In The Spotlight
Intelsat, a leading operator of one of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks, is expanding its collaboration with educational resource provider MaxIQ Space to enhance the reach of the Africa Space STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Program
The initiative will now support schools in four African countries.
Now in its fifth year, the program will grow to include 12 schools and introduce in-person learning for students in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Senegal.
Participants will benefit from hands-on, community-based learning led by subject matter experts, combining Space STEM curriculum with innovative STEM kits, interactive training, and exclusive resources. These elements will help integrate space science, sustainability, and IoT education into classrooms.
STEM empowerment
The newly adapted 2025 programme is designed to empower both schools and educators, creating a lasting impact on African education systems. It aims to equip thousands of students with the skills and inspiration necessary for STEM careers, ultimately fostering a future-ready workforce that advances national development goals and strengthens technological capabilities.
“As a pioneer in satellite technology, Intelsat remains committed to maximising its contribution by inspiring the next generation and connecting African students to real-world applications of space technology. We are continuously investing in state-of-the-art local satellite ground infrastructures across the continent, and we are honored to play a role in preparing the young generation for this future,” said Rhys Morgan, regional vice-president of the EMEA region for Intelsat.
“With Africa emerging as a key frontier for space infrastructure, it is essential to equip future leaders with the knowledge and skills to drive this transformation. Partnering with Intelsat to deliver the STEM program in Africa is an exciting opportunity to empower young minds and support the growth of technology and education in the region,” said Judi Sandrock, program manager at MaxIQ Space.

Kaspersky and Smart Africa collaborate to enhance cybersecurity skills, policies, and infrastructure, strengthening Africa’s digital security landscape. (Image source: Kaspersky)
In a strategic move to bolster Africa’s digital security, Kaspersky has signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Smart Africa
This agreement marks a significant step toward expanding cybersecurity capabilities across the continent through collaborative initiatives.
A core aspect of this partnership is cybersecurity skills development, with training programs led by the Kaspersky Academy. Founded in 2010, the Academy aims to provide top-tier cybersecurity education to foster a safer digital world. Additionally, the initiative seeks to bridge gender gaps by supporting programs that empower women and girls in cybersecurity, STEM, and ICT. This aligns with Kaspersky’s ongoing efforts to encourage more female participation in the IT sector.
Beyond skills development, the collaboration prioritises policy standardisation, bringing together stakeholders to create harmonised regional and national cybersecurity frameworks. This includes law enforcement agencies, industry leaders, cybersecurity authorities, and emergency response teams, ensuring a cohesive and comprehensive approach to digital security.
The partnership also aims to reinforce Africa’s technological defenses by establishing critical cybersecurity infrastructure. This includes security operations centers (SOCs), emergency response teams, and expert technical support to mitigate cyber threats.
Lacina Koné, CEO of Smart Africa, emphasised, “This MoU marks a significant milestone in our quest to secure Africa’s digital future. By joining forces with Kaspersky, we are not only building essential cybersecurity skills and bridging the gender gap but also setting the stage for robust regional cooperation and state-of-the-art cyber infrastructure.”
Eugene Kaspersky, founder and CEO of Kaspersky, added, “Our strategic partnership with Smart Africa is designed to help create a more secure cyberspace across the continent and beyond. We see this initiative as a commitment to empowering both individual users and organisations to ensure that everyone can navigate the digital world safely and with confidence.”
This partnership reinforces Kaspersky’s dedication to strengthening global cyber resilience through strategic collaborations. It also complements the African Network of Cybersecurity Authorities (ANCA)—a Smart Africa initiative designed to unite cybersecurity agencies across Africa to combat cyber threats.
With Smart Africa’s mission to build a secure, inclusive, and digitally empowered continent, this collaboration is set to tackle evolving cyber challenges and position Africa as a leader in digital security innovation.

