Commerce

Rui Faria represents Angola Cables on a global advisory body to strengthen submarine cable infrastructure and boost West Africa's connectivity. (Image source: Angola Cables)

Angola Cables, a globally recognised provider of ICT, digital solutions, and network services, proudly announces the appointment of executive board member and chief commercial officer Rui Faria to the newly established International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience

This appointment places Angola Cables at the forefront of addressing a critical issue, following significant internet outages across several African nations earlier this year due to damage to undersea cables along the West African coastline. These incidents have highlighted the urgent need for robust infrastructure to support the region’s increasing reliance on digital networks for economic growth, trade, and innovation.

The International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience, formed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations Agency for Digital Technologies, and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC), is dedicated to improving the safety and reliability of submarine cables. These cables are essential to global and regional connectivity, enabling over 99% of international data exchange, including communication, financial transactions, cloud services, and digital economies. The 42-member advisory group comprises government officials, regulatory authorities, industry leaders, and experts in telecommunication cables.

Faria, with over three decades of experience in Africa’s subsea cable sector, was invited by the Angolan Ministry of Telecommunications, Information Technologies, and Social Communication (MINTTICS) to contribute to this critical initiative. The government aims to diversify Angola’s economy and enhance its telecom infrastructure.

“West Africa’s recent experience with submarine cable failures has highlighted the fragility of our connectivity networks and the critical need for proactive solutions. As part of the International Advisory Body, we will work towards identifying vulnerabilities and implementing measures to ensure these vital cables remain operational and resilient. Strengthened collaboration and innovation will help mitigate disruptions and secure West Africa’s digital future,” said Faria.

Fernando Fernandes, CEO of TelCables Nigeria, a subsidiary of Angola Cables, emphasised the significance of this development for the region: “We are honoured that Rui has been selected to represent West Africa on the Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience. Submarine cables are the foundation of modern economies, and their stability is paramount for enabling global and regional growth. We believe this initiative will go a long way towards building resilience, ensuring uninterrupted worldwide connectivity, and unlocking new economic opportunities for West Africa.”

Angola Cables’ involvement in the Advisory Body underscores its commitment to protecting essential telecom infrastructure and promoting regional and national development. The company also supports scientific research into naturally occurring cable failures, including groundbreaking studies by the Department of Geography and Earth Science at Durham University, focusing on the Congo River Canyon Crossing in West Africa.

“Consultation, cooperation, and collaboration between countries and all technical and scientific stakeholders will ensure that we can implement better measures to safeguard submarine cable infrastructure and the integrity of the undersea data corridors, the lifeblood of our global, digital-enabled economy. On a regional front, they will enable West Africa to remain connected, competitive, and positioned for sustained digital and economic growth,” concluded Faria.

Safaricom Ethiopia brings 4G connectivity to Gambella City, boosting education, infrastructure, and investment potential in the region. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia PLC has officially launched its network in Gambella City and surrounding areas, marking a major milestone in its mission to provide fast 4G data connectivity across Ethiopia

Safaricom Ethiopia’s CEO, Wim Vanhelleputte, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the country, expressing excitement about welcoming Gambella into the 07 Family.

Alemitu Oumud, president of the Gambella Region, underscored the transformative effects of enhanced infrastructure on the region’s social and economic progress.

“We commend Safaricom Ethiopia for its role in creating jobs, enhancing connectivity, and positioning Gambella as an attractive destination for investment,” remarked Oumud.

As part of its dedication to fostering digital education, the company donated 20 laptops and 4 routers with six months of free internet to two high schools in Gambella City. This initiative aims to promote digital literacy and broaden educational opportunities for the region’s youth.

Mastercard, MTN, and Arifu collaborate to digitise small businesses in Côte d’Ivoire and Uganda, boosting their growth and resilience through MoMo Coach. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth has partnered with MTN Group Fintech and Arifu to support approximately one million small businesses in Côte d’Ivoire and Uganda

This collaboration aims to digitise operations, promote the use of digital financial services, and enable access to digital marketplaces through the MoMo Coach chatbot. As part of Mastercard Strive’s global initiative, the program focuses on equipping small businesses with critical digital skills to bolster their resilience and growth. It also provides chatbot-ready business-building content, which is now accessible in Kenya and Nigeria.

Small businesses in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly those affected by the pandemic, face substantial hurdles in adopting digital tools. By December 2022, only 27.65% of businesses in the region had adopted such tools to improve efficiency, up from 19.44% in August 2020. A lack of necessary skills remains a key challenge, hindering growth and access to financial services. MoMo Coach addresses these issues by offering free, easy-to-access upskilling content through popular messaging platforms.

