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Nigeria approves NIGCOMSAT-2A and 2B satellite deployment

Satellite

Nigeria is moving ahead with a major expansion of its national satellite infrastructure after the Federal Executive Council approved the acquisition and deployment of two next-generation communications satellites, NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B

The new satellites are intended to increase Nigeria’s available satellite capacity, strengthen broadband connectivity and reduce dependence on overseas satellite infrastructure. The project is also expected to contribute to the country’s wider ambitions for digital sovereignty and greater control over critical communications infrastructure.

Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, welcomed the Federal Executive Council’s decision, describing it as an important step for both the agency and Nigeria’s digital infrastructure development.

Egerton-Idehen said the approval followed an extensive period of consultations, assessments and preparation by the NIGCOMSAT team. She said the project represents more than simply adding new satellites to Nigeria’s existing space assets, highlighting its importance to the country’s long-term digital independence.

The two spacecraft are classified as next-generation High-Throughput Communication Satellites (HTS). Once operational, they are expected to provide additional bandwidth to support broadband deployment, serve key economic sectors and create opportunities for new digital services. The programme could also enhance Nigeria’s participation in Africa’s expanding digital and space economy.

Thales Alenia Space and IAI – Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have been chosen as the technology providers for the satellites. Following the Federal Executive Council’s approval, NIGCOMSAT will proceed with the implementation stage, which involves working with technology partners, completing contractual arrangements and undertaking the technical work necessary ahead of satellite production, launch and deployment.

The acquisition process had already been initiated by NIGCOMSAT, with the agency targeting a launch timeframe of 2027/2028.

Preparations for the satellites have also extended to spectrum and orbital requirements. NIGCOMSAT has completed International Telecommunication Union (ITU) notification filings relating to orbital positions at 9.5°W and 16°W. The filings form part of the preparations required for the eventual deployment and operation of the new satellite assets.

The project forms part of NIGCOMSAT’s wider programme to improve internet availability throughout Nigeria. Working alongside the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the agency is contributing to Project 774, an initiative designed to bring dependable internet connectivity to the secretariats of all 774 Local Government Councils.

Several local government areas have already been connected through the programme, according to NIGCOMSAT, with satellite connectivity providing an important option for locations where terrestrial infrastructure remains limited.

The agency is also working with private-sector organisations to expand coverage and tackle connectivity gaps. Partnerships involving Infratel Africa, Hotspot Network Limited, Dimension Data and INQ are supporting efforts to bring communications services to underserved and rural communities.

NIGCOMSAT’s role extends beyond commercial broadband provision. Its satellite-based infrastructure also supports Nigeria’s security and defence requirements, providing communications and associated services to the Nigerian Armed Forces, Ministry of Defence and Nigerian Navy. The agency is working alongside security-focused manufacturing partners in delivering these capabilities.

At the same time, NIGCOMSAT has been upgrading its existing technical and operational infrastructure as part of a broader transformation programme. Work has included bringing previously inactive Ka-, Ku- and C-band frequencies back into service, modernising teleport hubs with Newtec and iDirect technologies, and introducing updated customer relationship management and internal business systems.

Egerton-Idehen said the satellite programme brings with it a responsibility to ensure that the substantial investment delivers measurable value for Nigeria. As the project progresses, NIGCOMSAT will therefore need to develop not only the infrastructure itself but also the operational and commercial capabilities needed to manage the satellites and turn their capacity into practical services.

The planned deployment of NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B represents a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to build greater domestic satellite capability. By increasing available broadband capacity and supporting applications across commercial connectivity, public services and national security, the satellites are expected to become an important component of the country’s digital transformation strategy.

The programme could ultimately help Nigeria strengthen its technological resilience, widen access to digital services and reduce its dependence on external satellite resources, reinforcing satellite communications as a key element of the country’s drive towards greater digital autonomy.

