with institutional stablecoin infrastructure standards. Working with regulated partners such as Xago, the APIs are intended to operate within established financial and supervisory frameworks.

By offering modular APIs and configurable infrastructure bundles, Arrel presents an alternative model for deploying cross-border remittance infrastructure. Operators can align infrastructure usage and capital allocation with actual transaction activity, supporting corridor-by-corridor expansion while maintaining a consistent orchestration and monitoring layer. This approach is particularly relevant in African markets, where remittance corridors and payout mechanisms differ widely across countries and regions.

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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

ASM strategies to protect digital assets

Security

Attack surface management (ASM) has seen significant growth in recent years, evolving into a recognised market category that provides businesses with the visibility and strategies needed to safeguard their digital assets, reports Kyle Pillay, security as a service manager at Datacentrix

As Forrester’s Attack Surface Management Solutions Landscape, Q2 2024 notes, ASM “delivers insights on assets that ultimately support business objectives, keep the lights on, generate revenue, and delight customers.”

At its essence, ASM involves continuously discovering, identifying, inventorying, and assessing the exposures of an organisation’s IT asset estate, a foundational step in maintaining a strong security posture.

Knowing your environment

Fundamentally, ASM helps organisations ‘know your environment’, highlighting gaps in defenses before attackers can exploit them.

Every threat actor or hacker begins with reconnaissance, mapping out your external-facing assets. This is why External Attack Surface Management (EASM) exists: it concentrates on what attackers can see. Without viewing your environment through this external lens, organisations cannot know which access points are visible or exploitable, leaving them unable to proactively detect or prevent threats before incidents occur.

First steps in protecting your attack surface

The first step in ASM is identifying external-facing touchpoints such as public IPs and domains. For instance, you might recognise your primary domain (e.g., mydomain.co.za), but visibility into similar domains, like mydomain.com, mydomain.net, mydomain.tech, or mydomain.ac.za, is also crucial. These can be targeted for domain squatting or cybersquatting, where attackers exploit similar names to mislead users and enable phishing attacks.

A strong ASM solution not only maps your current footprint but also identifies domains worth securing before malicious actors register them.

If a deceptive domain is registered, like mydomain-tech.co.za, you need an effective takedown process. International domain takedowns can be complex, requiring a partner capable of legally liaising with registrars across jurisdictions. With the right procedures and partnerships, such domains can often be removed within four to eight hours, limiting potential damage.

Keeping pace with today’s infrastructure

One of ASM’s biggest challenges is keeping up with the rapid growth and sprawl of modern IT environments. While multiple tools exist, none fully match the speed of change, even as vendors iterate frequently, often in weekly development sprints, to maintain relevant detection capabilities.

Beyond speed, perspective matters. While an organisation may have visibility from one viewpoint, attackers do not limit themselves to a single angle. To defend effectively against modern threats, you need to view your environment as attackers do and understand vulnerabilities exploitable from within. This is where distinguishing between external and internal ASM becomes crucial.

External ASM (EASM) focuses on publicly exposed digital assets, whereas internal ASM addresses vulnerabilities inside the network. Internal ASM uses network exposure activity tools to simulate real-world attack techniques, often following frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK, to identify weaknesses from the inside. These simulations test whether known attack methods bypass security controls, whether sensitive data can be exfiltrated, whether passwords are weak or compromised, and if lateral movement within the network is possible.

Combining internal and external ASM provides a more accurate view of your security posture, allowing organisations to close gaps before exploitation.

Making the business case for ASM

Cost is often a concern with ASM investments, but when weighed against the reputational and financial impact of a breach, or the risk of sensitive data appearing on the dark web, the case for prevention is clear.

The reality is simple. Without a combination of internal and external ASM, organisations remain essentially blind to vulnerabilities. The ability to identify, monitor, and remediate gaps before adversaries exploit them has become a business imperative.

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