In The Spotlight
Safaricom expands network, supports communities
Safaricom Ethiopia has extended its network to Assosa, marking a significant step in its mission to deliver reliable and high-quality connectivity across Ethiopia
In the past two weeks, the company has launched services in several key cities in Western Ethiopia, including Nekemte, Gambella, Metu, and Bedele. The Assosa launch further strengthens its presence in the region. Since starting operations in Ethiopia over two years ago, Safaricom has achieved remarkable network coverage, now reaching 50% of the Ethiopian population across Central, Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western areas.
The rollout of M-PESA digital financial solutions in these areas will provide residents with secure, convenient, and cost-effective ways to manage financial transactions. This initiative reflects Safaricom’s broader mission to support social and economic growth through technological advancement.
To give back to the community, Safaricom has donated 80 laptops, 16 routers, and six months of free unlimited internet to schools in Assosa, Nekemte, Gambella, Metu, and Bedele. This initiative highlights the company’s dedication to combining network expansion with impactful community projects.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to local leaders and government officials, whose support has been instrumental in making these launches possible. Safaricom Ethiopia remains committed to connecting people and fostering development across Ethiopia,” the company stated in its press release.
Angola Cables strengthens submarine cable resilience
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.
Powering up esports with new alliance
HUAWEI AppGallery and the Emirates Esports Federation (EESF) have partnered, aiming to foster innovation and growth within the esports and mobile gaming sectors across the region
The partnership will combine Huawei’s technological prowess and global reach with EESF’s expertise in esports governance and advocacy. Together, they will focus on nurturing local talent, creating new opportunities for gamers and developers, and further positioning esports as both a cultural and economic powerhouse in the region.
William Hu, managing director of Huawei consumer business group, Middle East and Africa Eco Development and Operation, commented, “Collaborating with the Emirates Esports Federation represents a major step forward in realising our vision for the future of esports and mobile gaming. Together, we are creating a platform that not only drives innovation but also fosters an environment where gamers and developers can thrive. The UAE’s rapidly evolving gaming ecosystem makes it an ideal hub for shaping the future of esports.”
Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Sultan Bin Shakhboot Al Nahyan, president of the Emirates Esports Federation, added, “This partnership with HUAWEI AppGallery represents a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen the esports and gaming ecosystem in the UAE and beyond. By combining our expertise and resources, we aim to create new opportunities for innovation, talent development, and global collaboration within this dynamic industry.”
The agreement focuses on the joint effort to bolster the esports and mobile gaming sectors, with HUAWEI AppGallery and EESF collaborating on cutting-edge tournaments and campaigns. The Emirates Esports Federation will provide government support and professional player assistance for AppGallery Gamers Cup (AGC) tournaments in the UAE. The partnership also emphasises the growth and promotion of mobile games available on Huawei’s AppGallery platform.
This robust partnership highlights Huawei and the Emirates Esports Federation’s shared dedication to driving esports as an engine of innovation and economic development in the UAE and beyond, setting the stage for a promising future in the global gaming industry.
Nokia secures mobile networks with quantum cryptography
Nokia and Turkcell have achieved milestone by demonstrating the world’s first implementation of quantum-safe IPsec network cryptography for mobile subscribers
This achievement is a significant step forward in protecting mobile networks from future quantum computing threats. By adopting cutting-edge cryptographic standards, Nokia and Turkcell are proactively strengthening network security to ensure long-term resilience in mobile communications.
The rise of quantum computing poses serious risks to traditional cryptography, potentially enabling quantum attacks that can bypass current security measures. As this technology evolves, it is crucial for networks to adopt robust solutions to mitigate these emerging threats.
Safeguarding mobile communications
Turkcell’s mobile transport network now features quantum-safe IPsec cryptography, integrated as part of a defense-in-depth, crypto-resilient strategy. This landmark demonstration utilised Nokia’s widely deployed IPsec Security Gateway, showcasing its ability to safeguard critical data against quantum-era threats.
By embracing advanced cryptographic techniques, Nokia and Turkcell are not only enhancing security for today but also preparing for technological advancements in the future. Mobile users can trust that their communications remain protected now and in the years ahead.
Dr Vehbi Çağrı Güngör, Turkcell chief network technologies officer, remarked, “This test represents a significant milestone in the evolution of our network security. As part of our strategy to continually enhance the security of our mobile network, this collaboration with Nokia provides us with the confidence that our transport security can withstand the challenges of the quantum era. By demonstrating these quantum-safe cryptography capabilities today, we are preparing our network for the future.”
Rafael De Fermin, senior vice-president of Network Infrastructure Europe, Nokia, added, “Through our collaboration with Turkcell we’ve shown how our quantum-safe IPsec technology can protect mobile networks against the evolving security threat landscape. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to safeguard the privacy and integrity of mobile technology. Our solutions provide a proactive defense-in-depth crypto-resilient approach against future network security challenges, ensuring that Turkcell’s network remains secure for years to come.”