MTN MoMo modernises infrastructure to scale digital finance

Internet

Ericsson and MTN Group Fintech have completed the MoMo Evolved Migration in key African markets, including Eswatini, Ghana, Rwanda and Uganda

Following these deployments, the companies are progressing with similar transformation initiatives in other markets, with an ongoing project in Cameroon and discussions underway to extend the programme to Benin, the Republic of the Congo and Zambia. Selected OpCos are also assessing migration to public cloud environments.

Powered by the Ericsson Fintech Platform, the initiatives are moving MTN MoMo from a legacy virtualised infrastructure to a standardised cloud-native architecture. The transformation is designed to enhance platform performance and operational efficiency while creating a scalable foundation for MTN Group’s Ambition 2030 strategy and the continued growth of digital financial services across Africa.

With digital financial services expanding rapidly across the continent, mobile money platforms need robust and scalable infrastructure capable of handling rising transaction volumes while ensuring service availability. Since adopting the cloud-native architecture, MTN has recorded reductions of up to 86% in CPU processing overhead and database load. The deployment provides a high-availability platform designed to accommodate future growth while delivering a consistent experience for consumers, merchants and ecosystem partners.

The modernised platform also streamlines operations and enhances performance. Lower infrastructure overhead and improved API responsiveness support faster integration for developers, merchants and ecosystem partners. Across the markets already migrated, the deployment has generated measurable gains, including lower application and database resource utilisation and API response times improved by up to 80%.

Artemij Demidczyk, acting chief technology and information officer at MTN Group Fintech, stated, "The MoMo Evolved Migration advances our vision of building Africa's leading digital financial platform. Through a cloud-native foundation, we are enhancing performance, strengthening resilience, and accelerating the delivery of innovative digital financial services for consumers, merchants, and partners across our markets."

Hossam Kandeel head of Mobile Money and business development, Ericsson West and Southern Africa, commented, "Modernizing mobile financial services infrastructure is essential to supporting the continued growth of digital financial ecosystems. Through the Ericsson Fintech Platform, we have helped MTN Group Fintech establish a cloud native foundation that improves operational efficiency, strengthens platform performance and enables the scalability needed to support future innovation and financial inclusion."

Ericsson and MTN Group Fintech have worked together for more than 10 years to develop mobile financial services across Africa. The Ericsson Fintech Platform builds on this partnership by providing an infrastructure foundation for expanding digital financial services, deepening engagement with developers and ecosystem partners, and supporting the continued growth of MTN’s fintech operations.

Comsol launches wholesale 5G infrastructure for home broadband. (Image source: Comsol)

Internet

Comsol, a South African fixed wireless connectivity and private network operator with almost 30 years of industry experience, is expanding into the residential broadband market as a wholesale 5G infrastructure provider

The expansion is supported by two new shareholders: Platform Investment Partners, which has invested in 10 founder-stage fibre businesses across four markets during the past decade, and privately owned investment firm Wimsey Capital.

The revised shareholder structure follows the departure of Nedbank Private Equity, part of Nedbank CIB, from its investment in Comsol. Convergence Partners, a significant and established investor in the company, is providing further growth funding alongside Solcon Capital. Comsol founder and CEO Iain Stevenson, through Mactavish Investments, continues to hold an interest and is contributing additional capital. RMB structured and provided a comprehensive funding package that facilitated the shareholder transaction and will finance Comsol’s planned strategic capital expenditure programme.

Through the new offering, South African internet service providers (ISPs), mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) and other prospective partners can access a standalone 5G-Advanced* network designed specifically for fixed wireless access (FWA). Comsol owns and manages the infrastructure and provides it as a complete wholesale service, leaving partners responsible for their customer relationships and market strategies, including branding, pricing, product positioning and customer support.

More than one million Gauteng households covered

Comsol began deploying its network six months ago and has already reached more than one million households across Gauteng. The company plans to achieve comprehensive Gauteng coverage by March 2027, before extending the rollout into the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and major regional centres during 2027 and 2028.

The operator plans to deploy approximately 2,000 base stations nationwide, creating one of South Africa’s largest standards-based and high-capacity 5G networks. The infrastructure will provide service providers with an additional wholesale connectivity option and greater access to network capacity. By introducing new infrastructure into the market, Comsol expects to strengthen competition and expand consumer choice.

