In The Spotlight
Mark Elliott, Division President for Africa at Mastercard and Folasade Femi-Lawal, Country Manager and Area Business Head, West Africa, Mastercard at the Ghana Office opening ceremony. (Image source: Mastercard)
Mastercard has marked a significant milestone in its West African operations by inaugurating its first office in Accra, Ghana
This strategic move demonstrates Mastercard’s dedication to advancing Ghana’s digital economy through innovative and market-specific financial products and services.
The Accra office underscores Mastercard’s commitment to strengthening stakeholder relationships and fostering inclusive growth in the region. By establishing a physical presence in Ghana, Mastercard aims to enhance collaboration with local partners, delivering tailored solutions that positively impact the nation’s financial landscape.
“Opening our office in Ghana marks an important milestone in our commitment to deepening relationships across the region. Our growth strategy for West Africa is ambitious, and establishing a formal presence here allows us to better serve the specific needs of our customers. We are eager to leverage our global expertise and innovative capabilities to introduce advanced payment technologies in this market. As we look to the future, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our extensive network of partners in the public and private sector, who are helping us build a better, more connected digital world. We remain unwavering in our commitment to shaping the future of payments and financial services in this dynamic market,” shared Mark Elliott, Division President for Africa at Mastercard.
With Ghana experiencing economic growth—reflected in a 2023 GDP per capita of USD$2,238 and expanding sectors like agriculture, mining, and digital infrastructure—the country presents a compelling opportunity for Mastercard’s West African strategy.
“Ghana presents a tremendous opportunity for Mastercard to enhance its geographical presence in West Africa. We are committed to attracting and nurturing top talent and fostering an ecosystem that aims to contribute positively to the local economy and technological advancement. We are proud of the positive impact that Mastercard has made on Ghana’s financial services ecosystem through collaborative partnerships between our team and extensive network of partners. We will continue to work closely with our partners and innovative new players in the fintech space and beyond as we contribute to a connected and inclusive digital future for all,” noted Folasade Femi-Lawal, country manager and area business head, West Africa, Mastercard.
Beyond opening its office in Accra, Mastercard has driven financial inclusion and digital transformation through strategic partnerships with innovative players like Kalabash, KaiOS, Boost, Smile ID, and financial institutions such as Access Bank and Fidelity Bank. These partnerships have improved cross-border payment solutions, empowered local fintechs, and expanded digital service access for underserved communities, cementing Ghana’s role as a technological innovation hub. Initiatives such as the Mastercard Fintech Forum and the Fraud and Cyber Resilience Forum have further enriched the financial ecosystem by fostering dialogue, sharing best practices, and addressing key challenges.
This new Accra office exemplifies Mastercard’s broader commitment to West Africa, joining its network of existing offices in Cairo, Casablanca, Johannesburg, Lagos, Nairobi, and Mauritius. With this expansion, Mastercard reinforces its dedication to building a sustainable digital economy that delivers long-term benefits across Africa.
Matimba Mbungela, chief human resources officer at Vodacom Group. (Image source: Vodacom Group)
Vodacom Group has been recognized as Africa’s top employer by the Top Employers Institute for the second consecutive year. This prestigious honor has also been awarded to Vodacom Group, Vodacom South Africa, Vodacom Mozambique, Vodacom Tanzania, and Safaricom Kenya
The accolade is based on companies’ performance in key HR domains, including people strategy, work environment, talent acquisition, learning, and employee well-being.
“We are incredibly proud to be certified as the Top Employer in Africa for the second year in a row. We believe that the well-being of our employees contributes directly to our ability to fulfil our purpose of connecting for a better future. By continually enhancing our Employee Value Proposition through empathetic and inclusive policies and practices, we are cultivating a workplace culture where people feel valued, empowered, and inspired to reach their full potential,” said Shameel Joosub, CEO of Vodacom Group.
In 2024, Vodacom expanded its Employee Value Proposition by introducing offerings that underscore its commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment. Through the principles of Compassion, Acceptance, Respect, and Empathy (C.A.R.E.), the company’s wellness initiatives now include support for all life stages, such as menopause, and an extended family responsibility leave policy.