Empowering digital entrepreneurs

With support from the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and delivered by Caribou Digital, the program enables small businesses to embrace digital tools, secure funding, and effectively engage in digital marketplaces. It aligns with Mastercard Strive’s broader vision of empowering 18 million small businesses globally to transition to digital, gain access to capital, and build valuable networks.

“Small businesses are vital to Africa’s growth and create opportunities for a more resilient and inclusive regional economy. We are delighted to catalyze a partnership between MTN Group Fintech and Arifu to equip almost one million small business owners with the digital skills and knowledge essential for thriving in an increasingly digital economy, setting them up for success,” remarked Subhashini Chandran, senior vice-president of social impact for Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth.

The MoMo Coach, powered by Arifu’s Grasp Platform, uses mobile messaging to deliver micro-learning experiences. It is accessible via various platforms, including WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, SMS, and MoMo, offering entrepreneurs flexibility to access actionable tips for unlocking growth in the digital economy.

Serigne Dioum, CEO of MTN Group Fintech, stated, “Empowering small businesses with digital skills is key to driving inclusive growth in Africa. Through MoMo Coach, we are unlocking opportunities for entrepreneurs to thrive in the digital economy, strengthening communities, and shaping the future of business across the continent.”

In Côte d’Ivoire and Uganda, the program has reached over 930,000 MTN customers, merchants, and agents. More than 75,000 small business owners have accessed free digital courses, with over 45,000 actively using MoMo Coach. Course topics include “How to Start Your Business,” “Money Management,” and “Grow and Secure Your Business,” addressing challenges such as affordability and access to relevant business knowledge, helping entrepreneurs navigate the digital landscape.

ITU initiatives empower underserved communities with digital skills, fostering inclusion and innovation for Africa’s sustainable digital future. (Image source: ITU)

The ITU’s latest 2024 estimates, released in November, highlight the ongoing digital divide between high-income and low-income countries. While Africa’s digital transformation is progressing, only 38% of its population uses the Internet, far below the global average of 68%.

Although 85% of Africa’s population has access to at least 3G mobile broadband, 4G coverage extends to only 60%, and 5G to a mere 11%, compared to the global 5G average of 51%.

Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, director of the ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, brings over 30 years of experience in telecommunications and has successfully implemented numerous impactful ICT projects worldwide.

A closer examination of the data uncovers further disparities:

In Africa, only 31% of women are connected to the Internet compared to 43% of men, and girls have less access than boys. To foster economic success, it is vital to ensure that young girls feel empowered and confident in their ability to use modern technology.

Another revealing statistic shows that 25% of rural Africans remain entirely unconnected due to insufficient broadband infrastructure. Internet connectivity also shows a stark urban-rural divide: 57% of urban residents are connected, compared to just 23% in rural areas. A lack of digital skills and unfamiliarity with technology further inhibit Internet usage.

Catalysing digital futures

The ITU is working with policymakers, businesses, community leaders, and innovators to address these challenges. Initiatives aim to provide digital skills training, ensure affordability of technologies and services for marginalised groups, and assist nations in upgrading their regulatory frameworks and infrastructure.

One notable programme is the Digital Transformation Centres (DTCs) initiative, launched in partnership with Cisco in 2019 to enhance digital literacy in underserved areas. With 14 DTCs, the initiative has equipped nearly 400,000 people with the digital skills necessary for employment or entrepreneurship.

These centres are also introducing programming and other digital skills to schoolchildren. Africa, the world’s youngest continent—where 70% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa is under 30, according to UN figures—holds immense potential. This potential can only be unlocked if both boys and girls are equally empowered through technology.

In 2024, several ITU-led or supported initiatives helped thousands of underserved youth join the global Internet community. Notable examples include International Girls in ICT Day, which helped 40,000 girls from 84 countries enhance their digital skills; the Generation Connect Young Leadership Programme, involving 30 young changemakers from 28 nations and co-led by Huawei; and the Her Digital Skills initiative, which trained over 1,400 young women across 19 countries in partnership with EY, GSMA, and W4, as well as the AI Skills Accelerator for Girls co-led by EY.

The impact of these programs will resonate for years.

Africa’s growing digital enterprise sector was on display at the ITU Global Innovation Forum in October, where two of the three innovation award winners hailed from the continent. Malawi’s Muuni Fund was recognized for its work fostering entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems, while Uganda’s Bulamu Bridge AI Technologies received accolades for FemiHub, an app and WhatsApp chatbot providing women’s health information and services.

On April 24, 2025, the world will celebrate International Girls in ICT Day once more, an annual event aimed at inspiring girls and young women to pursue STEM education and careers.

“I encourage communities to organize events and activities to support girls as they learn about STEM and help them benefit fully from the power of technology.”