"Comsol anticipates where the market is heading and builds ahead of demand,” said Stevenson. “This is why we were investing in licensed spectrum years before its strategic value was widely understood and building private 5G before the market had grasped what it would enable. We see 5G-Advanced for the home as a big growth opportunity.

"ICASA has allocated spectrum to network providers to expand broadband access and increase competition in the market. We believe the way to honour that mandate is to build wholesale infrastructure that extends high-speed broadband to new customer segments and creates a platform for more competition at the well-established service provider layer.”

Experienced investors support infrastructure expansion

Comsol anticipates where the market is heading and builds ahead of demand

Shaun Clark, CEO of Platform Investment Partners, said, “We have spent years investing in the construction of open-access digital infrastructure in South Africa, and were founding investors in assets such as DFA, Conduct, Vumatel and N99. Our approach has always been to identify trends in technology adoption and invest behind them. We see fixed wireless as an important part of the connectivity market. Comsol is a natural fit with our portfolio of digital infrastructure businesses, which are all centred around a neutral host model.”

“We see a significant opportunity in 5G fixed wireless access to bring high-quality connectivity to more South African households. Comsol has a multi-decade track record of successfully building and delivering advanced wireless networks in diverse contexts. We are excited to back the business and partner with the world-class Comsol team as they build and scale this next phase of growth,” stated Richard Ladbrook, director of Wimsey Capital. 

Andile Ngcaba, executive chairman of Convergence Partners and chairman of the Comsol board, said, “Comsol is well positioned as the world transitions from 5G to 6G. The depth of its spectrum and nationwide network presence across all provinces creates a significant opportunity to serve South Africa’s enterprise, private and public sectors. Comsol’s platform is equally relevant to urban and rural markets, and to companies of all sizes.”

For Nedbank Private Equity, the transaction marks the end of a nine-year investment in Comsol. Yougan Moodley of Nedbank Private Equity said: “We are proud to have supported the company's growth, network rollout and value creation journey alongside management and our co-shareholders. The transaction positions Comsol strongly for its next phase of growth.”

The case for 5G-Advanced residential broadband

Comsol’s wholesale 5G-Advanced service is intended to complement fibre infrastructure while extending the availability and choice of residential broadband. Around 15% of South African households currently have fibre connections, with deployments concentrated mainly in densely populated metropolitan areas where trenching economics are more favourable. A sizeable opportunity therefore remains in suburban and adjacent markets where 5G FWA can be deployed faster and at significantly lower infrastructure costs.

Comsol’s 5G-Advanced FWA network is designed to deliver the capacity needed for large-scale residential broadband deployments, potentially allowing entire towns to receive coverage within weeks.

Developments in regulation and technology have also improved the economics of 5G-Advanced FWA. Comsol secured its C-band spectrum licence from ICASA in 2022, giving investors greater certainty around network development. The spectrum allocation supports differentiated speed tiers and competitive consumer pricing. At the same time, falling costs for 5G chipsets and customer-premises equipment (CPE) are reducing entry costs for consumers and ISPs.

As a new wholesale 5G market participant, Comsol is also deploying a modern standalone 5G core without the constraints associated with legacy network technologies.

The company expects these characteristics to contribute to strong FWA growth over the next five years. ICASA figures indicate that FWA subscriptions increased by approximately 39% year on year in 2025.** BMIT forecasts that 5G could represent as much as 67% of residential FWA connections by 2029, compared with 35% in 2024.***

A purpose-built network architecture

Comsol’s infrastructure is among only two production standalone 5G cores currently operating in South Africa. Its architecture provides ultra-low latency and dedicated capacity management capabilities that are not available to the same extent in hybrid 4G/5G deployments. The network also offers approximately twice the uplink performance of conventional 5G mobile operator networks.