“Maintaining our position as Africa’s Top Employer once again demonstrates our dedication to enabling our employees to thrive. However, our focus on nurturing talent and career development in the tech industry extends to the millions of young people across the continent who are the future of work. There is an urgent need to prepare the next generation for the rapidly evolving digital economy. To this end, we have launched the Digital Skills Hub, with the goal to equip one million young people in Africa by 2027 by providing access to self-paced, digital skills training for those aged between 18 and 35,” said Matimba Mbungela, chief human resources officer at Vodacom Group.
Developed in partnership with leading tech organizations such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft, the Vodacom Digital Skills Hub is focused on enhancing digital literacy across Africa. It aims to address the digital skills gap in eight African countries, including South Africa, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Lesotho, Egypt, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kenya.
The Digital Skills Hub is designed to inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by offering engaging, practical training. One of the first programs available through the hub is AWS Educate, which complements Vodacom’s existing online learning platforms. AWS Educate provides a broad library of self-paced online training, covering topics such as cloud fundamentals, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
“As we embark on a new year, we want to encourage young people, whether they’re students, job seekers or aspiring entrepreneurs, to benefit from the Digital Skills Hub. By supporting digital skills training as a Top Employer, we are empowering the next workforce and ensuring that everyone can connect to a better future,” concluded Joosub.
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)
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.
Vodacom and Orange collaborate to build solar-powered towers in DRC, expanding telecom services to 19 million underserved people. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Orange and Vodacom have announced a partnership to create Africa's first rural towerco collaboration
Together, they will build, own, and operate solar-powered mobile base stations in underserved regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), aimed at extending network coverage and providing access to telecommunications and mobile financial services for up to 19 million people in rural areas. This initiative reflects their shared goal of bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive growth across the continent.
Expanding networks, especially in remote rural areas, has been a major challenge in the DRC. To address this, the companies have committed to constructing up to 2,000 solar-powered base stations over six years, utilising 2G and 4G technologies. The partnership begins with a plan for 1,000 towers, with the option to expand by an additional 1,000. The project is subject to approval from regulatory, administrative, and competition authorities.
This partnership will not only improve coverage but will also provide local consumers with access to voice, data, and mobile money services. The first base station is expected to be operational by 2025, with both Orange and Vodacom sharing the active and passive infrastructure for an initial term of 20 years. Additionally, the venture will offer its passive infrastructure to any interested MNOs, further expanding its reach.
“We have the opportunity to make a significant impact on Africa's socio-economic development by building a digital society,”commented Shameel Joosub, CEO of Vodacom Group. “Our partnership with Orange is a crucial step towards providing mobile coverage in previously underserved areas in the DRC.”
Orange Middle East and Africa CEO, Jérôme Hénique, added, “Our deep market knowledge and collaboration with Vodacom will enable us to accelerate connectivity access, especially in rural areas, while reducing our environmental impact.”
With mobile internet penetration in the DRC at 32.3%, the announcement aligns with the country’s National Digital Plan Horizon 2025, which aims to enhance public services, economic growth, and digital access. This initiative is expected to promote e-citizenship, e-government, and e-commerce, fostering job creation and increasing GDP.
Orange RDC, a subsidiary of the Orange Group, has been a key player in the DRC's digital landscape for over 12 years. The company has been instrumental in expanding connectivity, offering fiber and launching new technologies. Through initiatives like the Orange Digital Center & Clubs, which offer free digital training, Orange RDC continues to support the economic and social development of the DRC.
Kevin Nyakotyo, Mukuru’s enterprise sales manager for Zimbabwe and Zambia. (Image source: Mukuru)
Next-generation financial services platform Mukuru has launched the Mukuru Wallet in Zimbabwe, a secure digital store of value
This follows Mukuru’s receipt of a Deposit-Taking Microfinance Institution (DTMFI) license from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.
Leveraging Mukuru’s established reputation, which supports over three million Zimbabwean customers, the wallet offers several benefits. These include two pockets for sending and receiving money both locally and internationally, safe fund storage, and free cashouts on international transfers.
