Nokia modernizes INX-ZA infrastructure, boosting South Africa’s internet exchange. (Image source: Nokia)

Nokia has been chosen by INX-ZA, the Internet Exchange Point division of the Internet Service Provider Association (ISPA), to upgrade and modernise its exchange infrastructure

As part of the initiative, INX-ZA will roll out Nokia’s advanced IP routing portfolio to deliver new 400GE services along with expanded 100GE options to customers nationwide. This development promises faster, more reliable, and future-ready Internet connectivity for businesses and users in South Africa.

Internet exchanges form the backbone of the digital ecosystem, facilitating local traffic exchange and reducing reliance on costly international bandwidth. However, many IXPs across Africa still run on outdated systems that struggle with scalability and efficiency. INX-ZA’s adoption of Nokia’s technology directly addresses these challenges, introducing energy-efficient, scalable, and high-density infrastructure designed to support Africa’s growing digital ambitions.

Nishal Goburdhan, INX-ZA’s general manager, said, “Upgrading to Nokia’s 400GE-ready infrastructure isn’t just about adding capacity - it’s about reimagining how South Africa connects. With this modern, energy-efficient platform, INX-ZA can deliver faster, more reliable, and more sustainable interconnection services while maintaining the uptime and performance our community has come to expect of us. Nokia’s technology gives us the scale and capability to keep our exchanges at the forefront of global standards and power the country’s digital economy for the future."

The project will see Nokia upgrade INX-ZA’s Internet Exchange Points in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. The work begins in Johannesburg, home to JINX, Africa’s oldest Internet Exchange Point, which has maintained 100% uptime since 1996. Together, Nokia and INX-ZA will expand JINX from seven to ten data centres by year end, deploying thirty high-performance platforms in the first phase to ensure its industry-leading availability continues while extending its reach.

Toni Pellegrino, head of South and East Africa Sales, network infrastructure at Nokia, added, “As people are consuming and producing more content and businesses are moving their loads to the cloud, Internet Exchanges are an essential and critical part of digital infrastructure. Working with customers like INX-ZA, which is deeply committed to technical excellence and community enablement, aligns with our belief in delivering resilient, sustainable and scalable trusted infrastructure in South Africa. Our platforms offer the flexibility and openness needed to meet today’s interconnection demands while paving the way for future innovation with SR Linux and automation."

Powered by Nokia’s 7250 Interconnect Routers and SR OS (Service Router Operating System), the deployment will enable INX-ZA to introduce 400GE and expanded 100GE services for peering partners and Internet service providers (ISPs). It will also strengthen INX-ZA’s backbone by providing 400GE connections between multiple points of presence (POPs).

This transformation marks a milestone for South Africa’s digital ecosystem and sets a precedent for other African IXPs to follow, creating more efficient, scalable, and high-performance interconnection infrastructure across the continent.

PowerCom and Telecom Namibia launch new Oikokola tower, expanding 2G, 3G, and 4G coverage across Omusati

PowerCom, a subsidiary of Telecom Namibia, has officially launched a new mobile network tower at Oikokola in the Etayi Constituency

The launch expands connectivity in the Omusati Region and was attended by several distinguished guests, including minister of information and communication technology and governor of the Omusati Region. Dr Stanley Shanapinda, CEO of Telecom Namibia, was also present to show support and confirm that TN has activated 2G, 3G, and 4G mobile services on the tower.

Speaking at the event, Dr Shanapinda described the tower as “a significant milestone in our ongoing mission to connect every corner of Namibia to reliable telecommunications services.” He confirmed the project forms part of Telecom Namibia's Integrated Strategic Business Plan (ISBP), which has been approved by the Government.

He further highlighted that the initiative aligns with the government’s newly launched Digital Strategy, designed to provide fast internet connectivity. Dr Shanapinda noted that Telecom Namibia’s mobile network now covers around 93% of the population with 2G, 3G, or 4G services. The new Oikokola tower is expected to enhance mobile coverage, transforming previous “dead zones” into vital connectivity hubs for residents and businesses in the area.

The CEO stressed that constructing new towers, especially in rural areas, provides vastly improved connectivity for citizens and businesses, stimulating the growth of other enterprises and enhancing communication nationwide. “In short, connectivity is a catalyst for socio-economic growth. It helps level the playing field between urban and rural communities by bringing digital services and information right to everyone’s fingertips,” he added.

Dr Shanapinda said the tower was the result of effective collaboration and a shared vision among PowerCom, Telecom Namibia, and the Local Authority.

PowerCom, fully owned by Telecom Namibia, has been working tirelessly to expand tower infrastructure in line with national development objectives.

Each year, 2,000 INGRYD Academy students will receive several Fundamentals courses from ISACA

Global IT professional association ISACA and Nigeria’s INGRYD Academy have teamed up on a project that aims to train 10,000 aspiring tech professionals in the West African country

The five-year initiative hopes to nurture Nigeria’s digital talent pipeline and close cybersecurity workforce gaps.