The company’s 5G-Advanced implementation is IMT-conformant and incorporates standards-based technologies designed to increase network capacity while reducing the cost per bit. The infrastructure has been engineered specifically for high-capacity residential 5G connectivity at scale.

Greater flexibility for wholesale partners

Comsol’s wholesale model is designed to keep the operator separate from its partners’ consumer-facing businesses. ISPs and other customers maintain control over their market strategies, including pricing, packaging, billing, branding and customer relationships.

Through its API-enabled platform, Comsol allows partners to launch branded 5G-Advanced FWA services within weeks while maintaining significant control over product development and customer engagement.

The network is also designed to help ISPs reach additional customer groups whose broadband requirements centre on applications such as streaming, video conferencing and smart-home services. Its API-driven architecture allows partners to create tailored packages for different segments and modify or introduce products within hours, giving them greater flexibility to respond to shifts in customer demand.

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AFR-IX and OAN strengthen Limpopo digital infrastructure

Internet

AFR-IX Telecom and Open Access Network are strengthening their collaboration to develop a reference data centre in Limpopo while expanding access to high-capacity fibre infrastructure across the province

The partnership will extend connectivity capabilities in key locations including Louis Trichardt, Polokwane, Musina, Tzaneen and Mokopane, bringing data centre, fibre and international connectivity services closer to businesses, telecommunications providers and communities.

Open Access Network owns and operates an open-access fibre network in Polokwane, providing telecommunications operators and internet service providers with access to shared, neutral infrastructure. The company has worked with AFR-IX Telecom since 2024 through an existing colocation agreement.

Under the expanded arrangement, Open Access Network will continue to lead fibre network deployment and operations while contributing its metropolitan fibre infrastructure. AFR-IX Telecom will supply IP Transit services, international connectivity and data centre equipment.

The two companies will jointly operate a reference data centre serving Limpopo. The facility will incorporate AFR-IX Telecom technology and provide carrier-grade hosting, connectivity and network services within the province.

The collaboration is already supported by three network and data centre facilities. OAN-PTG-NOC-001, also known as PTG-01, is operational, while OAN-TUR-NOC-001, or TUR-01, is also operational. OAN-PTG-NOC-002, known as PTG-02, is currently being developed and is expected to become operational within 60 days of publication of the article.

Open Access Network has built around 130 km of fibre routes across Limpopo’s cities and towns. Through agreements with other neutral fibre operators, it can also access open ducts and fibre infrastructure, extending its reach across the communities where it operates.

Its current infrastructure footprint includes approximately 1,500 aerial fibre home passes and connectivity to nine active business parks and residential apartment developments, alongside its 130 km metropolitan fibre network.

The company has also demonstrated its ability to deliver fibre infrastructure rapidly, including a previous deployment of approximately 4 km of fibre in seven days. Additional smaller-scale network extensions can be completed at short notice, depending on route feasibility, required approvals and confirmed deployment specifications.

Expanding broadband reach

The partners are targeting approximately 10,000 home passes across Polokwane by 2027. The planned expansion will combine aerial and underground fibre infrastructure to extend broadband availability throughout the city.

The development is expected to create further wholesale opportunities for local service providers while improving access to high-speed connectivity for businesses and residential developments. It could also provide infrastructure to support emerging smart-city applications and increasing digital service requirements.

“Polokwane is a strategic growth market for AFR-IX Telecom, and our continued investment in fibre infrastructure and network facilities demonstrates our long-term commitment to enabling world-class digital connectivity for businesses, communities, and future smart city initiatives. Our partnership with Open Access Network represents exactly the type of collaboration AFR-IX Telecom is committed to developing across Africa working with strong local partners to bring high-quality, resilient connectivity closer to the communities and businesses that need it most. By combining Open Access Networks’ fibre infrastructure across Limpopo with AFR-IX Telecom’s IP Transit expertise and international connectivity capabilities, we are creating a new benchmark for resilient, carrier-grade digital infrastructure in the region and building a strong foundation for economic growth, innovation, and digital inclusion.” — Craig Young, Country Manager – Southern Africa, AFR-IX Telecom

