Read the Digital Magazine

ZTE Corporation and Comsol, a provider of fixed wireless access (FWA) infrastructure, are strengthening their strategic partnership to expand access to high-performance home broadband in South Africa through next-generation digital infrastructure

Mauritz Lewies, Comsol's Chief Technology Officer, and Francois Olivier, Comsol's Chief of Network Strategy, attended the 15th ZTE Global Summit & User Congress in Kuala Lumpur. Held under the theme “Architecting Infinity – From Connectivity to Digital Value”, the event brought together global industry leaders. This year's Summit was co-located with GSMA M360 ASEAN for the first time, broadening discussions on connectivity, digital infrastructure and emerging technologies.

During the Summit, Olivier joined a high-level roundtable to discuss digital inclusion and the contribution of communications infrastructure to local business development. Drawing on Comsol's experience in South Africa, he outlined how improved connectivity can help businesses grow, expand access to digital services and translate infrastructure investment into economic and social benefits.

Speaking at the event, Francois Olivier, chief of network strategy at Comsol, stated, “With nearly 30 years of experience delivering secure and reliable connectivity solutions to enterprise customers in South Africa, we are now extending that expertise into the consumer market through our wholesale 5G-Advanced network, enabling service providers to bring high-performance broadband to more South African households.”

Comsol's representatives also met with ZTE's management and technical teams to discuss the development of digital infrastructure. Topics included advances in 5G networks and equipment, network artificial intelligence (AI), AI-native connectivity, computing infrastructure, and the integration of connectivity and computing technologies. The discussions considered how these developments could be incorporated into enterprise networks to enable new digital applications, improve network capabilities and address the changing requirements of South African customers.

During a separate management meeting, Comsol reiterated its confidence in the partnership and the opportunities for further cooperation. The companies intend to combine ZTE's technology development expertise and global research and development capabilities with Comsol's local customer relationships, market knowledge and implementation experience to advance next-generation digital infrastructure deployment across South Africa.

ZTE and Comsol plan to continue expanding their collaboration, with a focus on applying advanced connectivity and digital technologies to practical business requirements. Their stated objective is to make reliable and accessible digital services available to more individuals and enterprises across South Africa.

Cell C has been recognised among South Africa's top-performing mobile network operators for customer experience and network quality in the 2026 SA Telecoms Customer Experience Index, an independent study by data science company DataEQ

The index analysed more than 652,000 public customer conversations posted on Facebook, X and HelloPeter between October 2025 and March 2026. Rather than relying on surveys or panels, the study measures customer sentiment based on publicly shared experiences with mobile network providers.

The report comes at a time when South Africa's telecommunications sector has faced growing customer frustration over network outages, billing issues and unresolved service requests. Against this backdrop, Cell C emerged as one of the strongest performers in both customer experience and network quality.

Strongest performer for network quality

Cell C achieved the highest network quality rating in the study, recording a Net Sentiment score of +45%. It was the only major mobile operator to receive a positive score in this category, while all other leading providers recorded negative results.

According to the report, positive customer sentiment was largely driven by reliable network connectivity, particularly in areas where users believed competing operators were underperforming. The findings also reflect Cell C's asset-light operating model, which prioritises investment in network performance and customer reliability.

The company's Escape the City, Not the Signal campaign also contributed to positive engagement by encouraging customers in rural and remote communities to share their connectivity experiences, highlighting dependable coverage beyond major urban centres.

Customer experience outperforms industry average

Cell C was also one of only two operators to achieve a positive Operational Customer Experience Net Sentiment score, recording +11%, compared with the industry average of -8%.

The report attributes this performance to positive customer perceptions of network coverage, data reliability and overall value for money.

In the area of mobile data services, Cell C recorded a +12% sentiment score, with customers praising the consistency and predictability of its data offerings. The report also found fewer complaints relating to data bundle depletion or missing data allocations compared with the wider industry.

The company additionally received positive feedback for its digital customer channels, including self-service options and promotions available through the Cell C App. Continued investment in digital platforms forms part of Cell C's broader strategy to improve customer experience.