This strategic collaboration focuses on providing broadband Internet access to remote areas, helping to bridge the digital divide in the region. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Orange Africa and Middle East (OMEA) has joined forces with Eutelsat to enhance digital inclusion across Africa and the Middle East through satellite connectivity
This strategic collaboration focuses on providing broadband Internet access to remote areas, helping to bridge the digital divide in the region.
Under this multi-year agreement, Orange will leverage the advanced capabilities of the EUTELSAT KONNECT satellite to deliver reliable and high-speed Internet services. The initial rollout will cover Jordan, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with plans for gradual expansion to additional countries in the region.
Connectivity revolution?
By combining Orange’s extensive telecommunications expertise with Eutelsat’s cutting-edge satellite technology, the partnership will offer secure, high-performance connectivity tailored to both individual consumers (B2C) and businesses (B2B). The integration of satellite, fixed, and mobile technologies will help connect underserved areas and address the increasing demand for Internet services.
The collaboration will enable broadband speeds of up to 100 Mbps, and with Orange’s infrastructure, it will:
- Extend coverage to rural and underserved locations.
- Provide tailored connectivity solutions for individuals and businesses.
- Ensure secure, high-quality Internet access while adhering to national regulatory frameworks.
This initiative aligns with Orange’s long-term commitment to supporting digital transformation in the regions where it operates, utilising the most advanced technologies while fostering local ecosystems and complying with national regulations.
Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange Africa and Middle East, emphasised, “This partnership illustrates our commitment to connecting all territories and bridging the digital divide in Africa and the Middle East.
Today, Orange serves more than 160 million customers in the region, and is pursuing its ambition to provide digital access for all. Drawing on our expertise and local roots, we are positioning ourselves as a key player in supporting evolving customer expectations, while guaranteeing sustainable connectivity that respects local legislation.”
Michael Trabbia, CEO of Orange Wholesale, highlighted, “I am delighted with this strategic partnership between the Orange Group and Eutelsat Group, which is part of a long-term relationship. It is part of our strategy to offer our customers the best satellite connectivity solutions in high and low orbit, complementing our terrestrial networks. Orange Wholesale's satellite factory has all the expertise required to implement this strategy for all Orange Group entities. We also offer satellite operators the terrestrial connectivity solutions they need, such as teleports or long-distance fiber.”
Cyril Dujardin, president of the connectivity business unit at Eutelsat, added, “Our satellite technology including GEO capacity, combined with Orange's local footprint, brings connectivity where it's needed most. Together, we're creating a robust solution to accessibility challenges, providing reliable and affordable connectivity for consumers and businesses alike.”

Experts at Kampala workshop push for unified roaming, regulatory alignment, and infrastructure investments to enhance Africa’s digital integration. (Image source: East African Comunity )
Telecommunications leaders from across Africa gathered in Kampala, Uganda, for a Knowledge Exchange and Stakeholder Engagement Workshop focused on the One Africa Network (OAN) and the EAC One Network Area (ONA)
This workshop was a major step toward creating a harmonised telecommunications framework across Africa. Hosted jointly by Smart Africa and the EAC Secretariat, the event brought together policymakers, regulators, mobile network operators (MNOs), and development partners to address key regulatory and implementation challenges hindering Africa’s digital integration.
The OAN and ONA initiatives are designed to make cross-border communication more affordable by eliminating excessive roaming fees, standardising regulations, and promoting intergovernmental cooperation. These efforts aim to accelerate regional integration, boost economic development, and expand digital access for African citizens.
Smart Africa’s senior director of strategy and growth, Didier Nkurikiyimfura, commented, “I take this opportunity to reaffirm Smart Africa’s commitment to fostering an interconnected digital economy on the continent as we strive to attain the ambitions of the Heads of State from Smart Africa’s 40 member countries to accelerate digital integration across the continent.”
Representing the EAC secretary general, Veronica Nduva, the EAC principal information technology officer, Daniel Murenzi, highlighted the region’s progress toward affordable connectivity.
Seamless connectivity unlocked
“In 2015, the EAC Heads of State directed the implementation of a ‘One Network Area’ (ONA), essentially eliminating roaming charges and establishing uniform calling rates within the region. This directive aimed to facilitate increased connectivity and economic activity across the EAC bloc. Today, six (6) out of eight (8) EAC Partner States have adopted aspects of the ONA, significantly lowering roaming costs, with efforts ongoing to include the Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia,” said Murenzi.
“The EAC remains committed to digital integration and strengthening collaboration with Smart Africa and other partners as we work towards a Single Digital Market, ensuring affordable communication across Africa,” added Murenzi.
To further advance digital integration, the EAC is working through the World Bank-funded Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP) to develop regulatory frameworks that will expand and finalise ONA implementation.
A strong and reliable network infrastructure is essential for seamless roaming, but disparities in telecommunications investment across countries pose challenges. Some regions lack adequate mobile towers, fibre-optic networks, or sufficient capacity for cross-border connectivity. Addressing these gaps requires significant financial investment, which can be difficult for resource-limited nations.
Additionally, ensuring interoperability between different networks and operators is crucial for an efficient roaming experience. The workshop identified the need for increased investment, regional cooperation, and supportive policies to improve infrastructure development and ensure reliable connectivity.
Creating a unified roaming system also requires collaboration between multiple governments and service providers. One of the major hurdles is aligning policies and technical standards across different countries. Variations in existing regulations, economic conditions, and telecommunications policies make it difficult to establish a single, streamlined framework that benefits both consumers and service providers.
Moreover, differences in national telecommunications regulations can create additional barriers to seamless roaming. Some countries impose high taxes or strict policies that complicate foreign operator service provision. Achieving regulatory alignment across multiple nations requires extensive negotiations and cooperation among governments, regulators, and industry stakeholders. A well-structured regulatory framework is critical for ensuring fair competition, consumer protection, and smooth cross-border connectivity.
Pricing for roaming services remains a key concern. While consumers often face high costs when using mobile networks outside their home countries, service providers must also maintain financial viability. Striking the right balance between affordability for users and sustainable revenue for operators is essential.
The workshop also addressed critical aspects of a unified roaming system, including SIM boxing fraud prevention, regional interconnection gateways, inter-operator settlement mechanisms, dispute resolution, fraud management, and the development of a structured international roaming implementation strategy.
By aligning regional efforts with broader continental digital integration goals and fostering data-driven policy discussions, the event marked a crucial step forward. Consensus was reached on refining regional roaming frameworks using existing structures, paving the way for a more inclusive, sustainable, and forward-looking African telecommunications ecosystem.