“Our partnership with AFR-IX Telecom allows us to strengthen Limpopo’s digital ecosystem by bringing carrier-grade IP Transit and data centre capabilities closer to local operators. Together, we are reducing dependency on infrastructure outside the province and enabling ISPs, enterprises, and network operators to access reliable connectivity with greater efficiency and flexibility.” — Ben Mutero, Regional Technical Support (RTS) Open Access Network

The expanded collaboration forms part of AFR-IX Telecom’s broader approach of working with regional infrastructure providers to strengthen digital networks across Africa. By combining local fibre assets with international connectivity and data centre capabilities, the partnership aims to improve network resilience while supporting wider digital participation and economic activity in Limpopo.

WIOCC secures US$300m investment to expand Africa’s digital infrastructure

ReuNION submarine cable strengthens La Réunion digital connectivity

Mobile

EBRD commits €270m (approx. US$308.7mn) to expand Yas' 4G, 5G and fibre infrastructure across Senegal and Kenya. (Image source: AXIAN Telecom)

Mobile

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a senior financing package of up to €270 million (approx. US$308.7mn) for Yas, the pan-African telecommunications operator owned by AXIAN Telecom, to accelerate digital infrastructure investment and strengthen connectivity across Africa

The transaction marks the EBRD's first investment in Senegal and represents a landmark deal for the Bank in sub-Saharan Africa, combining long-term financing, local-currency lending and institutional capital mobilisation to support the region's growing digital economy.

The financing package includes a committed facility of up to €170 million (approx. US$194.4mn) to fund Yas' capital expenditure programme in Senegal and Kenya. This comprises a €100 million (approx. US$114.3mn) EBRD A-loan, a B-loan of up to €50 million (approx. US$57.2mn) to be syndicated to institutional investors under the Bank's A/B loan structure, and a local-currency facility equivalent to up to €20 million (approx. US$22.9mn) in Kenyan shillings. The transaction is the EBRD's first local-currency financing in sub-Saharan Africa and also its first A/B loan in the region. As part of the syndication, ILX Fund, an Amsterdam-based impact private credit fund specialising in emerging markets, will provide a significant investment in the B-loan.

The agreement also includes an uncommitted facility of up to €100 million (approx. US$114.3mn) to finance eligible future acquisitions by Yas and support additional capital expenditure across selected EBRD countries of operation in sub-Saharan Africa.

In Senegal, the investment will fund the expansion and modernisation of Yas Senegal's 4G and 5G mobile networks, reinforce core telecommunications infrastructure and accelerate fibre deployment. In Kenya, the financing will support the expansion and modernisation of fibre infrastructure following Yas' acquisition of Wananchi in 2025, enhancing broadband availability, network performance and service quality in one of East Africa's most dynamic telecommunications markets.

The investment is expected to strengthen competition in both countries by enabling local operators to expand their capabilities while improving access to reliable, affordable digital services for businesses and consumers.

Alongside the infrastructure investment, Yas has also committed to increasing female representation across its workforce and leadership teams, while introducing targeted programmes to promote women's participation in the digital economy through skills development and inclusive employment initiatives.

EBRD president Odile Renaud-Basso said: "I am very pleased to sign this first investment agreement with Yas, which reflects the EBRD's commitment to strengthening digital connectivity. By supporting long-term investment in critical digital infrastructure, we will help to build more resilient and competitive markets while mobilising additional capital from institutional investors to accelerate sustainable development and innovation."

Hassan Jaber, group CEO of Yas, stated, "Nearly one in ten people across Africa still live outside mobile network coverage. Closing that gap has been central to Yas' growth and is at the heart of this agreement. This is the largest financing our group has ever raised, and it will accelerate our 4G, 5G and fibre investments in Senegal and Kenya. It also marks the start of an important new partnership for Yas and the EBRD."