A new era for Zimbabwe
Marc Carrie-Wilson, CEO of Send Money Home Zimbabwe, remarked, “The Mukuru Wallet is a significant development in the country because we have built a reputable brand by consistently ensuring cash availability when needed. To avoid disappointing people who travel long distances to receive their remittances, which they use for food, school fees, and other essential services, we now have 250 of our own service points. With a network stretching across urban and rural areas, we can reach more people than ever, providing constant cash availability and valuable digital solutions, such as the Mukuru Wallet, to underserved communities.”
Mukuru Zimbabwe Financial Services CEO, Doug Tait-Knight, commented, “Mukuru takes its role as a fintech driving financial inclusion seriously. With this wallet, we tap into our strength which lies in our robust network and technology, as well as our crispy notes that are always available, making this an exciting moment in our evolution in Zimbabwe.”
“The wallet environment enables us to start providing additional value such as allowing more affordable domestic money transfers, supporting safety by eliminating the need for customers to walk around with large sums of money, and providing convenience and cost savings, such as paying for electricity, buying airtime, settling DSTV bills and paying for insurance from their couch. Our use of multiple channels also ensures accessibility for our customers,” explained Tait-Knight.
While focusing on private end users, Mukuru plans to extend its services to organisations soon. This includes facilitating payments for farmers, small businesses, and aiding in traceable distribution, with current partnerships including Cottco and the United Nations through the World Food Programme and UNICEF.
Kevin Nyakotyo, Mukuru’s enterprise sales manager for Zimbabwe and Zambia, added, “Our success in the end-user sector has enabled us to set in motion plans to enter the business sector. Whether it is for tobacco or cotton, payments made to farmers are often large sums of money. The Mukuru Wallet will make receiving these large sums of money far safer because beneficiaries won’t need to draw all their cash at the same time.”
“We have a mandate to educate the market based on trends we see, and with this wallet, we are reaching out to both organizations and individuals and giving them peace of mind to know their funds will be safe and can be collected at any time. They can draw an amount that suits them with full confidence the cash will be available wherever they are, whenever they need it,” concluded Nyakotyo.
Spirion expands global presence with new data center in South Africa, supporting compliance and data protection. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Spirion LLC, a global leader in data discovery, classification, and remediation, has announced the launch of its first data centre in South Africa
This marks the third international expansion in just five months, aimed at supporting customers transitioning to Spirion’s SaaS platform. Located in Cape Town, the new data centre will assist customers in adhering to national data sovereignty laws, such as the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), while using Spirion’s solutions to discover, classify, and remediate every byte of unknown data for smooth compliance.
This new facility is designed to meet the rising demand from the local market, offering South African companies advanced tools to safeguard their most sensitive data. It adds to the recent openings of Spirion’s international data centres in Frankfurt, Germany (September 2024), and Sydney, Australia (October 2024).
“We’re thrilled to open our third global data centre in just a few months. Protecting what matters most—sensitive data—requires accurate data discovery and classification. Spirion now offers this critical capability for any sensitive data-related initiative, regardless of industry and geographic location. As we expand globally, Spirion remains focused on prioritising customer requirements while also providing support for the myriads of country-specific data regulations,” said Spirion CEO, Kevin Coppins.
As data usage continues to grow, Spirion is enhancing its performance to help enterprises manage their data more efficiently. The company recently unveiled significant upgrades to its Sensitive Data Platform (SDP), which now offers improved visibility and control over critical business data, thanks to an upgraded scanner node architecture capable of analysing data at a petabyte scale.
Joel Yarbrough, CEO of Moment. (Image source: MultiChoice)
Africa's rapidly growing population offers immense potential for economic expansion. A robust and innovative digital payments ecosystem will be critical in unlocking this growth, write Joel Yarbrough, CEO of Moment, and Craig Coetzer, MultiChoice Africa group executive head of delivery & operations
Africa is a dynamic and creative hub for business, brimming with opportunities. However, it comes with its share of challenges, such as currency devaluation, political instability, and service disruptions. Navigating these obstacles requires more than financial investment—it demands building trust, fostering relationships, and understanding the nuances of local markets.