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.

Orange partners with Telesat to enhance satellite connectivity via a Lightspeed Landing Station in France, improving global network resilience. (Image source: Adobe Stock)1
Global telecom leader Orange has entered into a strategic partnership with Telesat, a major satellite operator, to enhance satellite connectivity options
Through this agreement, Telesat will establish a Lightspeed Landing Station at Orange’s teleport in Bercenay-en-Othe, France. This station will connect to Orange’s Paris-based point of presence (PoP) via its Wholesale International Private Line (IPL). Additionally, Orange has committed to a capacity agreement for Telesat Lightspeed’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) service, which will be incorporated into Orange’s global service portfolio for businesses and telecom providers.
Pioneering satellite partnership
Emmanuel Rochas, CEO of Orange Wholesale International, stated, "I’m greatly honored that Telesat has chosen Orange’s Bercenay-en-Othe Teleport as the first European gateway for their Telesat Lightspeed network. More than that, I’m excited by the new partnership that we’re entering into, which says much about the expertise of Orange Wholesale as a space network operator and our capacity to offer world-class ground infrastructure for the most advanced satellite constellations. We look forward to expanding our connectivity solutions with Telesat Lightspeed, enhancing the resilience of our network for mobile backhauling, crisis response, and remote connectivity."
Telesat’s Chief Commercial Officer, Glenn Katz, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, added, "This strategic partnership highlights our commitment to delivering resilient connectivity solutions through our advanced, fully integrated space and terrestrial infrastructure. We are honored that Telesat Lightspeed will help improve connectivity for Orange’s customers in remote areas in Europe, Africa, and other locations throughout the world. Our Telesat Lightspeed solution has been designed to meet telco standards, and we are pleased to have Orange, one of the largest global telcos, as a Telesat Lightspeed strategic partner."
Telesat Lightspeed’s Carrier Ethernet services will provide reliable, high-performance connectivity with service level agreements. Telecom operators will have the ability to configure and manage their services in real-time, dynamically allocating capacity without direct satellite operator intervention. The network is designed with a Zero-Trust Security Architecture, aligning with the latest industry security standards.
Orange operates ground stations in 26 countries and territories, with its Bercenay-en-Othe teleport playing a key role in delivering advanced connectivity solutions. This partnership strengthens Orange’s service offerings in underserved regions by integrating a secure, low-latency, and seamless satellite connectivity option into its existing multi-orbit satellite network.
By combining Telesat’s cutting-edge satellite innovations with Orange’s 45 years of expertise in gateway and connectivity services, this collaboration enhances global digital infrastructure resilience while furthering digital inclusion in remote areas.
Also read: Orange & Eutelsat’s bold plan: Internet everywhere?

