Commerce

Intelsat wins 'Digital Infrastructure Award'

Intelsat partnered with local organisations to develop and deploy a comprehensive satellite network solution. (Image source: Intelsat)

Intelsat, the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial network operator, has won the Africa Sustainable Futures award from the Financial Times and the World Bank Group’s Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) in the “Digital Infrastructure” category

This accolade recognises Intelsat’s innovative satellite broadband project in Burkina Faso, which has greatly improved the country's telecommunications resilience. Terrestrial infrastructure can often be susceptible to damage from both natural and human-induced events. Although significant government investment had established extensive fiber networks in Burkina Faso, additional measures were needed to strengthen and expand this infrastructure, minimising disruptions that could affect connectivity and daily operations.

To address this challenge, Intelsat partnered with local organisations to develop and deploy a comprehensive satellite network solution. This effort provided reliable coverage, even in the country’s most remote and difficult-to-reach regions, enhancing connectivity within weeks and ensuring long-term stability. The Intelsat team also offered training to local staff, equipping them with the skills to independently manage the satellite network.

Using its extensive expertise, Intelsat delivered a scalable solution tailored to the unique needs of Burkina Faso. The project not only secures essential communication links but also enhances the quality of life for many people.

“We are honored to receive this award,” said Rhys Morgan, regional vice-president, EMEA, Media and Networks at Intelsat. “This recognition underscores our commitment to providing innovative and reliable connectivity solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives. We look forward to continuing our work in Burkina Faso and other regions in need of resilient digital infrastructure.”

WIOCC expands Kenya's telecom infrastructure network

Half cropped image of James Wekesa, chief commercial officer at WIOCC

James Wekesa, chief commercial officer at WIOCC. (Image source: WIOCC)

James Wekesa, chief commercial officer at WIOCC, discusses the company’s strategic investments in Kenya's telecom infrastructure, highlighting their commitment to scalable, diverse solutions that enhance connectivity and drive business growth

Kenya's telecom market is experiencing rapid expansion, driven by enhanced international connectivity and infrastructure development. WIOCC, recognised as Africa’s digital backbone, is empowering Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Systems Integrators, Carriers, Managed Service Providers (MSPs), and other telecommunications firms with scalable and high-performance digital infrastructure. Known as Africa’s Carriers’ Carrier, WIOCC delivers robust, future-proof solutions that enhance the service reliability, reach, and operational efficiency of its clients' networks. Whether it's enabling ISPs to expand capacity or assisting systems integrators in increasing coverage, WIOCC’s open-access infrastructure is designed to ensure businesses stay competitive while providing top-quality services to end users. This strategic infrastructure broadens business opportunities for WIOCC’s clients, allowing them to cater to growing demands for reliable, low-latency connectivity and anticipate future needs across the region.

WIOCC's Mombasa Metro Network, now completed, delivers unrivaled connectivity by linking all major data centers in Mombasa. This infrastructure empowers clients to scale operations effortlessly and access substantial bandwidth at critical data centers and cable landing stations throughout Mombasa County. Furthermore, a protected National Long Distance (NLD) network between Nairobi and Mombasa and a Metro Network in Nairobi County are both expected to be finished by the end of Q4 2024. The network's next expansion phase, planned for Q2 2025, will extend coverage to additional counties and border areas with neighboring countries.

“Through our significant investments in subsea assets, terrestrial fibre and metro networks, we are uniquely positioned to support the growing connectivity demands of the region and position Kenya as a leading innovation hub in Africa. Our investments enhance the ability to interconnect traffic from the 2Africa cable to other major systems such as SEACOM, EASSy, DARE1, PEACE and TEAMS, offering diversity and flexible service delivery across multiple data centres based on our client requirements,” remarked Wekesa.

WIOCC’s interconnected ecosystem provides bespoke solutions, enabling clients to access resilient infrastructure and connect to their customers’ locations with improved reliability. By offering multiple, diverse routes that minimise latency for real-time services and provide backup options, WIOCC ensures flexible service delivery across essential data centers, reducing the risk of network disruptions and supporting business growth and market expansion.

“We remain dedicated to bridging the digital divide by expanding open-access infrastructure across Africa. With these initiatives, we aim to foster a more connected and digitally empowered future for our clients and the communities they serve. By partnering with WIOCC, our clients can confidently expand their service offerings, enhance their customer experiences and tap into new markets,” added Wekesa.

Orange, Mastercard boost financial access

Aminata Kane and Amnah Ajmal sit at a table, signing a partnership agreement

Orange and Mastercard team up to expand financial services in Sub-Saharan Africa, promoting digital inclusion and global access. (Image source: Orange)

Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) and Mastercard have unveiled a strategic alliance aimed at expanding mobile financial services throughout Sub-Saharan Africa

This significant collaboration is expected to grant millions of Orange Money users access to Mastercard’s global merchant network by 2025. The partnership will launch across seven countries: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.

Bridging financial access

With only 48% of adults in Sub-Saharan Africa currently holding bank accounts, as noted in the African Digital Banking Transformation Report, this partnership is designed to bridge the financial access gap and empower underserved communities. Orange Money users will soon have the ability to acquire virtual or physical debit cards directly linked to their Orange Money wallets. These cards will enable seamless local and international payments, allowing transactions with local businesses and across any platform accepting Mastercard. Virtual cards can be requested via Max it—Orange’s Super App—while physical cards can be obtained from selected Orange Money Mastercard outlets.