For those willing to invest time and effort, the potential rewards are immense. By 2050, Africa’s population is projected to reach 2.5 billion. As confirmed by the World Bank, the continent’s people are increasingly embracing digital technology to improve their lives, access education, send remittances, and launch small businesses. These advancements underline the value of investing in Africa’s human development.
Payments as the Growth Engine
Amid Africa’s growth story lies a key business opportunity: payments. Streamlining and standardizing payment systems can unlock significant value in the continent’s evolving financial landscape.
One organisation poised to lead this charge is MultiChoice, Africa’s premier video entertainment provider for nearly 40 years. With 23.5 million customers across over 50 markets and more than 100 million monthly viewers, MultiChoice has built extensive relationships to facilitate payments for its services, including DStv, GOtv, and Showmax.
Recognising the potential in its payment ecosystem, MultiChoice has partnered with General Catalyst and Rapyd to launch Moment, a platform designed to establish the most extensive payment network across Africa.
A transformative platform
Moment began processing payments for MultiChoice in January 2024, initially serving DStv and Showmax. By November 2024, it handled 35% of MultiChoice’s revenue and had expanded its services to other enterprises. Operating in 44 African countries, Moment supports over 200 local payment methods, including mobile money, credit and debit cards, bank transfers, and digital wallets.
By facilitating the transition from cash to digital payments, Moment enables users to access better financial opportunities, lower costs, higher-quality goods and services, and the broader digital economy.
Building a Future-Ready Ecosystem
To meet the demands of Africa’s large enterprises, Moment has developed a cloud-native infrastructure capable of managing high transaction volumes and mitigating disruptions from power outages and network issues.
Moment’s financial reconciliation and settlement system simplifies daily processes, enabling enterprises to allocate resources efficiently and access fast, accurate financial reports. Through a single API, businesses gain access to an unparalleled network of payment channels, reaching over a million in-person locations across spaza shops, modern retail outlets, and online platforms tailored to local market needs.
To prepare clients for the future, Moment is championing real-time payments. For instance, it introduced PayShap in South Africa, enabling “consumer-to-business” real-time payments via the RPP system. Similar partnerships are underway in the SADC region and Nigeria, paving the way for broader adoption of real-time payments.
Simplifying Complexity
MultiChoice’s foray into payments stems from the sector’s inherent complexity, marked by diverse service agreements and fluctuating exchange rates. By streamlining the landscape, Moment offers a flexible platform capable of addressing the unique challenges of each market.
For enterprises, the benefits are clear. Moment’s automation reduces the burden of manual financial operations, allowing businesses to focus on growth and customer engagement. One merchant, for example, previously employed 75 staff for reconciliations—tasks now simplified with Moment’s technology.
Driving Africa’s Growth
Africa presents unparalleled opportunities, particularly in payments, which form the backbone of its economy. Efficient and cost-effective payment systems are essential to unlocking the continent’s full potential.
Through its partnership with MultiChoice, Moment is at the forefront of this transformation, building a foundation for sustainable growth. As Africa’s population expands, the importance of innovative payment solutions like Moment will only grow, shaping the continent’s future for decades to come.
Vodacom and Orange collaborate to build solar-powered towers in DRC, expanding telecom services to 19 million underserved people. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Orange and Vodacom have announced a partnership to create Africa's first rural towerco collaboration
Together, they will build, own, and operate solar-powered mobile base stations in underserved regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), aimed at extending network coverage and providing access to telecommunications and mobile financial services for up to 19 million people in rural areas. This initiative reflects their shared goal of bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive growth across the continent.
Expanding networks, especially in remote rural areas, has been a major challenge in the DRC. To address this, the companies have committed to constructing up to 2,000 solar-powered base stations over six years, utilising 2G and 4G technologies. The partnership begins with a plan for 1,000 towers, with the option to expand by an additional 1,000. The project is subject to approval from regulatory, administrative, and competition authorities.
