Cofinity Group, Inc. (CGI), a leader in the data center industry for over 15 years, announced strategic Channel Partnership Agreements with leading data center providers in Africa, including PAIX Data Centres, Rack Centre, Raxio, and Digital Realty

These agreements included Digital Realty’s African entities: iColo, Teraco, and Digital Realty Nigeria. Collectively, these data centre providers operated in markets that accounted for over 75% of Sub-Saharan Africa's GDP across 11 countries.

Collectively, these data center providers operate in markets that account for over 75% of Sub-Saharan Africa's GDP across 11 countries.

The accelerating pace of technology adoption and digitisation in Africa is driving the demand for highly secure data center facilities with exceptional levels of power availability, redundancy, and connectivity. "CGI is in a unique position to help enterprises secure and optimise their mission-critical applications in key African markets with experienced, trusted data center operators. We have had the privilege of working with the leading data center providers in Africa and we are confident that enterprises will benefit from our deep knowledge and streamlined commercial processes," said Ray Lawless, president of CGI.

“Cofinity Group’s initiative is further evidence of the surging demand in Africa for the services of data center companies. We welcome CGI’s role in bringing together key sectors, such as Fintech, with data center providers in Africa, continuing the transformation of Africa’s digital infrastructure and accelerating economic growth,” said Ayotunde Coker, chairman of the Africa Data Centres Association.

Enterprises opting for a colocation solution can secure their mission-critical operations in a cost-effective manner, benefiting from the data center’s robust infrastructure and connectivity, while also allowing for future growth with access to expansion space and increased power capacity. CGI’s extensive experience in various markets and close relationships with these data center operators provides a unique opportunity to assist enterprises looking to migrate to a quality colocation data center solution in Africa.

Telecom Namibia has unveiled a transformative three-year partnership with a joint venture between ZTE Corporation and Huafull International Limited

Recognised as a global leader in mobile technology solutions, ZTE's collaboration with Telecom Namibia marks a significant advancement in enhancing the country's mobile network capabilities and coverage.

Mobile network expansion

Aligned with Telecom Namibia’s five-year Integrated Strategic Business Plan (ISBP) 2027, this initiative includes investing in the modernisation and expansion of the TN mobile network. This will involve rolling out new mobile base stations and upgrading existing ones nationwide. According to the agreement, Telecom Namibia will procure state-of-the-art mobile radio access equipment from the ZTE Corporation and Huafull International Limited Joint Venture. This procurement aims to strengthen the mobile network's capacity and coverage, particularly in previously underserved areas. The partnership will support the deployment of advanced mobile radio access technologies such as 4G, 4.5G, and 5G, ensuring TN mobile consumers receive high-quality, fast, and reliable mobile broadband services.

During the signing ceremony, Telecom Namibia's CEO, Dr Stanley Shanapinda, highlighted, “As a committed provider of reliable and high-speed mobile services nationwide, we are excited to join forces with ZTE and Huafull to bring transformative solutions to our customers. This collaboration underscores our dedication to delivering unparalleled mobile connectivity and bridging the digital divide in communities across our country.”

The integration of ZTE’s cutting-edge equipment into Telecom Namibia’s network will facilitate the deployment of next-generation technologies, providing users with faster data speeds and enhanced reliability. Moreover, expanding coverage through the deployment of new sites will ensure seamless connectivity. By leveraging the expertise and innovation of ZTE and Huafull, Telecom Namibia aims to accelerate the growth of its mobile network footprint and offer improved services to both urban and rural areas across the country.

Jack Liu, vice-president of Huafull International, expressed, “We are very honored and grateful to Telecom Namibia for choosing and collaborating with ZTE Corporation and Huafull International as partners for the next phase of wireless network upgrade and transformation.”

Avanti Communications, a leading global multi-orbit provider of fully integrated connectivity services and solutions, has successfully conducted a satellite connectivity test with BankservAfrica, Africa’s largest automated clearing house, and Capitec Bank, one of South Africa’s top retail banks

The successful completion of this connectivity test marks a significant step towards enhancing transactional security. It highlights the transformative potential of satellite communications in bolstering digital banking systems, paving the way for more resilient financial operations, reflective of a digitally mature and inclusive banking future.

Satellite connectivity test key findings:

Stable connectivity: The satellite connection demonstrated durability with consistent stability, a crucial factor in ensuring financial transactions are carried out without interruption on Avanti’s GEO Ka HTS satellite.

Mission critical application: Financial traffic was routed solely on the Avanti satellite link, showcasing Avanti’s link capability in handling mission-critical applications during the loss of terrestrial links or unstable connectivity caused by fibre cuts or power issues.

Effective production testing: High transaction volumes were efficiently managed during intensive production testing, underscoring the robustness of the satellite link.

Gamze Aydin, senior vice-president of sales and South Africa country manager at Avanti, commented, “With South Africa’s financial institutions facing the threats of power grid instabilities and undersea cable malfunctions, this test is a forerunner of strengthened operational resilience. By enabling direct satellite connection to European traffic hubs, Avanti’s solution reduces reliance on local infrastructure, which is prone to disruption. These tests not only validate the role of satellite technology as a steadfast, secure conduit for financial transactions but underscore its importance in maintaining operations in challenging conditions.”

The collaboration with BankservAfrica and Capitec represents a significant advancement in technological application.

