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AGCCI trained more than 600 young women across 32 African nations, helping them build careers and develop innovations in ICT. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Internet

Empowering young women in technology, the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI) is bridging the digital gender gap in Tanzania

Through coding camps and mentorship, participants like Annagrace Malamsha and Flora Kagoma are gaining the skills to transform their careers and communities, proving that the future of ICT is inclusive.

“The AGCCI Coding Camp has been a life changer, and a core part of shaping my perception on pursuing careers within the Tech space,” said Malamsha.

She and Flora Kagoma are among 100 young women in Tanzania who exemplify the impact of the AGCCI “Binti Dijitali” program, which is transforming opportunities for girls in the country.

AGCCI is implemented by UN Women in partnership with the Ministries of Gender, ICT, and Education in both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, along with the African Union Commission and the International Telecommunication Union. Supported by the Government of Belgium, the program focuses on equipping young women aged 17 to 25 with coding and digital literacy skills.

During its initial phase (2018–2021), AGCCI trained more than 600 young women across 32 African nations, helping them build careers and develop innovations in ICT. The second phase, backed by the Government of Belgium and executed in collaboration with schools, NGOs, private sector entities, and government agencies, expanded the initiative to 11 countries, including Tanzania. Over 1,000 girls benefited from intensive coding camps covering fundamental programming skills and hands-on digital training.

According to UN Women Programme Specialist for Women’s Economic Empowerment, Lilian Mwamdanga, the initiative is designed to bridge the gender gap in digital skills, ensuring women and girls can remain competitive in the evolving job market.

"Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is emerging as a powerful tool for economic empowerment, creating opportunities in employment, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Yet, despite rapid digital advancements, women remain underrepresented in the tech sector,” she said. “By empowering them with the skills they need, we can help bridge this gap and create a more inclusive digital economy, where women and girls can contribute towards driving innovation and economic growth.”

After completing the coding camp, Malamsha applied her newly gained expertise to shift her career focus, integrating digital marketing into her professional journey.

“I was able to use what I learned from the coding camp to work as a freelance graphics designer, brand manager and social media manager.”

Since her participation in the programme, she has remained committed to giving back to her community. Her efforts include engaging in international initiatives that empower women and offering digital marketing training. She also co-founded SHEWORKS in Tech, an organization dedicated to setting up digital clubs in secondary schools to equip young innovators with essential skills.

“I want girls to know that coding and working in the ICT sector is not reserved for men,” Annagrace insisted. “We must challenge the status quo and address the gender divide, one training session at a time.”

By MTN South Sudan and NCA, launching eSIM technology for improved connectivity and customer experience in South Sudan’s telecom industry. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Mobile

MTN South Sudan, in partnership with the National Communications Authority (NCA), has officially rolled out electronic SIM (eSIM) technology in the country.

MTN claims to be the first operator to bring eSIM technology to South Sudan.

The NCA, as the regulatory body, has expressed its commitment to supporting MTN and other mobile providers in introducing eSIM-compatible smartphones.

"Today marks another milestone in South Sudan’s telecommunications journey. As MTN, we are proud to be the first operator in the country to launch eSIM technology. This is not just about innovation; it’s about simplifying connectivity and delivering convenience to our customers,"commented Ali Monzer, CEO of MTN South Sudan.

Napoleon Adok Gai, director general of the NCA, emphasised that eSIM technology enhances customer experience and security. He also highlighted the importance of customer support and education in this development.

NEC XON and Skywire deploy OneWeb satellite solution, enhancing connectivity for rural communities and remote enterprises across South Africa. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Satellite

NEC XON, in collaboration with Skywire, has deployed a pioneering OneWeb satellite solution tailored to meet the connectivity challenges faced by rural communities and remote enterprises across South Africa

This partnership has resulted in a high-availability solution supporting both mobile and fixed connectivity in hard-to-reach areas, addressing critical needs in community services, disaster recovery, and diverse business sectors.

Unique application: Voter enrollment in rural areas

One of Skywire’s initial OneWeb applications was a mobile solution designed to support voter enrollment in rural communities. Tasked with tight deadlines, NEC XON and Skywire rapidly coordinated resources, completing deployment within two weeks. This installation, aboard a mobile community service center, included a specially sourced self-levelling bracket to ensure reliable connectivity in remote locations.