This partnership will not only improve coverage but will also provide local consumers with access to voice, data, and mobile money services. The first base station is expected to be operational by 2025, with both Orange and Vodacom sharing the active and passive infrastructure for an initial term of 20 years. Additionally, the venture will offer its passive infrastructure to any interested MNOs, further expanding its reach.
“We have the opportunity to make a significant impact on Africa's socio-economic development by building a digital society,”commented Shameel Joosub, CEO of Vodacom Group. “Our partnership with Orange is a crucial step towards providing mobile coverage in previously underserved areas in the DRC.”
Orange Middle East and Africa CEO, Jérôme Hénique, added, “Our deep market knowledge and collaboration with Vodacom will enable us to accelerate connectivity access, especially in rural areas, while reducing our environmental impact.”
With mobile internet penetration in the DRC at 32.3%, the announcement aligns with the country’s National Digital Plan Horizon 2025, which aims to enhance public services, economic growth, and digital access. This initiative is expected to promote e-citizenship, e-government, and e-commerce, fostering job creation and increasing GDP.
Orange RDC, a subsidiary of the Orange Group, has been a key player in the DRC's digital landscape for over 12 years. The company has been instrumental in expanding connectivity, offering fiber and launching new technologies. Through initiatives like the Orange Digital Center & Clubs, which offer free digital training, Orange RDC continues to support the economic and social development of the DRC.
Spirion expands global presence with new data center in South Africa, supporting compliance and data protection. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Huawei and Emirates Esports Federation unite to drive innovation, support local talent, and enhance mobile gaming in the region. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
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)
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.
Lyca Group unveils reorganisation to boost growth, expand in Africa, streamline operations, and enhance global digital capabilities. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Nokia and Turkcell pioneer quantum-safe cryptography, securing mobile networks today and preparing for future quantum computing threats. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Eutelsat resolves OneWeb LEO outage caused by a software issue, restoring services swiftly with vendor collaboration. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Eutelsat’s OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) service experienced a 48-hour outage beginning December 31, 2024, caused by a software malfunction in its ground segment
This unexpected disruption temporarily impacted connectivity for customers relying on the service.
The issue was quickly identified, and Eutelsat took immediate action to address the problem, working in close collaboration with its vendor to implement a resolution. The company also ensured ongoing communication with affected customers throughout the process, keeping them informed about progress and timelines for restoration.
Despite the temporary setback, Eutelsat demonstrated its commitment to operational excellence by swiftly mobilizing resources and maintaining a customer-focused approach. As a result, the OneWeb constellation has returned to normal functionality and continues to operate nominally.
This incident underscores the importance of robust systems and responsive support teams in delivering reliable satellite communication services, particularly in critical applications across diverse industries.
Deputy minister Gina unveils South Africa's first suborbital rocket launch facility, advancing aerospace innovation, AI, and economic growth in the region. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Cape Verde embraces Starlink's satellite internet, enhancing connectivity in underserved areas and supporting economic growth with improved infrastructure. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Mark Elliott, Division President for Africa at Mastercard and Folasade Femi-Lawal, Country Manager and Area Business Head, West Africa, Mastercard at the Ghana Office opening ceremony. (Image source: Mastercard)
Mastercard has marked a significant milestone in its West African operations by inaugurating its first office in Accra, Ghana
This strategic move demonstrates Mastercard’s dedication to advancing Ghana’s digital economy through innovative and market-specific financial products and services.
The Accra office underscores Mastercard’s commitment to strengthening stakeholder relationships and fostering inclusive growth in the region. By establishing a physical presence in Ghana, Mastercard aims to enhance collaboration with local partners, delivering tailored solutions that positively impact the nation’s financial landscape.
“Opening our office in Ghana marks an important milestone in our commitment to deepening relationships across the region. Our growth strategy for West Africa is ambitious, and establishing a formal presence here allows us to better serve the specific needs of our customers. We are eager to leverage our global expertise and innovative capabilities to introduce advanced payment technologies in this market. As we look to the future, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our extensive network of partners in the public and private sector, who are helping us build a better, more connected digital world. We remain unwavering in our commitment to shaping the future of payments and financial services in this dynamic market,” shared Mark Elliott, Division President for Africa at Mastercard.