“We participated in the connectivity test to determine the viability of using Satellite for additional resilience in the financial industry. The test was successful across all the critical measurement points. BankservAfrica is pleased to consider the inclusion of this technology across our Managed Network Solution,” added Ben Janse van Rensburg, chief technology officer at BankservAfrica.

This initiative is a major step towards reinforcing the resilience of financial services across Africa. The successful completion of the test is an important milestone, demonstrating the viability of satellite communication in maintaining stable and reliable transaction environments.

Zoho, a global tech firm, has partnered with She Code Africa (SCA), a non-profit dedicated to empowering and upskilling African women in tech

In this collaboration, Zoho will conduct “Train the Trainer” sessions for SCA Academy instructors, introducing them to Zoho Creator, the company's low-code app development platform. These sessions aim to provide trainers with the skills needed to effectively utilise Zoho Creator. After the training, these instructors will share their knowledge with more students involved with SCA, enabling them to create impactful applications using low-code technology to address real business challenges.

This initiative is part of Zoho Creator’s broader ‘Young Creators Program’ (YCP), which started globally in 2022. The YCP focuses on preparing future business leaders by equipping them with advanced digital skills and encouraging technological innovation. The program’s goal is to cultivate the next generation of tech-savvy leaders and innovators.

Empowering tech talent

As part of the YCP, Zoho will host 30 female trainers from the SCA Academy for an intensive three-day training session in Lagos, Nigeria. The sessions will delve into enterprise-grade application development using low-code technology. Participants will receive training materials and complimentary access to the Creator platform for one year.

“At Zoho, we believe in supporting local communities by upskilling and hiring local talent, empowering local businesses with our technology, and promoting responsible and sustainable development. Our growth strategy, known as transnational localism, embodies these values. In continuation of this commitment to support progress at the grassroots, we are partnering with She Code Africa to equip Nigerian students with critical tech skills,” said Kehinde Ogundare, country head, Zoho Nigeria.

The YCP has already empowered over 2,000 students worldwide with hands-on training in Zoho Creator, providing them with completion certificates and attractive rewards. Beyond skill development, it enhances confidence, fosters personal growth, and opens new opportunities in the tech industry. Zoho’s investment in young talents is designed to ignite creativity and innovation, making essential tools accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or resources.

“The ‘Young Creators Program’ aims to bridge the technical skill gap and support talent-building for our youth who will be the next generation of leaders and professionals. We are glad to partner with Zoho to help our trainers learn the latest advancements in low-code technology, and then pass on the knowledge to our other students,” said Maryblessing Okolie, community manager.

She Code Africa is a non-profit organisation dedicated to celebrating and empowering young girls and women in technology across Africa. Through training, workshops, scholarships, mentorship, and more, it supports a vibrant community of over 51,000 members with the ambitious goal of empowering 100,000 girls by 2030.

Africa Data Centres, a division of the Cassava Technologies group, has announced the commencement of construction for a solar farm in the Free State in partnership with DPA Southern Africa 

VOX Solutions, a leader in comprehensive A2P voice and messaging monetisation solutions, has announced partnership with Orange, the largest mobile operator in Burkina Faso to combat messaging fraud and artificial traffic inflation through secure A2P message transmission and the VOX-360 platform

This partnership between VOX Solutions and Orange Burkina Faso establishes an exclusive direct connectivity alliance, ensuring the secure and reliable transmission of A2P messages to clients in Burkina Faso and international enterprises. The shared goal is to protect mobile interactions from the rising threats of messaging fraud and artificial traffic inflation (AIT).

Artificial traffic inflation (AIT) is a growing issue in the digital landscape, artificially increasing traffic volumes, thus raising costs for enterprises and threatening revenues for mobile network operators. Likewise, messaging fraud, which involves the unauthorised or deceptive dissemination of messages, poses significant risks to user privacy and security.

Ehsan Ahmadi, CEO & founder of VOX Solutions, expressed, “Our fundamental mission is to support mobile operators such as Orange Burkina Faso in sustaining consistent revenue growth and fostering innovation. Addressing messaging fraud and AIT are central to the challenges we are eager to confront. We are privileged to commence this journey and remain steadfast in aiding our partners in achieving their business goals. This collaboration represents a significant step toward improved communication experiences and lasting success.”

The VOX-360 platform is distinguished as a comprehensive and unique solution in the market, incorporating anti-fraud functionalities, flash call authentication, A2P SMS monetization, and mobile identity capabilities. This platform enables mobile operators to detect and prevent spam and fraudulent traffic, proactively protecting end-users and enhancing the overall customer experience. Additionally, it equips operators with the tools to optimize their network monetization efforts.

As a result of this partnership, customers of Orange Burkina Faso and its global partners can expect secure and reliable A2P message delivery. Moreover, Orange will enhance its ability to monitor all A2P SMS traffic, including one-time passwords and customer notifications.

Successfully implementing VOX-360 in the networks of numerous prominent mobile operators globally, VOX Solutions remains committed to driving transformation and innovation in mobile communications. This collaboration reinforces VOX Solutions’ commitment to providing telecom operators and enterprises with high-quality strategies, advanced technology, essential data, educational resources, and skilled professionals. This significant development further strengthens their unwavering efforts in combating fraudulent traffic.