This achievement underscores Nokia’s leadership in network security, particularly in the mobile telecom sector. The implementation of quantum-safe cryptography reinforces Nokia’s role at the forefront of creating secure, reliable network infrastructures. It also reflects the company’s dedication to addressing risks associated with emerging technologies like quantum computing.
Eutelsat restores OneWeb LEO service
Eutelsat’s OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) service experienced a 48-hour outage beginning December 31, 2024, caused by a software malfunction in its ground segment
This unexpected disruption temporarily impacted connectivity for customers relying on the service.
The issue was quickly identified, and Eutelsat took immediate action to address the problem, working in close collaboration with its vendor to implement a resolution. The company also ensured ongoing communication with affected customers throughout the process, keeping them informed about progress and timelines for restoration.
Despite the temporary setback, Eutelsat demonstrated its commitment to operational excellence by swiftly mobilizing resources and maintaining a customer-focused approach. As a result, the OneWeb constellation has returned to normal functionality and continues to operate nominally.
This incident underscores the importance of robust systems and responsive support teams in delivering reliable satellite communication services, particularly in critical applications across diverse industries.
World Bank funds Togo's digitalisation
The World Bank has approved an initial US$100mn financing (approx. FCFA 62 billion) under the International Development Association to support Togo's efforts to leverage digital technologies for growth, job creation, and sector competitiveness
This investment is part of a broader programmatic initiative aimed at advancing digital inclusion through enhanced broadband connectivity, skill development, entrepreneurship, and climate-resilient technology adoption.
This project will connect around 8,000 public institutions to broadband and provide over one million people with improved Internet access. It also aims to encourage private sector investment to expand connectivity for households and businesses. In partnership with the International Finance Corporation, the initiative will enhance digital skills to improve employability and strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem, making it more attractive to institutional investors. Additionally, investments in climate-resilient infrastructure and the development of climate-informed guidelines will boost energy efficiency and support climate change adaptation.
Cina Lawson, Togolese minister of digital economy and transformation, remarked, “This initiative is a game-changer for Togo, as we connect our schools, health facilities, and public institutions to the very high-speed internet, unlocking opportunities for innovation and progress. By empowering our youth with digital skills and fostering an environment for entrepreneurship, we are laying the groundwork for a more competitive and resilient economy.”
Aligned with Togo’s development roadmap and the World Bank’s new country partnership framework, this initiative supports digital transformation as a key driver of inclusive and sustainable growth.
The World Bank resident representative for Togo, Fily Sissoko, stated, “By focusing on digital technologies, we aim to support the Government’s strategy to accelerate the country’s economic transformation, boost productivity and innovation. This will be achieved by connecting health and education facilities to Internet and helping people, especially young people and women, access educational content and develop digital skills and entrepreneurship."
Huawei aids African TowerCos in green energy
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.
Cynoia wins best SaaS Startup award
Cynoia, the African-built team workspace platform, has been recognised as the Best SaaS Startup at the prestigious AfricArena Grand Summit 2024, held in Cape Town
The event, now in its seventh year, is known as Africa's top tech ecosystem accelerator, drawing over 100 startups from 31 African nations.
At the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cynoia’s chief financial officer, Manar Labidi, accepted the award after competing with 45 other startups in a competition described by AfricArena founder Christophe Viarnaud as “the stage of Africa’s future.” This recognition strengthens Cynoia’s position as a key innovator in Africa’s SaaS sector.
2024 has proven transformative for Cynoia, which enables teams to collaborate more efficiently while slashing software costs by up to 80%. With a new leadership structure, growing international recognition, and continental expansion, the company is preparing to redefine the future of African teamwork with the upcoming launch of its AI engine, Hannibal.
In an important internal promotion, Nermine Slimane transitioned from Team Lead to Chief Technology Officer, bringing valuable expertise in Cynoia’s architecture to the executive team. This allowed co-founder Ayoub Rabeh to focus on his new role as Chief Product Officer, further strengthening the company's commitment to product development. Felipe Millan also joined as Chief Marketing Officer, completing the leadership team, which prioritizes diversity with women representing 47% of the company.
"We're building something special here," remarked Nassreddine Riahi, CEO of Cynoia. "Our team is stronger than ever, and we're reaching more businesses across Africa than we imagined possible when we started. We're not just creating another collaboration tool – we're building the workspace that African teams actually need."
November saw the release of Cynoia Version 2.0, featuring upgraded project management tools, chat, video calls, and file-sharing, all within a single bandwidth-efficient platform suitable for various budgets. The company has also expanded its footprint, establishing a legal entity in Senegal and growing its user base in Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Rwanda. "Being closer to our users helps us understand their real needs," explained Ayoub Rabeh, chief product officer. "Every market is unique, and we’re adapting our platform accordingly, especially for areas with limited internet connectivity."
Looking ahead to 2025, Cynoia is set to launch Hannibal, its AI engine tailored for African teams. "Hannibal will make advanced AI accessible to businesses across the continent, regardless of their size or location," concluded Nermine Slimane, chief technical officer. "We’re focusing on practical AI applications that make sense for how African teams actually work."