With Ghana experiencing economic growth—reflected in a 2023 GDP per capita of USD$2,238 and expanding sectors like agriculture, mining, and digital infrastructure—the country presents a compelling opportunity for Mastercard’s West African strategy.
“Ghana presents a tremendous opportunity for Mastercard to enhance its geographical presence in West Africa. We are committed to attracting and nurturing top talent and fostering an ecosystem that aims to contribute positively to the local economy and technological advancement. We are proud of the positive impact that Mastercard has made on Ghana’s financial services ecosystem through collaborative partnerships between our team and extensive network of partners. We will continue to work closely with our partners and innovative new players in the fintech space and beyond as we contribute to a connected and inclusive digital future for all,” noted Folasade Femi-Lawal, country manager and area business head, West Africa, Mastercard.
Beyond opening its office in Accra, Mastercard has driven financial inclusion and digital transformation through strategic partnerships with innovative players like Kalabash, KaiOS, Boost, Smile ID, and financial institutions such as Access Bank and Fidelity Bank. These partnerships have improved cross-border payment solutions, empowered local fintechs, and expanded digital service access for underserved communities, cementing Ghana’s role as a technological innovation hub. Initiatives such as the Mastercard Fintech Forum and the Fraud and Cyber Resilience Forum have further enriched the financial ecosystem by fostering dialogue, sharing best practices, and addressing key challenges.
This new Accra office exemplifies Mastercard’s broader commitment to West Africa, joining its network of existing offices in Cairo, Casablanca, Johannesburg, Lagos, Nairobi, and Mauritius. With this expansion, Mastercard reinforces its dedication to building a sustainable digital economy that delivers long-term benefits across Africa.
Matimba Mbungela, chief human resources officer at Vodacom Group. (Image source: Vodacom Group)
Kevin Nyakotyo, Mukuru’s enterprise sales manager for Zimbabwe and Zambia. (Image source: Mukuru)
Huawei supports African TowerCos with sustainable energy solutions and diversification strategies for telecom infrastructure. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
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.
Africa Data Centres & DPA SA pioneer solar farm for sustainable data solutions in South Africa. (Image source: African Data Centres)
Airtel Africa launches Nxtra Data Center in Lagos, advancing data sovereignty and connectivity for businesses, governments, and large corporations across Africa. (Image source: Airtel Africa)
Cynoia wins Best SaaS Startup at AfricArena Summit 2024, revolutionizing African team collaboration with AI and cost-effective solutions. (Image source: Cynoia)
Cynoia, the African-built team workspace platform, has been recognised as the Best SaaS Startup at the prestigious AfricArena Grand Summit 2024, held in Cape Town
The event, now in its seventh year, is known as Africa's top tech ecosystem accelerator, drawing over 100 startups from 31 African nations.
At the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cynoia’s chief financial officer, Manar Labidi, accepted the award after competing with 45 other startups in a competition described by AfricArena founder Christophe Viarnaud as “the stage of Africa’s future.” This recognition strengthens Cynoia’s position as a key innovator in Africa’s SaaS sector.
2024 has proven transformative for Cynoia, which enables teams to collaborate more efficiently while slashing software costs by up to 80%. With a new leadership structure, growing international recognition, and continental expansion, the company is preparing to redefine the future of African teamwork with the upcoming launch of its AI engine, Hannibal.
In an important internal promotion, Nermine Slimane transitioned from Team Lead to Chief Technology Officer, bringing valuable expertise in Cynoia’s architecture to the executive team. This allowed co-founder Ayoub Rabeh to focus on his new role as Chief Product Officer, further strengthening the company's commitment to product development. Felipe Millan also joined as Chief Marketing Officer, completing the leadership team, which prioritizes diversity with women representing 47% of the company.
"We're building something special here," remarked Nassreddine Riahi, CEO of Cynoia. "Our team is stronger than ever, and we're reaching more businesses across Africa than we imagined possible when we started. We're not just creating another collaboration tool – we're building the workspace that African teams actually need."