Brady Corporation unveils the i7500, a 76mm core label printer with auto-calibration, reducing waste and setup time to 40 seconds. (Image source: Brady Corporation)
No calibration, no formatting, no ribbon fumbling, no trial & error, no waste - the new i7500 redefines the 76mm core premium printing experience in electronics, electrical, manufacturing and laboratory industries.
Fed up with old-school high-volume label printing? The new BradyPrinter i7500 reimagines 76mm core high precision label printing.
The identification specialist Brady Corporation’s new BradyPrinter i7500 for 76mm core label rolls automatically adjusts all of its settings when new consumables are loaded. Ready to print in just 40 seconds, the printer also removes all calibration waste by printing the first label right.
Set up, don’t touch?
The approach in most industries to high volume, high precision thermal heat transfer 76mm core (3’’ core) label printing to date has almost always been “set it up and don’t touch”. Crucial for traceability and compliance, yet excruciating to set up and calibrate, the 76mm core label printing experience has been a notorious pain point for many manufacturing, electronics, electrical and laboratory industries.
Ready in 40 seconds
Not anymore. In a new proprietary printer model, global identification specialist Brady Corporation removed all label printing hassle to redefine the 76mm core label experience. “The new BradyPrinter i7500 does not require users to adjust sensors, heat settings, define label dimensions or waste labels in calibration”, says Ömer Adisen, product manager benchtop printers & software at Brady Corporation. “We call it LabelSense. The technology reduces the frustrating trial and error of manual printer calibration to print readiness in just 40 seconds. That includes loading Brady consumables, designed so they can only be loaded the right way.”
Efficient, flexible printing
The new BradyPrinter i7500 with LabelSense technology makes high precision 76mm core label printing a lot more intuitive, and efficient. There is no need to maintain multiple printers just to avoid the classic consumable and calibration hassle. “All optimal settings are already preloaded and the printer automatically recognises every Brady consumable. The i7500 offers considerable print flexibility by enabling users to switch from printed circuit board labels to rating plates, raised profile labels and cable sleeves, or between relevant specialised laboratory labels, in just 40 seconds. Even when loading the tiniest 3.18mm QR-coded labels, the i7500 prints the first label right, reducing waste and supporting sustainable label printing practices.”
Open core
In addition to auto-calibration, the BradyPrinter i7500 can print 76mm core labels from any manufacturer in manual mode. “When considering a switch to the new label printing experience provided by the BradyPrinter i7500, there is no need to devalue current label stock. The BradyPrinter i7500 can print any 76mm core labels, from any manufacturer, with great speed and precision.”
Software compatible
When combined with Brady Workstation label design, the software instantly recognises the dimensions of loaded Brady consumables for fast and intuitive label creation. Next to label design protection, Brady Workstation also includes an easy scan to print app and a data automation app to print labels at the right time with the right ERP-system data. The BradyPrinter i7500 supports print languages like ZPL, and can print labels via other label design software.
Premium printing redefined
“The new BradyPrinter i7500 defines a new premium high precision printing experience for 76mm core labels”, Ömer says. “Fully automated calibration enables printing on different consumables within 40 seconds. Supported by a clear user interface on a large on-board screen, the i7500 prints a wide range of labels without any hassle. We can provide a hands-on demo at your premises to show your teams just how intuitive label printing can be.”
Discover the BradyPrinter i7500 >>
Are you wondering how to choose the right label for your application? Download the free guide now >>
BRADY Africa
www.brady.eu

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.

Kaspersky and Smart Africa collaborate to enhance cybersecurity skills, policies, and infrastructure, strengthening Africa’s digital security landscape. (Image source: Kaspersky)
In a strategic move to bolster Africa’s digital security, Kaspersky has signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Smart Africa
This agreement marks a significant step toward expanding cybersecurity capabilities across the continent through collaborative initiatives.
A core aspect of this partnership is cybersecurity skills development, with training programs led by the Kaspersky Academy. Founded in 2010, the Academy aims to provide top-tier cybersecurity education to foster a safer digital world. Additionally, the initiative seeks to bridge gender gaps by supporting programs that empower women and girls in cybersecurity, STEM, and ICT. This aligns with Kaspersky’s ongoing efforts to encourage more female participation in the IT sector.
Beyond skills development, the collaboration prioritises policy standardisation, bringing together stakeholders to create harmonised regional and national cybersecurity frameworks. This includes law enforcement agencies, industry leaders, cybersecurity authorities, and emergency response teams, ensuring a cohesive and comprehensive approach to digital security.
The partnership also aims to reinforce Africa’s technological defenses by establishing critical cybersecurity infrastructure. This includes security operations centers (SOCs), emergency response teams, and expert technical support to mitigate cyber threats.
Lacina Koné, CEO of Smart Africa, emphasised, “This MoU marks a significant milestone in our quest to secure Africa’s digital future. By joining forces with Kaspersky, we are not only building essential cybersecurity skills and bridging the gender gap but also setting the stage for robust regional cooperation and state-of-the-art cyber infrastructure.”
Eugene Kaspersky, founder and CEO of Kaspersky, added, “Our strategic partnership with Smart Africa is designed to help create a more secure cyberspace across the continent and beyond. We see this initiative as a commitment to empowering both individual users and organisations to ensure that everyone can navigate the digital world safely and with confidence.”
This partnership reinforces Kaspersky’s dedication to strengthening global cyber resilience through strategic collaborations. It also complements the African Network of Cybersecurity Authorities (ANCA)—a Smart Africa initiative designed to unite cybersecurity agencies across Africa to combat cyber threats.
With Smart Africa’s mission to build a secure, inclusive, and digitally empowered continent, this collaboration is set to tackle evolving cyber challenges and position Africa as a leader in digital security innovation.