Areas for further improvement

While recognising Cell C's strengths, the report also identified opportunities for improvement, particularly around customer service resolution times and account administration. The company said these findings will help shape future investment priorities alongside its continued focus on network reliability and customer value.

"Our customers have always been our greatest source of insight and accountability," said Melanie Forbes, chief marketing officer of Cell C. "This recognition is meaningful because it reflects the voices and experiences of the people we serve. Being recognised for both customer experience and network quality tells us that customers are seeing the impact of the work being done to consistently improve reliability, consistency and value.

"We also take seriously what this data tells us about where customers still expect more from us, particularly in how quickly and effectively we resolve their queries. That is where our focus turns next.

"Connectivity is not simply about staying online. It is about helping people access opportunities, building businesses, learning new skills and staying connected to their communities. As a brand that strives to be an ally to our customers, we remain focused on delivering the experiences that help South Africans connect to what matters most."

The recognition reinforces Cell C's ongoing efforts to enhance network reliability, strengthen customer trust and improve digital services. The company says the findings will guide future improvements across the customer journey while building on the progress already achieved in network performance and service quality.

Airtel Africa and Starlink have launched a satellite-to-mobile connectivity service in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), making the country the first market in Africa to move the technology into commercial deployment

The service allows Airtel customers using compatible smartphones to stay connected in areas outside terrestrial network coverage, provided they have a clear view of the sky.

Starlink, which operates a satellite-to-mobile constellation with 650 launched satellites, supports light-data applications such as WhatsApp messaging and SMS. Users do not need specialised hardware or an additional device to access the service.

The commercial rollout follows a strategic partnership between Airtel Africa and Starlink announced in December 2025. It also builds on successful testing of Starlink Mobile data and messaging services in Kenya in March 2026.

The DRC is the first Airtel Africa market, and the first country on the continent, where Starlink Mobile has moved from testing to commercial availability.

Customers seeking to use the service must have a compatible LTE Android smartphone, together with an active Airtel DRC data bundle or data roaming enabled. Support for Apple devices is planned for the future.

“The first-ever commercial launch of Starlink Mobile in Africa is a significant milestone for Airtel Africa through our partnership with SpaceX. By combining Airtel’s terrestrial network with Starlink’s satellite technology, we are extending essential connectivity beyond the limits of conventional mobile infrastructure. The DRC is leading this important development, and the experience gained here will support the progressive expansion of the service across our markets, subject to country-specific regulatory approvals.”

Airtel DRC managing director Theirry Diasnoma said the deployment would help address connectivity challenges created by the country’s size and geography.

“The commercial launch of Starlink Mobile is an important step in extending essential connectivity across the DRC. Our country’s size and geography mean that many people live, work and travel beyond the reach of conventional mobile infrastructure. This service provides an additional layer of connectivity, helping customers remain reachable, informed and connected even in areas where terrestrial coverage is unavailable.”

Extending connectivity to remote areas

The satellite-to-mobile service is expected to provide an additional communications option for people and organisations operating in locations beyond the reach of conventional networks.

Potential users include transport and logistics operators, humanitarian organisations, healthcare workers, farmers, mining operations and communities in remote areas. The service could also provide communications support during emergencies, natural disasters and temporary interruptions to terrestrial networks.

Eligible Airtel customers can register through the MyAirtel App for a free 30-day introductory trial. Customers travelling to the DRC and joining Airtel DRC can also access the trial after activating an eligible service and downloading the application.

Once the introductory period ends, access to Starlink Mobile will continue through eligible Airtel data bundles.

Airtel Africa and Starlink are continuing to develop the service, with further capabilities expected as the technology advances and required regulatory approvals are obtained.

The deployment marks another step in Airtel Africa’s efforts to expand connectivity through new technologies and address coverage gaps across the continent, particularly in areas where conventional mobile infrastructure remains unavailable.

BoC Technologies Limited has partnered with Scale, Africa's card-issuing orchestration platform, to introduce virtual prepaid Mastercard cards for creators and creative businesses ahead of the launch of its platform in the third quarter of 2026

The collaboration enables BoC to integrate a card layer into its platform through Scale's infrastructure, allowing creators to access, manage and spend available funds more easily. The programme will operate on the Mastercard network, with UBA Kenya serving as the regulated sponsor bank.