Kirstine Damkjaer, chief investment officer at ILX Fund, commented, "Africa is one of the fastest-growing digital markets in the world, with connectivity playing an important role in economic development, financial inclusion and job creation. We are pleased to support Yas' expansion alongside the EBRD, helping to strengthen essential digital infrastructure in the region and further increasing ILX's investment support across Africa."

Originating in Madagascar, Yas has grown into one of Africa's fastest-expanding telecommunications companies, operating across 11 markets in Africa and the Indian Ocean. Its portfolio spans three core business areas: mobile and fixed telecommunications services, fintech solutions, and digital infrastructure, including telecommunications towers, backbone fibre networks and data centres.

Senegal and Kenya became EBRD shareholders and countries of operation in 2025, expanding the Bank's footprint in sub-Saharan Africa. Through investments such as this, the EBRD aims to support private sector-led growth, bridge critical infrastructure gaps, promote economic diversification and advance climate-resilient development across the region.

Dimension Data Secures N4.05bn Fibre Expansion Bond

Cell C earns top recognition in DataEQ's 2026 index for network quality and customer experience in South Africa

Satellite

New satellite broadband venture targets South Africa's hardest-to-reach communities. (Image source: Amazon)

Satellite

Amazon Leo has signed an agreement with Herotel to introduce satellite broadband services in South Africa through a new offering, evry, marking the first partnership of its kind for Amazon Leo on the African continent

Expected to launch commercially in 2027, evry will combine Amazon Leo's low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network with Herotel's nationwide service infrastructure to extend high-speed internet to residential customers in areas where fibre and fixed wireless networks remain difficult or uneconomical to deploy.

The initiative targets South Africa's underserved rural communities, farms and small towns, where challenging terrain, long distances and low population density have limited the expansion of conventional broadband infrastructure.

Amazon Leo's satellites operate at an altitude of approximately 590 km, significantly closer to Earth than traditional geostationary satellites positioned more than 35,000 km away. This lower orbit enables reduced latency, supporting applications such as video conferencing, online learning, streaming and remote working. Customers will access the service using compact satellite antennas without requiring fibre or fixed wireless infrastructure at their premises.

Herotel, South Africa's largest fixed internet service provider, currently serves more than 350,000 active customers across over 550 towns through its fibre and fixed wireless networks. Its network of 120 local offices will provide installation, field support and customer service for the new satellite offering.

"Amazon Leo and Herotel share the same mission to empower all South Africans through access to high-speed internet. Herotel has spent years building connectivity across South Africa's farming towns, small businesses, and communities on the outskirts, and with Amazon Leo they can now reach even more people," said David Zapolsky, Amazon's chief global affairs and legal officer. "This collaboration is about breaking down barriers and unlocking opportunity for millions of people who don't yet have reliable access for work, education, or the services they depend on."

"We have always believed that South Africans outside the major metros deserve reliable, affordable internet," said Van Zyl Botha, CEO of Herotel. "With evry, powered by Amazon Leo, we will reach the customers that even fiber and fixed wireless cannot serve. It no longer matters where you live."

The announcement builds on Amazon's expanding connectivity initiatives across Africa. In addition to the Herotel partnership, Amazon Leo is working with Vanu to extend cellular connectivity to rural communities, beginning in South Africa. These efforts aim to improve digital inclusion across southern Africa, where nearly a quarter of the population remains outside mobile network coverage. According to Access Partnership, wider adoption of non-geostationary satellite systems could generate up to US$16.9bn in annual economic benefits for the region.

Amazon Leo has deployed more than 390 satellites and expects to begin providing initial services across selected regions this year before progressively expanding coverage and network capacity.

Nigeria approves NIGCOMSAT-2A and 2B satellite deployment

Airtel, Starlink bring satellite connectivity to DRC customers

Commerce

BNB Liberia and Orange Money launch cross-border remittance services to enhance digital financial inclusion across Africa.