An End-to-End connectivity solution for rural applications

NEC XON’s OneWeb solution provides connectivity where terrestrial towers aren’t available, such as the Northern Cape and the Karoo. The LEO satellite offers higher speeds, low latency (~70ms compared to over 600ms with GEO networks), and dependable uptime even in rugged areas. This solution enables Skywire to deliver reliable service where traditional networks cannot reach, with faster installations and reduced operational costs.

Building on a trusted partnership

Skywire’s decision to partner with NEC XON reflects their long-standing relationship. Over the years, NEC XON has supported Skywire’s expansion, including deployments of NEC licensed spectrum microwave equipment. This partnership has been essential in delivering innovative solutions like OneWeb, allowing Skywire to provide unmatched service to customers even in challenging locations.

“NEC XON’s dedication and expertise in delivering a satellite solution with OneWeb that meets Skywire’s high standards of connectivity has been invaluable. The team’s commitment to meeting tight deadlines and supporting our mission is something we greatly value as we continue to grow our service offerings.” – Johan Botha, chief commercial officer, Skywire

Expanding access to new sectors and communities

The success of the OneWeb deployment has drawn interest from various sectors eager to benefit from low-latency, high-availability connectivity. NEC XON and Skywire plan to expand OneWeb services into sectors such as mining, oil & gas, and border security, with additional focus on retail and banking. By delivering powerful connectivity in remote areas, the OneWeb solution is poised to play a transformative role in South Africa’s digital future.

Bank of South Sudan and AfricaNenda introduce NIPS, enabling real-time transactions and financial inclusion for a connected digital economy. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Commerce

The Bank of South Sudan (BOSS) has unveiled a landmark initiative to introduce the country’s first National Instant Payment System (NIPS) in partnership with the AfricaNenda Foundation

This initiative represents a major advancement in modernising South Sudan’s financial infrastructure, reinforcing the bank’s mission to enhance financial services for all citizens. It also complements broader efforts to integrate key systems such as the Automated Clearing House (ACH), Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS), and Instant Fund Transfer (IFT).

Designed to enable secure, real-time, and cost-efficient transactions, NIPS will enhance interoperability between banks, mobile money providers, and other financial institutions. As the foundation of South Sudan’s digital payment ecosystem, the system will support various financial transactions, including person-to-person (P2P), person-to-business (P2B), government-to-person (G2P), and person-to-government (P2G) payments. This will drive efficiency and inclusivity across the financial sector.

“The start of the NIPS journey marks a monumental step forward for financial and socio-economic inclusion in South Sudan. This partnership with AfricaNenda Foundation is pivotal in transforming the financial services landscape, fostering greater inclusivity, and creating a more resilient digital economy,” Johnny Ohisa Damian, governor of the Bank of South Sudan.

The partnership’s primary objectives include:

  • Establishing a comprehensive roadmap for NIPS implementation with defined milestones.
  • Strengthening the capacity of BOSS and financial institutions to manage and oversee the system effectively.
  • Ensuring seamless integration and interoperability through collaboration with banks, telecom operators, and key stakeholders.

Following a successful proof-of-concept phase in 2023, which demonstrated strong demand and viability, BOSS and AfricaNenda are confident that NIPS will transform South Sudan’s financial landscape. The system will enhance financial accessibility, support businesses, streamline government operations, and create new economic opportunities in a digital-driven economy.

This initiative reflects BOSS’s dedication to fostering a sustainable, inclusive, and innovative financial future for all citizens in South Sudan.

“We are proud to partner with the Bank of South Sudan on this landmark initiative. Instant payment systems are transformative tools that redefine access to financial services and promote inclusivity. With the launch of this system, South Sudan is laying the foundation for a more connected and resilient economy that benefits every citizen,” concluded Robert Ochola, CEO, of AfricaNenda Foundation.

Also read: Mukuru wallet transforms Zimbabwe’s digital payment

Huawei supports African TowerCos with sustainable energy solutions and diversification strategies for telecom infrastructure. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Power

Huawei, a global leader in ICT infrastructure and smart devices, has announced its commitment to assisting Tower Companies (TowerCos) in Africa in diversifying their energy sources and adopting sustainable energy practices for powering telecom infrastructure

This initiative aims to help TowerCos reduce their carbon emissions, improve operational efficiency, and explore new business opportunities.