The initiative is designed to address the financial challenges faced by Africa's growing creator economy, where professionals across sectors such as music, film, design, gaming, photography, fashion and digital commerce often receive income from multiple sources, currencies and payment cycles. As a result, creators frequently experience delays between earning revenue and being able to use those funds to support their businesses.

BoC aims to bridge this gap through its financial intelligence engine, SIBWE, and AI-powered copilot, MC Harvey, which are designed to help creators understand the value of their work, manage their finances and improve access to capital. The addition of virtual prepaid cards provides a practical way for users to access and spend funds once they become available.

"Africa’s creative economy is producing real commercial value, but too much of that value remains invisible to the systems that serve small businesses," said Syed Raza, founder and CEO of BoC.

"Our mission is to connect capital with creativity, helping creators see the value they are building, manage it with confidence and access capital when they need it most. This partnership with Scale gives creators a practical first touchpoint with that vision from day one."

Scale said the partnership reflects its focus on expanding modern financial infrastructure for Africa's fast-growing fintech sector.

Barbara Woollams, head of partnerships at Scale, stated, "Africa's creators are building real brands and businesses, but are underserved by a financial infrastructure built for traditional business. Scale exists to put modern card infrastructure within reach of the fintechs, solving exactly that. We're proud to power the card programme at the heart of BoC's ecosystem to give creators a fast, simple way to access and spend what they earn, and to give BoC the foundation to scale."

The collaboration is centred in Kenya, where BoC recently obtained fintech certification from the Nairobi International Financial Centre Authority (NIFCA). The certification provides the company with a regulatory foundation to launch its services in Kenya before expanding its creator-focused financial platform across other African markets.

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

The new agreement marks a major step in expanding Vertiv’s reach in the Malawian market, leveraging IPCS’s established experience in power control and alternative energy solutions.

“This collaboration will enhance IPCS’s product portfolio, reinforcing our position as a trusted leader in the Malawian market,” said Rumbidzai Bere, business development and marketing director at IPCS.

“The combination of IPCS’s experience in power control and renewable energy and Vertiv’s innovative solutions, such as lithium-ion compatible UPS systems and IT infrastructure products, will bring a new layer of reliability and efficiency to organisations in Malawi, enabling them to equip their critical infrastructure with the resilient, scalable infrastructure needed to support them over time.”

The agreement includes the distribution of Vertiv's comprehensive critical digital infrastructure portfolio, including single-phase and three-phase AC power solutions, surge protection, integrated racks and cabinets and IT infrastructure management solutions, to support the growing demands for computing and AI infrastructure in the region.

The Malawi government’s National Compact for Energy sets out the country’s vision and commitment to increasing access to electricity and alternative energy by 2030, with the aim of providing electricity to 70% of the population.

“Our collaboration with IPCS is a step toward reinforcing Vertiv’s local footprint and a strategic move to align with a well-established, respected partner,” said Gary Chomse, Vertiv’s regional director for central and southern Africa.

“This is proof of our presence, commitment and investment in the Malawian power control, data centre infrastructure, and alternative energy sectors.

“Through this partnership, Vertiv and IPCS are committed to contributing to Malawi’s technological evolution, providing businesses with the power and infrastructure solutions needed to support the country’s digital future.”

IPCS, a wholly Malawian-owned company, has built its reputation as a leader in power solutions since its foundation in 1998.

With a strong track record in supplying, installing and maintaining critical power infrastructure, including uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), data centre solutions, automatic voltage regulators, surge protectors, and alternative energy systems, IPCS is well-positioned to supply, install, and support Vertiv solutions in Malawi.

“This means that, as digital transformation accelerates and electrification efforts continue, there is immense potential for growth in the IT and power sectors,” added Bere.

“With Malawi’s youthful population, 80% of whom are under the age of 35, we also believe that the rise in IT skills, the use of AI and cybersecurity advancements will further drive demand for sophisticated data centre solutions.” 