Aminata Kane, CEO of Orange Money Group, Middle East and Africa, highlighted the significance of this partnership: “This collaboration is an opportunity to bring top notch innovation to our customers, allow to pay with the Mastercard card linked to their Orange Money wallet when they travel internationally, and give them access to online shopping all over the world, in a simple and secure way. By offering our users the ability to pay effortlessly with Mastercard virtual card, we open the door to a world of new possibilities and promote their financial independence.”

Amnah Ajmal, Executive vice-president of market development at Mastercard EEMEA, commented, “At Mastercard, we are committed to advancing financial inclusion by leveraging cutting-edge technology to create meaningful, scalable impact. Our collaboration with Orange Money represents a significant step in unlocking the full potential of digital financial services across Africa, enabling millions to participate in the global economy. This collaboration is a testament to our vision to building an inclusive digital ecosystem that leaves no one behind.”

Orange’s reach, which includes over 160 million customers and 37 million active Orange Money accounts in 17 African and Middle Eastern nations, has already played a vital role in enhancing financial inclusion. Through accessible, secure mobile services like transfers, payments, and other financial tools, Orange Money has provided affordable financial solutions to individuals previously excluded from the formal banking system.

This partnership also strengthens Mastercard’s position as a leading technology partner for African telecom providers. Mastercard’s expertise in secure payment gateways, local market knowledge, and SME-focused solutions fuels growth, innovation, and financial inclusion across the region. Additionally, this collaboration aligns with Orange’s commitment to delivering efficient, seamless payment solutions, advancing both financial inclusion and digital transformation across Africa.

Network and Ant drive payment innovation

(L-R) Mr Nandan Mer, CEO, Network International; H.E. Jamal Abdulla AlSuwaidi, Ambassador of the UAE to Singapore; Mr Peng Yang, CEO, Ant International at the signing ceremony

Network and Ant International partner to expand digital payments in MEA, advancing financial inclusion and seamless e-wallet services. (Image source: Network International)

Network International (Network), a prominent digital commerce enabler across the Middle East and Africa (MEA), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with global fintech leader Ant International

This partnership will focus on advancing digital payment solutions for MEA businesses, promoting financial inclusion and digital transformation in the region.

Through this collaboration, Network aims to leverage Alipay+ Wallet Tech solutions to enhance e-wallet services for its MEA customers. Alipay+ Wallet Tech offers a comprehensive suite for developing e-wallet applications and supporting super app functionalities, enabling e-wallet integration on a global scale.

Expanding payment options

Plans are also underway to expand the partnership across other MEA countries. Network will introduce Alipay+ payment options to online platforms in the region, allowing users to pay seamlessly both online and offline via QR codes and their preferred digital payment methods. Alipay+ already connects over 30 digital payment methods worldwide.

Additionally, Network will work with Ant International’s Antom platform to improve Antom’s card processing capabilities, expanding acceptance of UAE-issued international debit and credit cards, and enabling global merchants to offer more local payment options for enhanced consumer engagement.

Nandan Mer, CEO, Network International, said, “We are excited to strengthen our partnership with Ant International to expand their footprint in the Middle East and Africa and contribute to financial inclusion efforts within the region. This collaboration underscores our commitment to accelerating digital transformation, enabling the growth of businesses in the region”.

Peng Yang, CEO, Ant International, remarked, “We are delighted to join hands with Network International to serve regional and global merchants, including SMEs in UAE and the MEA region. By combining our innovative technologies and digitisation solutions with Network’s deep know-how of this region, we are providing more growth opportunities to the merchants, enabling them to thrive in the digital era.”

New guidelines for mobile device compliance in Kenya

Smiling African woman at home using her smartphone with one hand on the screen

CA Kenya mandates tax compliance for mobile devices, impacting assemblers, importers, and retailers starting January 2025. (Adobe Stock)

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) serves as the regulatory body for the ICT sector in Kenya, overseeing telecommunications, e-commerce, cybersecurity, broadcasting, and postal services

It manages the country's numbering and frequency spectrum resources, administers the Universal Service Fund (USF), and advocates for consumer rights in ICT services. Additionally, the Authority promotes trade in ICT by facilitating the clearance of permits for type-approved imported equipment through the Kenya Trade Network Agency (Ken Trade) National Single Window System (TradeNet System/Trade Facilitation Platform).

To enhance the integrity and tax compliance of mobile devices in Kenya, the Authority has issued a notification to all stakeholders, including mobile network operators involved in the local assembly, importation, distribution, and connection of mobile devices to local networks. Starting January 1, 2025, the following requirements will be enforced for all mobile phone devices in Kenya.

New IMEI compliance regulations

Local assemblers must upload the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) Number of each assembled device to a portal provided by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to ensure tax compliance. Importers of mobile phones, whether for sale, testing, research, or other purposes, will be required to include the IMEI Number in their import documentation submitted to the KRA. This disclosure is essential for registering devices in the National Master Database of Tax-Compliant Devices.

Retailers and wholesalers must ensure they only sell or distribute mobile devices that are tax compliant. The Authority will provide a method for verifying the tax compliance status of mobile devices before purchase by retailers or end-users. Mobile network operators will be required to connect devices to their networks only after confirming their tax compliance status through a whitelist database of compliant devices maintained by the Authority. Additionally, operators must implement a gray-listing process for non-compliant devices to allow for regularization within a specified timeframe; failure to comply will result in the devices being blacklisted.

These new requirements will apply to all devices imported or assembled in the country from November 1, 2024. Existing devices on mobile networks as of October 31, 2024, will remain unaffected.

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