Commerce

BNB Liberia, a prominent fintech and digital payments provider in Liberia, has joined forces with Orange Money Liberia to introduce an International Remittance Outbound Service, enhancing opportunities for customers to conduct convenient and efficient cross-border financial transactions

The newly launched service allows Orange Money users in Liberia to transfer funds directly from their mobile wallets to recipients across several African markets, including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Mali, Uganda, and Rwanda. As part of efforts to encourage adoption and improve access to digital financial services, the service will be available at no cost during its initial three-month rollout period.

The partnership marks another significant step in BNB’s efforts to reshape Liberia’s digital finance sector through innovation, collaboration, and the delivery of inclusive financial technology solutions.

BNB has established itself as a key player in financial innovation across Liberia and the wider region, introducing several pioneering digital payment initiatives. These include direct remittance transfers into Liberian mobile wallets, digital foreign exchange services connected with mobile money platforms, expanded outbound mobile money capabilities, and digital payment solutions through BNB CashApp. The company has also developed a broad agent network that continues to improve access to financial services nationwide.

Through these initiatives, BNB has continued to support individuals, enterprises, and communities with secure, accessible, and convenient financial solutions designed to promote wider participation in the digital economy.

The Orange Outbound Service further enhances regional financial connectivity by enabling customers to send money quickly and securely from their Orange Money wallets by dialling 144113#. The launch event took place at The Icon 16, Orange Liberia’s headquarters in Monrovia, and was attended by representatives from the financial services, telecommunications, and fintech industries.

Speaking at the launch, David Ojo, Managing Director of BNB Liberia, highlighted the importance of innovation and partnerships in advancing Liberia’s digital economy:

“At BNB, we believe innovation and collaboration are essential to building an inclusive digital economy for Liberia and Africa. Our partnership with Orange Liberia reflects our continued commitment to providing fast, secure, affordable, and accessible financial solutions that improve lives and connect people across borders. We remain committed to working with regulators, mobile network operators, banks, and other strategic stakeholders to continue driving Liberia’s digital transformation forward.”

BNB noted that the collaboration supports its wider objective of expanding financial inclusion, simplifying international money transfers, and enabling regional commerce through technology-led financial services.

With Liberia’s fintech sector continuing to develop, BNB remains focused on launching innovative solutions and building strategic partnerships that empower customers while strengthening the country’s position as an emerging centre for digital financial services in Africa.

 
 

Paratus has appointed Neill Nortje as country manager of Zambia. (Image source: Paratus)

BoC and Scale launch virtual prepaid Mastercard cards to simplify payments and financial access for African creators. (Image source: BoC)

Power

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

Power

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.” 

TOA, MTN strengthen Uganda’s digital infrastructure. (Image source: TOA)

The Vertiv PowerDirect 7100 Energy supplies up to 52 kW of scalable 48 V DC power and delivers efficiency levels of up to 98%. (Image source: Vertiv)

Security

African regulators in Kenya and Ghana are leading the way, strengthening digital asset safety and trust

Security

Over the past decade, financial systems worldwide have become more digitally interconnected than ever. While this connectivity brings convenience and speed, it also opens the door to financial crime

From complex money-laundering networks to cyber-enabled fraud rings, criminal actors exploit gaps in regulation and oversight. As traditional finance evolves, so do opportunities for abuse—and this risk is especially pronounced in the rapidly expanding digital asset space.

Cryptocurrencies and other digital assets promised a more inclusive and efficient financial system. Yet without appropriate safeguards, innovation can inadvertently create new avenues for exploitation. Over recent years, financial crime has grown alongside the digital economy. According to Chainalysis, by July 2025, over US$2.17bn was reported stolen from cryptocurrency services. But these numbers reflect real human consequences: small businesses locked out of working capital due to crypto scams, families losing savings to impersonation schemes, and young founders forced to shutter promising ventures after a single fraud incident drained their liquidity. Financial crime in digital assets is not abstract—it is personal, and often irreversible.

Criminals increasingly leverage digital currencies via darknet markets, ransomware demands, and other schemes, exploiting weak oversight, insufficient identity verification, and gaps in enforcement. That’s why anti-money-laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) controls aren’t bureaucratic checkboxes—they are foundational infrastructure for a functioning financial system. Regulation is not a “nice-to-have”; it is the safeguard that separates legitimate innovation from systemic risk.