During his speech, "Lighting Up the Road to Multiple Business Future for TowerCos," delivered at the TowerXchange Meetup Africa 2024 in Nairobi, Li Shaolong, president of site power facility domain at Huawei Digital Power, noted that Africa is accelerating the development of ICT infrastructure. TowerCos, as key players in this process, are facing new challenges and opportunities.

“As mobile connectivity demand rises, TowerCos are under increasing pressure to ensure energy reliability and sustainability, especially in areas with limited grid access. Tower sites, often in remote locations, depend heavily on diesel generators, which are costly, environmentally harmful, and vulnerable to fuel supply issues. Huawei’s energy solutions address these challenges by incorporating renewable energy technologies like solar power and advanced energy storage systems,” Li explained.

He emphasised Huawei's long-term commitment to helping Africa's TowerCos transition to greener energy solutions, leveraging the integration of digital and power electronics technologies. Huawei Site Power Facility aims to provide TowerCos with comprehensive energy infrastructure and intelligent operations and maintenance (O&M) solutions.

A path to diversification

In addition to energy sustainability, Huawei is supporting TowerCos in their efforts to diversify by helping them explore new business models and revenue streams.

“This will drive TowerCos to become energy producers through innovative solutions and business models, leading to diversified business development, revenue growth, and sustained success in energy operations,” Li said.

He highlighted that with Huawei's eMIMO smart power solution, TowerCos can centrally manage multiple energy inputs—such as grid power, photovoltaics (PV), and energy storage—and multiple outputs ranging from 12V to 220V devices through a single platform.

“In this way, revenue-generating services like environmental protection and emergency response can be developed alongside communications services,” he said.

Li further stated that Huawei Site Power Facility Domain's main goals are to support network evolution, increase tenancy ratios, help TowerCos reduce energy costs while achieving green development, improve power availability, and reduce site O&M costs.

“Huawei will continue collaborating with TowerCos to innovate and advance energy infrastructure towards a 'green, simple, and intelligent' future, accelerating the growth of African carrier networks and contributing to a digital Africa,” Li added.

Somalia launches its first National IPv6 Center to enhance internet security, scalability, and support next-gen technologies like 5G and IoT. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Security

The National Communications Authority (NCA) and Jamhuriya University of Science & Technology (JUST), in partnership with the African Network Information Center (AFRINIC), have inaugurated Somalia’s first National IPv6 Internet Protocol Center, marking a pivotal step in the country’s digital evolution

Designed as a hub for research, training, and implementation, the center will drive Somalia’s transition to IPv6, ensuring a more secure, scalable, and future-ready internet infrastructure. The shift from IPv4 to IPv6 is crucial for expanding connectivity, enhancing cybersecurity, and enabling advanced technologies like 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT).

The launch event brought together government representatives, industry leaders, academia, and key figures from Somalia’s digital ecosystem.

Mohamed Ahmed Mohamud, president of Jamhuriya University of Science & Technology (JUST), highlighted the significance of collaboration between government and academia in advancing digital services. “This collaboration is crucial for Somalia’s technological and knowledge development. Strengthening cooperation between public institutions and the education sector is key to building a strong digital economy.”

NCA director general, Mustafa Yasin Sheikh, emphasised the strategic importance of IPv6, noting its role in expanding internet services, boosting cybersecurity, and integrating cutting-edge technologies into Somalia’s digital landscape. “This center is a landmark achievement in modernizing Somalia’s telecommunications sector and accelerating our digital growth. IPv6 is not just an upgrade—it is the foundation for a more resilient and future-ready internet ecosystem.”

Minister of Communications and Technology, Mohamed Adan Macalin, reiterated the government’s dedication to digital connectivity and urged stakeholders to support IPv6 adoption. “The launch of this center signals Somalia’s transition into a modern digital era. I urge all telecommunications companies, academic institutions, and private sector players to actively engage in implementing the National IPv6 Strategy.”

As part of the initiative, NCA and JUST signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), officially designating the university as the center’s host. The agreement outlines joint efforts in training, research, and public awareness to ensure a smooth nationwide transition to IPv6.

The National IPv6 Center is a vital element of Somalia’s National ICT Strategy, reinforcing the country’s commitment to a secure, scalable, and sustainable digital future.

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