EIB Global provides US$100mn to AXIAN Telecom for 4G and 5G broadband expansion in Madagascar and Tanzania. (Image source: Axian Telecom)

The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) has unveiled a US$100mn financing initiative for AXIAN Telecom to accelerate the development of mobile broadband infrastructure in Madagascar and Tanzania

The investment will bolster 4G network expansion and further the rollout of 5G technology in both countries.

This initiative, part of the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy and backed by a European Commission budgetary guarantee, is designed to improve access to high-speed internet, foster inclusive digital growth, and support sustainable development. The project also aims to narrow the digital divide in Africa and other emerging markets.

AXIAN Telecom, a major pan-African telecom provider with operations across nine Sub-Saharan African nations, currently serves over 44 million subscribers. Its most significant mobile and fixed-line networks are based in Tanzania, Madagascar, Senegal, Togo, and Comoros. Under the Yas brand, the company operates in both Tanzania and Madagascar. The EIB financing will allocate US$60mn to Tanzania and US$40 million to Madagascar.

AXIAN Telecom CEO Hassan Jaber remarked, “The US$ 100mn EIB Global financing will help us expand mobile phone infrastructure in Madagascar and Tanzania and benefit millions of people. This new large-scale network investment will pave the way for socio-economic growth, digital inclusion, and better opportunities.”

EIB vice-president Ambroise Fayolle added, “Digital connectivity opens doors for education, business, healthcare and social inclusion. This new investment demonstrates the EIB’s commitment to empowering communities, fostering sustainable development, and driving positive change through enhanced access to affordable high-speed communications.”

The project also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the creation of energy-efficient and resilient digital infrastructure. It is expected to contribute to long-term economic growth, job creation, and greater digital access for remote and underserved communities. EIB Global sees this as a way to promote e-commerce, innovation, and knowledge-sharing.

European Union officials have also expressed strong support for the initiative and its transformative potential for local economies.

Deputy head of the EU delegation to Madagascar and the Union of the Comoros, Laurent d’Ersu, said, “This commitment from the EU through the EIB further demonstrates, in difficult times, our desire to contribute to the sustainable development of Madagascar through private investments in the formal sector and thereby generate growth and open up opportunities for all. This investment will enhance mobile broadband connectivity and bring vital opportunities for economic and social growth to all corners of Madagascar. The expansion of 4G and the introduction of 5G in a context of fair competition between telecommunication operators will be key drivers of digital inclusion, supporting education, innovation, and the creation of new jobs.”

EIB Global continues to play a vital role in financing telecom and digital infrastructure projects across Africa. This latest investment is in line with the EU’s Digital4Development (D4D) initiative and the broader Global Gateway strategy, which aims to mobilise up to €150 billion by 2030 for the development of key infrastructure across Africa. Through collaboration with telecom providers, local authorities, and national governments, EIB Global aims to foster a more inclusive and connected digital future.

Paratus Mozambique’s Starlink installation is revolutionising connectivity, enhancing education, healthcare and business for 3,500 residents. (Image source: Paratus Group)

As a pan-African leader in telecommunications and network services, Paratus Group is leveraging its infrastructure footprint to invest in education and community development through its Paratus Social Investment (PSI) program

Active in Namibia, Angola, and Zambia, the company is helping bridge the digital divide and deliver learning opportunities to underserved populations.

Digital education reaches over 12,000 Namibian students

In Namibia, Paratus has partnered with Eduvision for over six years to bring digital education to remote schools. Through this collaboration, Paratus has supplied GEO satellite systems, infrastructure, and technical support to enable interactive virtual lessons via VSAT connectivity. The initiative has benefited more than 12,000 students and 471 teachers, from early to senior secondary levels.

“Eduvision is a beacon of educational light, equipping Namibia’s future leaders with essential digital tools and teaching techniques. By providing connectivity to schools in underserved areas, we help unlock the potential of learners and teachers alike,” said Barney Harmse, executive chairman of Paratus.

The Group has pledged to continue supporting Eduvision’s growth by extending services to more schools in 2025, further enhancing digital literacy in the country.

Angola: Golf tournament funds transform schools

In Angola, Internet Technologies Angola, S.A. (a Paratus Group company) continues to uplift communities through its backing of the annual Golf Solidario tournament. The 2024 edition attracted over 350 participants and raised over 25 million Kwanzas to support digital upgrades in two Cabinda-based schools—Complexo Escolar and Instituto Politécnico de Chiazi—impacting around 2,000 students.