The Risk Landscape Sharpens as Digital Assets Grow

Without clear rules, digital assets have often been described as the Wild West of finance: a frontier of opportunity with minimal accountability. While stories of lost wallets and exchange hacks capture headlines, the deeper issue is systemic: when markets operate without enforceable standards for transparency and oversight, bad actors thrive.

Digital assets can drive economic inclusion, particularly in emerging markets across Africa. But that potential is limited if fear of fraud, theft, or criminal misuse overshadows the benefits. Regulation that prioritises financial safety protects consumers and strengthens trust—a prerequisite for widespread adoption.

Regulatory Momentum: Kenya and Ghana Take a Stand

Recognising these risks, several African countries have moved beyond debate and implemented decisive measures. Kenya and Ghana stand out as leaders, enacting comprehensive digital asset regulatory frameworks in 2025. At a time when many developed markets still struggle to balance innovation with enforcement, African regulators are showing that clarity is achievable. These frameworks are deliberate, consultative, and designed for sustainable market growth.

In Kenya, the Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill, formalised in November 2025, made the country one of the first in the region to clearly define licensing, compliance expectations, and supervisory oversight for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs). Yellow Card’s team contributed significant input to ensure the law supports innovation while enforcing robust AML and CTF safeguards.

Similarly, Ghana’s Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill, 2025, which received presidential assent in December 2025, marked a historic milestone. For years, Ghana’s digital asset market had operated in a gray area, widely used but legally uncertain. With the VASP Bill, cryptocurrency activities are now formally legalised and regulated. Oversight responsibilities are distributed across the central bank, securities regulator, and financial intelligence unit, ensuring identity verification, transaction monitoring, and illicit flow prevention. These laws do more than confer legitimacy—they protect individuals, businesses, and the broader financial system.

Why Regulation Matters: Financial Safety and Security Aren’t Optional

Financial crime is not merely a compliance concern for multinational corporations; it is a real threat affecting individuals, firms, and economies. Fraud and money laundering erode consumer confidence, divert capital from productive use, and distort markets. In the digital asset sector, unregulated exchanges and opaque operations exacerbate these risks.

Regulatory frameworks like those in Kenya and Ghana create a “safe zone,” where innovation can flourish under clear standards. Mandatory Know-Your-Customer (KYC) protocols verify identities. AML and CFT processes detect and deter illicit flows. Coordinated oversight enables regulators and operators to combine on-chain analytics with traditional compliance tools, identifying suspicious activity in real time.

A Global Operator’s Perspective: Yellow Card’s Commitment to Safety

At Yellow Card, we operate in 34 markets, with a presence in 20 African countries and strategic relationships across Europe and the US. This global footprint exposes us to some of the world’s most sophisticated regulatory regimes. We view financial safety and security not as optional, but as prerequisites for responsible, scalable operations.

We have implemented robust risk and financial crime programmes, including advanced identity verification, transaction monitoring, and real-time risk scoring. These systems are deployed daily to protect users and reinforce trust in the digital economy.

The Future Depends on Safe, Secure, Accountable Markets

As digital assets integrate further with traditional finance and everyday commerce, the stakes for financial integrity will rise. Jurisdictions that act decisively with transparent, enforceable regulations and international cooperation will unlock broader economic potential. Those that delay risk stagnation and uncertainty. Policymakers must focus not on whether to regulate digital assets, but on how swiftly and effectively. Clear rules today prevent crises tomorrow.

Regulation that confronts financial crime does not stifle innovation—it enables it by eliminating fear and building trust. For Ghana, Kenya, and other forward-thinking nations, the message is clear: the future of finance must be safe to be sustainable. When safety is non-negotiable, everyone benefits—consumers, businesses, and the economy at large.

AI drives growing cybercrime threats across Africa. (Image source: INTERPOL)

Mastercard’s Africa Cyber security Centre of Excellence aims to boost cyber resilience. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

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