Mastercard has launched its Africa Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, a pan-African initiative aimed at improving cyber resilience, strengthening collaboration and protecting the trust that supports Africa’s rapidly expanding digital economy

The announcement was made during Mastercard CEO Michael Miebach’s visit to South Africa and Nigeria, highlighting the company’s continued commitment to supporting Africa’s digital transformation. Through the new initiative, Mastercard will bring its global cybersecurity expertise and intelligence capabilities to help organisations across the continent prepare for, respond to and recover from increasingly complex cyber threats.

The launch follows commitments made during recent engagements with the Nigerian government in Abuja and the South African government during the G20 meetings held in Johannesburg, with both discussions focused on advancing cybersecurity efforts across Africa.

Cyril Ramaphosa, president of South Africa, said, “We recognise that for digitisation to be inclusive, it must be trusted and secure. Mastercard has long been a trusted partner to South Africa, and its Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence is a welcome step to build on that foundation, drawing on the country’s best and brightest to meet a challenge no government or company can solve alone."

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, president of Nigeria, commented, “As Nigeria deepens its digital transformation, secure and trusted systems will be critical to inclusion and growth. We welcome collaborations that strengthen our digital economy and build resilience for the future.”

As digital adoption continues to grow across Africa, cybersecurity has become increasingly important to economic development. The Africa Cybersecurity Center of Excellence has been established to support stronger collective defence by connecting financial institutions, public sector organisations and businesses to share intelligence, improve preparedness, identify threats earlier and strengthen long-term resilience.

Michael Miebach, CEO, Mastercard, said, "Africa is dynamic, fast-growing, and ready to scale its digital future. That won't happen without trust. People don't use what they don't trust. That makes cybersecurity foundational to driving economic resilience and growth across the continent. By doing more to connect public and private sector efforts and share best practices, we can strengthen collective defense and secure a more confident and inclusive digital economy."

Africa’s digital economy is expected to reach US$1.5 trillion by 2030, increasing the need for stronger cybersecurity cooperation. At the same time, cybercrime continues to rise across the continent, causing significant economic losses annually. However, only around 35% of cyber incidents are officially reported, with limited detection capabilities, cyber maturity gaps and reputational concerns contributing to underreporting.

South Africa remains one of Africa’s most targeted markets, accounting for approximately 29% of ransomware attacks and 40% of phishing incidents across the continent. Nigeria also continues to rank among the markets most affected by ransomware and dark-web-related cyber threats.

Led by Mastercard, the multi-year initiative will begin a phased rollout in 2026, starting with South Africa and Nigeria. Through a collaborative model, the Center aims to strengthen cyber preparedness, improve resilience and support safer digital growth across Africa.

Operating as a pan-African platform supported by connected digital capabilities, the Center will provide participating organisations with improved visibility into emerging cyber risks. The initiative will include a first-year ecosystem cyber risk analysis covering up to 50 organisations, as well as access to an Africa-focused threat intelligence feed developed by Recorded Future, a Mastercard company.

By enabling collaboration among chief information security officers (CISOs), business leaders and cybersecurity professionals, the Center will support secure information sharing, joint exercises and coordinated responses to help create a stronger cybersecurity ecosystem across Africa.

The initiative will continue evolving as cybersecurity requirements change, with its activities centred around three key pillars:

Threat intelligence and strategic insights: Providing participating organisations with Africa-focused cybersecurity intelligence, risk assessments and a shared understanding of emerging threats.

Collaboration and knowledge sharing: Connecting CISOs, senior business executives and security teams to improve collective response capabilities and promote cybersecurity best practices across industries.

Readiness and resilience: Helping organisations prepare for future threats through continuous risk monitoring, resilience evaluations and scenario-based exercises designed to improve response and recovery.

The launch of the Africa Cybersecurity Center of Excellence represents another step in Mastercard’s broader commitment to building trust in the digital economy. Since 2018, the company has invested more than US$12.6bn in cybersecurity innovation and supported the launch of more than 20 cybersecurity-focused startups.

The initiative further reflects Mastercard’s transition from a payments network into a technology and cyber intelligence partner, supporting stronger cyber resilience and enabling secure, inclusive and sustainable digital growth across Africa.

By collaborating with governments, financial institutions, businesses and SMEs, Mastercard aims to strengthen the digital foundations required for inclusive economic development and support a more secure and resilient digital future across the continent.