It will provide support for those pursuing careers advancing trust in technology, including cybersecurity, emerging technologies and IT audit.

“Empowering the next generation as they embark on their tech career journeys not only ensures the strength of our global IT and cybersecurity workforce but also builds tech and cyber capability — a critical enabler of economic growth and overall societal prosperity through the safer adoption of digital technologies,” said Chris Dimitriadis, ISACA chief global strategy officer.

“We are excited about our partnership with INGRYD Academy, and we applaud its efforts to open new learning pathways for students and work towards a safer digital world.”

Designed to support Nigeria’s national workforce development goals and meet Africa’s growing demand for digital skills, the five-year partnership will equip 10,000 aspiring tech professionals with in-demand training and access to ISACA’s global professional community.

Each year, 2,000 INGRYD Academy students will receive several Fundamentals courses from ISACA, a one-year ISACA student membership, and networking and mentorship opportunities through ISACA’s global chapters, as well as workshops, conferences, and other events with INGRYD staff and ISACA members where they can share ideas, knowledge and best practices.

“This partnership marks a transformative step in our mission to close the digital skills gap in Africa,” said HRM Khadijat Abdulkadir, CEO, Ingryd Academy.

“By equipping 40,000 learners with globally recognised training, we’re enabling long-term career mobility. We’re not just creating tech talent—we’re building a generation of problem-solvers and digital leaders. That’s the kind of impact that moves nations forward.”

Africa’s digital economy is projected to reach US$180bn by 2025, according to a report from IFC and Google, yet the region faces a critical shortage of trained professionals to meet growing demand.

Nigeria, with more than 100 million internet users and a fast-growing tech sector, is well positioned to lead — but continues to experience gaps in cybersecurity capacity and workforce readiness.

This collaboration helps address that need at scale, said Gustavo Frega, senior academic strategy and business partnership manager, ISACA.

“The collaboration between ISACA and INGRYD Academy represents a powerful driver of opportunity and change,” said Frega.

“By providing Nigerian students with globally recognised credentials and connecting them to ISACA’s community, INGRYD Academy is opening doors to new careers and empowering the younger generations to contribute to sustainable growth and innovation across the region.”

World Bank joins AfDB and Mastercard to expand digital access for 100 million people and businesses in Africa

The World Bank Group has joined the Mobilizing Access to the Digital Economy (MADE) Alliance: Africa as a co-chair, supporting the initiative’s mission to deliver digital access to essential services for 100 million individuals and businesses across Africa by 2034

The Bank will serve alongside current co-chairs and founding members — the African Development Bank Group and Mastercard — combining efforts to expand the reach of critical digital solutions across the continent.

This partnership aligns with the World Bank Group’s strategy to drive digital transformation by broadening access to secure, affordable, and high-quality broadband and data connectivity, while ensuring that diverse digital services can integrate seamlessly for the benefit of users. The Bank will contribute its expertise, data-driven insights, and experience in enabling sustainable digital change.

The MADE Alliance is prioritising opportunities in agriculture, recognising the sector’s potential for digital technologies to accelerate development. World Bank-supported “Digital Agriculture Roadmaps” will unite stakeholders in crafting tailored action plans for specific countries, enabling the alliance to reach more farmers with impactful solutions.

“The World Bank Group is deeply committed to expanding inclusive digital access across Africa and connecting farmers to the digital tools they need to reach markets, access finance, and grow their businesses. Joining the MADE Alliance will help accelerate both of these goals, driving economic growth and improving livelihoods across the continent,” said Sangbu Kim, vice-president for Digital at the World Bank. “By bringing together our digital and agriculture expertise, global knowledge, and local experience, we can help scale lasting, transformational impact.”

The World Bank Group formally joined the MADE Alliance in late April during the alliance’s Steering Committee meeting, held alongside the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C. 

“Two of the African Development Bank Group’s priority areas are to Feed Africa and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa. The MADE Alliance: Africa brings us closer to achieving those goals by connecting the continent’s smallholder farmers to digital services that lead to greater food production, greater access to markets, financing and farming practices, as well as to increased incomes,” said Dr Beth Dunford, vice-president for Agriculture, Human and Social Development at the African Development Bank, which has committed US$300mn to the alliance’s first five years of programming. “The World Bank’s demonstrated expertise in the digital connectivity and agriculture sectors enables the MADE Alliance: Africa to reach more farmers eager to be part of Africa’s agricultural transformation.”

“The MADE Alliance brings complementary partners together to execute and implement programs that target the same regions and communities, allowing us to amplify our impact,” said Tara Nathan, founder and executive vice-president of community pass, Mastercard. “The World Bank brings enormous expertise in digital transformation and agriculture, and we are honored they have joined the alliance to deploy resources more efficiently and accelerate our work to help bring everyone into the digital economy.”