November saw the release of Cynoia Version 2.0, featuring upgraded project management tools, chat, video calls, and file-sharing, all within a single bandwidth-efficient platform suitable for various budgets. The company has also expanded its footprint, establishing a legal entity in Senegal and growing its user base in Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Rwanda. "Being closer to our users helps us understand their real needs," explained Ayoub Rabeh, chief product officer. "Every market is unique, and we’re adapting our platform accordingly, especially for areas with limited internet connectivity."
Looking ahead to 2025, Cynoia is set to launch Hannibal, its AI engine tailored for African teams. "Hannibal will make advanced AI accessible to businesses across the continent, regardless of their size or location," concluded Nermine Slimane, chief technical officer. "We’re focusing on practical AI applications that make sense for how African teams actually work."
NETSCOUT's 1H2024 report highlights rising DDoS attacks in Northern Africa, urging nations to enhance cybersecurity for critical infrastructure resilience. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
KnowBe4 predicts 2025 cybersecurity trends, highlighting AI's dual role, ransomware threats, and Africa's cybercrime-human trafficking intersection. (Image source: KnowBe4)
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Latest news
Mark Elliott, Division President for Africa at Mastercard and Folasade Femi-Lawal, Country Manager and Area Business Head, West Africa, Mastercard at the Ghana Office opening ceremony. (Image source: Mastercard)
Matimba Mbungela, chief human resources officer at Vodacom Group. (Image source: Vodacom Group)
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)
Vodacom and Orange collaborate to build solar-powered towers in DRC, expanding telecom services to 19 million underserved people. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Kevin Nyakotyo, Mukuru’s enterprise sales manager for Zimbabwe and Zambia. (Image source: Mukuru)
Spirion expands global presence with new data center in South Africa, supporting compliance and data protection. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Joel Yarbrough, CEO of Moment. (Image source: MultiChoice)
John Siemon, chief technology officer at Siemon. (Image source: Siemon)
Lyca Group unveils reorganisation to boost growth, expand in Africa, streamline operations, and enhance global digital capabilities. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Huawei and Emirates Esports Federation unite to drive innovation, support local talent, and enhance mobile gaming in the region. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Eutelsat resolves OneWeb LEO outage caused by a software issue, restoring services swiftly with vendor collaboration. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
This project will connect around 8,000 public institutions to broadband and provide over one million people with improved Internet access. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
This partnership highlights Safaricom M-PESA’s dedication to expanding digital financial inclusion in Ethiopia. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Safaricom Ethiopia expands network to Assosa, introducing M-PESA and donating laptops and routers to schools, enhancing connectivity and education. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
ZTE and MTN South Africa showcase 5G-A technology with record-breaking speeds, innovative applications, and future-ready advancements. (Image source: ZTE Corporation)
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Mark Elliott, Division President for Africa at Mastercard and Folasade Femi-Lawal, Country Manager and Area Business Head, West Africa, Mastercard at the Ghana Office opening ceremony. (Image source: Mastercard)
Matimba Mbungela, chief human resources officer at Vodacom Group. (Image source: Vodacom Group)
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)
Vodacom and Orange collaborate to build solar-powered towers in DRC, expanding telecom services to 19 million underserved people. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Kevin Nyakotyo, Mukuru’s enterprise sales manager for Zimbabwe and Zambia. (Image source: Mukuru)
Spirion expands global presence with new data center in South Africa, supporting compliance and data protection. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Joel Yarbrough, CEO of Moment. (Image source: MultiChoice)
John Siemon, chief technology officer at Siemon. (Image source: Siemon)
Lyca Group unveils reorganisation to boost growth, expand in Africa, streamline operations, and enhance global digital capabilities. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Huawei and Emirates Esports Federation unite to drive innovation, support local talent, and enhance mobile gaming in the region. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Eutelsat resolves OneWeb LEO outage caused by a software issue, restoring services swiftly with vendor collaboration. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
This project will connect around 8,000 public institutions to broadband and provide over one million people with improved Internet access. (Image source: Adobe Stock)