Juniper Research forecasts a 114% surge in private cellular network revenue, driven by NaaS adoption and enterprise demand. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

A new study by Juniper Research, a leading expert in telecommunications markets, forecasts that global revenue from private cellular networks will surge to US$12.2bn by 2028, up from US$5.7bn in 2025

This represents a significant 114% increase, highlighting a growing trend of businesses investing in private network solutions.

The research predicts nearly 3,000 new private network deployments in the next two years, a sharp rise compared to the 2,500 deployments recorded over the previous four years. A major driver behind this expansion is the adoption of Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) models, which offer enterprises greater cost efficiency and scalability.

NaaS allows companies to lease private network components, enabling more flexible and cost-effective deployment strategies. Despite 5G being available for private networks since 2019, its market contribution is expected to reach only US$5.6 billion by 2028. This is primarily due to the lower operating costs of 4G, which remains a viable connectivity solution for industries like logistics and manufacturing.

“As the market grows, vendors must provide flexible business models such as NaaS to attract high-spending private network users. This will also enable vendors to expand private 5G deployments, as businesses are better able to maintain the capital and operational cost of the network,” said Research author Michelle Joynson.

The study highlights the rising demand for private cellular networks and the shifting telecommunications landscape, demonstrating enterprises' increasing interest in tailored network solutions to optimise their operations.

Eduvision has expanded significantly, facilitating interactive learning and real-time knowledge sharing. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Paratus Namibia remains dedicated to supporting Eduvision, a pioneering e-learning initiative that delivers reliable internet access to remote Namibian schools, bringing digital education to more than 12,000 students nationwide

This transformative partnership began when Barney Harmse, executive chairman of Paratus Group, connected with key stakeholders through Eduvision to explore how technology could bridge the education gap in underserved areas. From the initial digital board installations at Edugate Academy and Tsumkwe Secondary School, Eduvision has expanded significantly, facilitating interactive learning and real-time knowledge sharing. Today, over 12,000 students benefit from free access to quality online education, helping to close the digital divide in rural regions.

Expanding digital education?

With Paratus Namibia’s robust internet infrastructure, reinforced by GEO satellite technology, students across nine regions—from Katima Mulilo in the northeast to Tses in the south, Khorixas in the west, and Gam in the east—can access quality education and expert instruction. The programme has had a profound impact, providing students and educators with improved connectivity and enhanced learning experiences.

A dedicated Paratus Namibia technical support team plays an essential role in the initiative’s success, ensuring that schools receive prompt assistance when technical issues arise. In remote locations, where access to help is limited, this support is crucial in maintaining seamless digital learning environments.

Beyond connectivity, the Eduvision team also provides food, clothing, and essential supplies to schools and communities facing hardship. This outreach has strengthened relationships with students, parents, and educators, emphasising the importance of education in fostering future opportunities.

"Access to education is one of the most powerful tools for change, and through Eduvision, we are helping to provide digital learning access to remote Namibian schools where it is needed most. Seeing this initiative grow and positively impact so many students is truly rewarding. It’s not just about providing technology – it’s about creating opportunities for every Namibian child to learn, grow, and reach their potential, no matter where they live," commented Harmse.

A key milestone in the initiative includes the recent connection of Niitembu Primary School in the Oshana Region via Paratus VSAT to the Eduvision network and A. Shipena Secondary School in Soweto, Katutura, through Microwave connectivity. This enhancement further strengthens access to digital education in underserved communities. As Eduvision continues to expand, Paratus remains dedicated to advancing digital inclusion across Namibia.

“We are fully committed to this initiative. The impact is far-reaching because access to better education helps empower the next generation of Namibian leaders and pioneers,” concluded Harmse.

Also read: Intelsat expands Africa Space STEM program

Cassava Technologies partners with NVIDIA to launch Africa’s first AI factory, providing cutting-edge AI computing for businesses and researchers. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Cassava Technologies has announced its plans to establish Africa’s first AI factory—an advanced, highly secure data centre equipped with NVIDIA AI computing technology

This initiative aims to provide African enterprises, governments, and researchers with state-of-the-art AI computing resources, enabling them to enhance AI-driven solutions, optimise processes, and maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving landscape. The facility will supply the necessary supercomputing power and software for AI training while ensuring data remains within Africa.

Cassava intends to implement NVIDIA’s accelerated computing and AI software through NVIDIA Cloud Partner (NCP) reference architectures at its South African data centres by June 2025, with future expansions across Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, and Nigeria. The AI Factory will integrate Cassava’s high-speed, low-latency fibre-optic network with its energy-efficient data centres to deliver AI as a Service (AIaaS). These sustainable data centres are designed to minimise energy consumption while supporting AI workloads.

Next-gen AI power 

Powered by NVIDIA GPU-based supercomputers, the AI Factory will facilitate rapid AI model training, fine-tuning, and advanced inference. As an NCP, Cassava aims to introduce these cutting-edge computing platforms to Africa, positioning itself as a key player in the continent’s AI landscape.

The AI Factory will provide businesses and researchers with the computational resources needed for scaling AI applications, increasing efficiency, and driving innovation. With this secure, high-performance AI environment, African enterprises and governments can develop localised AI solutions while adhering to both global and local data regulations.

“Building digital infrastructure for the AI economy is a priority if Africa is to take full advantage of the fourth industrial revolution. Our AI Factory provides the infrastructure for this innovation to scale, empowering African businesses, startups and researchers with access to cutting-edge AI infrastructure to turn their bold ideas into real-world breakthroughs — and now, they don’t have to look beyond Africa to get it,” said Strive Masiyiwa, founder & chairman of Cassava. “Collaborating with NVIDIA gives us the advanced computing capabilities needed to drive Africa’s AI innovation while strengthening the continent’s digital independence.”

“AI is helping innovators solve our greatest challenges in agriculture, healthcare, energy, financial services and many other industries creating opportunity in Africa,” said Jaap Zuiderveld, vice-president EMEA at NVIDIA. “As an NVIDIA Cloud Partner, Cassava is providing essential infrastructure and software to help pioneering companies and organizations accelerate AI development to foster innovation across the continent.”

Cassava’s AI Factory represents the latest step in the company’s longstanding commitment to delivering cutting-edge digital solutions, reinforcing its dedication to responsible AI adoption, technological advancement, and productivity growth throughout Africa.