Read the Digital Magazine

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

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

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

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

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

Intelsat, operator of one of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks, has announced a landmark partnership with the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI), founded by Academy Award-winning actor and humanitarian Forest Whitaker

This collaboration aims to transform educational access in conflict-affected areas across Africa by delivering high-speed satellite internet to WPDI’s Community Learning Centers in South Sudan and Uganda, regions where infrastructure remains limited or disrupted.

Through this three-year partnership, Intelsat will provide managed connectivity services, satellite equipment, installation, and ongoing technical support to 10 centres— seven in South Sudan and three in Uganda. This initiative marks the first time these WPDI sites will have reliable internet access, opening the door to modern digital education for thousands of young people in underserved communities.

“Education is the foundation for peace,” said Forest Whitaker. “At WPDI, we use technology as a conduit to opportunity, bringing knowledge to young people whose lives have been upended by violence and political unrest. With the right tools, youths can reclaim their futures to become powerful agents of peace in their communities.”

This partnership addresses the urgent issue of digital inequality. According to the International Telecommunication Union, only 19% of people in the least developed countries, such as South Sudan and Uganda, use the internet. The numbers are even lower in conflict-affected regions, creating severe obstacles to education and economic opportunity. By enhancing digital access, WPDI and Intelsat aim to equip learners with the tools to build stronger, more resilient communities.

“At Intelsat, we are great believers in the power of connectivity to promote education and sustainable development around the world,” said Dave Wajsgras, CEO of Intelsat. “Forest Whitaker and WPDI’s efforts represent exactly the kind of transformative work that satellite communications can enable. We’re proud to support WPDI’s efforts to bring young people together, close the digital divide, and create pathways to prosperity in communities that need it most.”

The connectivity enabled by Intelsat will allow WPDI to expand its educational reach, giving students access to digital tools, online courses, and virtual collaboration programs previously unavailable in these remote areas. Learners will also gain digital literacy skills, complementing WPDI’s training in conflict resolution, entrepreneurship, and community development. Many WPDI alumni have become leaders in their communities, such as Benson Lugwar, a former child soldier now serving as an elected official and radio host in Uganda.

AXIAN Telecom, a prominent pan-African operator in telecommunications, mobile financial services, and digital infrastructure, has successfully completed the pricing of its US$600mn Senior Notes due in 2030

The bond deal, finalised on 25 June 2025, drew significant interest from international investors. Initially marketed at around 7.875%, the notes were priced at a 7.250% coupon with a yield of 7.375%. This strong outcome, achieved despite global financial uncertainties, reflects high investor confidence. The offering was nearly three times oversubscribed at its peak, with participation from a broad mix of high-quality institutional investors.

Funds raised through this issuance will be used to refinance AXIAN Telecom’s notes and term loan, in addition to supporting general corporate initiatives. These include expanding the company’s digital infrastructure footprint, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable growth and bridging the digital divide across its operational markets. A key element of the issuance was AXIAN Telecom’s Sustainable Development Impact Disclosure, which outlines planned investments in infrastructure, wider smartphone access, enhanced mobile financial services, and improved digital connectivity throughout Africa.

The successful issuance illustrates investor optimism toward African markets and reinforces AXIAN Telecom’s position as a leader in innovation and connectivity on the continent.

J.P. Morgan, Standard Bank, and Standard Chartered Bank served as joint lead managers for the transaction. Legal support was provided by Latham & Watkins for AXIAN Telecom and White & Case for the initial purchasers.

“This bond issuance is a testament to the strength of our diversified business model and the trust investors place in our long-term vision. It enables us to accelerate our mission of delivering inclusive digital transformation and connectivity across Africa,” commented Hassan Jaber, CEO, AXIAN Telecom.

Looking for durable, compliant, and time-saving electrical labelling solutions? Brady's new Electrical Identification webpage is the go-to hub for electricians and installers needing expert guidance, professional-grade label printing tools, and compliant cable identification systems.

In the world of electrical installation, accurate labelling and identification are not just helpful—they're essential. Whether you're working on complex wiring systems, commercial fit-outs, or routine maintenance, having the right electrical identification tools can dramatically improve safety, efficiency, and compliance.

To support electricians, contractors, and electrical engineers, Brady has launched a dedicated online hub focused on electrical identification. This new webpage offers expert advice, robust labelling solutions, and practical tools designed to help you get the job done right—first time, every time.

Visit the Electrical Identification hub now!

Why electrical identification is essential

From wire and cable labelling to panel and component identification, professional-grade labelling helps ensure:

• Compliance with regulations

• Clear system layouts for future maintenance and troubleshooting

• Faster fault diagnosis and reduced downtime

• Safer working environments for everyone on site

Brady’s new hub simplifies the selection of electrical label printers, materials, and application techniques, ensuring you find the right solution for any project or environment.
What’s inside the Electrical Identification Hub?

The Brady EMEA Electrical Identification webpage is a one-stop resource for everything related to electrical labelling and industrial label printing. Here’s what you can expect:

• Electrical label printing solutions – browse professional printers and software built for electrical environments
• Wire, cable & terminal labels – select from heat-shrink, self-laminating, wrap-around, and other specialised label types
• Label selection tools – easily identify the best materials for indoor, outdoor, and industrial conditions
• Tutorials & videos – learn application best practices and get hands-on with printer setup and use
• Durability insights – see which labels resist abrasion, oils, moisture, UV, and extreme temperatures

Why choose Brady for electrical labelling?

With a strong reputation in industrial identification, Brady provides solutions that stand up to the real-world challenges electricians face. Brady products are known for:

• Durability – long-lasting adhesion and print legibility, even in tough conditions

• Smart technology – portable, user-friendly label printers with mobile and desktop connectivity

• Customisation – print on-demand, on-site labels for wires, breakers, junction boxes, and more

• Compliance support – stay aligned with labelling requirements

Brady's tools are trusted by professionals across the industry for their reliability, efficiency, and precision.

Get started with better labelling today

Whether you're preparing a new installation or upgrading an existing system, Brady’s Electrical Identification hub is a powerful resource to help you label faster, smarter, and more confidently.

BRADY EMEA
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.brady.eu

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

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

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

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

A South African response to a global challenge

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

More than just another device

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

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

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

Backed by Fortinet’s elite programmes

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

Cybersecurity with real economic impact

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

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