Over the years, proceeds from the event have improved IT infrastructure in schools across Angola, benefiting more than 10,000 students.

In November 2024, two new computer labs were opened at Manuel Quarta Punza Polytechnic High School in Uíge Province. Funded by the 10th Solidarity Golf Tournament, the labs will support over 1,500 students from grades 10 to 13. This 30-million Kwanza investment aligns with national priorities for digital inclusion.

These milestones reflect Paratus Group’s strategic focus on harnessing connectivity to empower young learners and support inclusive growth.

Zambia: Fostering cybersecurity talent

Paratus Zambia has doubled down on its commitment to digital skills development by supporting university-level cybersecurity competitions. For a second year, the company sponsored the Digital Safe Limited Capture the Flag (CTF) challenge—an intense, hands-on cybersecurity tournament that engages students in realistic threat scenarios.

Winners of the CTF receive rewards like ISACA student memberships, and for 2025, Paratus Zambia introduced a new incentive—a paid internship for the top performer, providing hands-on experience within the company.

Further reinforcing its commitment, Paratus is also the official connectivity sponsor for the 2025 ABSA Cyberthon, scheduled for November 4–22. It will deliver secure, high-speed wireless internet with firewall protection to ensure smooth competition logistics.

Paratus Zambia is investing K22,500 to offer three internships to top-performing participants—an effort designed to cultivate a local talent pipeline for future Systems and Network Engineers.

“As the official connectivity sponsor, we are assisting future generations in developing critical cybersecurity skills. By supporting competitions like these, we help nurture a skilled pool of cybersecurity professionals that the Zambian industry can rely on. Cybercrime is one of the greatest risks to any business, and although digital technology is always improving, the sophistication of cyber-attacks is also evolving. We need to stay one step ahead,” the company said.

Through long-term education partnerships and targeted investments, Paratus continues to deliver on its mission to connect communities and equip Africa’s youth with the tools to succeed in a digital future.

Also read: How is Paratus Namibia expanding Eduvision?

Vertiv unveils 132kW modular DC power system for AI, HPC, and OCP-aligned data centre efficiency. (Image source: Vertiv)

Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, has introduced the Vertiv PowerDirect Rack, a 1U high-density 50V DC power shelf built to meet the power demands of advanced AI and high-performance computing (HPC) environments

Designed for scalability, the modular system can deliver up to 132kW per rack by stacking multiple shelves, allowing data centres to increase capacity without increasing space usage. Available worldwide, the Vertiv PowerDirect Rack delivers double the power in the same footprint compared to traditional solutions.

Powering AI infrastructure

Engineered for Open Compute Project (OCP) ORv3 High Power Rack (HPR) environments, this high-density DC power shelf enhances operational efficiency by reducing energy loss and simplifying data centre infrastructure. It supports flexible AC and high-voltage DC (HVDC) inputs, includes real-time monitoring capabilities, and offers modular expandability—making it easier for IT teams to scale without adding complexity or space, unlike conventional AC UPS systems with separate rectifiers and power distribution or less dense DC options.

Kyle Keeper, senior vice-president of the power business unit at Vertiv, said, “Today’s data centres face increasing pressure to deliver more power in less space while supporting the rapid growth of AI and HPC applications. Vertiv PowerDirect Rack addresses these challenges with a scalable, energy-efficient DC power design that equips operators with the flexibility to adapt to evolving workload demands and build future-ready infrastructure.”

Optimised for performance and adaptability, the PowerDirect Rack streamlines power management while increasing data centre energy efficiency. Its core advantages include:

• Up to 132kW per rack with N+N redundancy, ideal for high-density systems with a compact, scalable layout

• Peak energy efficiency of 97.5%, helping reduce power loss, cooling needs, and operational expenses

• Dual input compatibility (AC and HVDC) for easy integration into a variety of power systems

• Hot-swappable modular components, enabling continuous operation and seamless scaling

• Advanced monitoring and built-in protections to ensure reliability and uninterrupted service

This system extends Vertiv’s comprehensive portfolio of power and cooling solutions that are accelerating the deployment of AI and HPC infrastructure.

Also read: Vertiv pioneers next-gen liquid cooling services