AXIAN Telecom joins GSMA Charter

AXIAN Telecom, a leading pan-African telecommunications group, has officially signed the GSMA Humanitarian Connectivity Charter (HCC). Established in 2015, the HCC strengthens Mobile Network Operators’ (MNOs) ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies such as natural disasters

By joining this initiative, AXIAN Telecom brings its MNOs—now unified under the Yas brand in Tanzania, Madagascar, Comoros, Senegal, and Togo—into a collaborative effort to enhance disaster resilience.

The HCC’s core principles focus on ensuring communities affected by crises have access to reliable connectivity while setting industry-wide best practices for preparedness and emergency response. It emphasises the importance of timely information sharing to benefit both affected populations and humanitarian organizations.

In alignment with this commitment, AXIAN Telecom, through Yas in Madagascar, is working with GSMA to implement an Early Warning System (EWS) designed to improve disaster response. The system is built on four key components: data collection, risk assessment, hazard monitoring, and issuing alerts—helping to strengthen national and community-level preparedness.

Following the impact of Cyclone Chido on Mayotte on 14 December, AXIAN Telecom swiftly mobilised to support affected communities. The company’s relief initiatives included restoring mobile infrastructure, offering free communication between Comoros and Mayotte via Yas Comoros, and collaborating with Free-Groupe Iliad and Télécoms Sans Frontières to coordinate aid efforts. These actions reinforce AXIAN Telecom’s dedication to humanitarian connectivity across its operational regions.

AXIAN Telecom CEO Hassan Jaber commented, “For many years, people have been affected by disasters, with the Cyclone Chido serving as a stark reminder of the devastating toll these events can take on communities. AXIAN Telecom is deeply remorseful for the hardship the people of Mayotte continue to endure and remains committed to supporting our communities. We are determined to leverage technology for good and help our communities be better prepared for such unfortunate events. While the initiative is less than a decade old, we commend the progress made so far and are excited to once again collaborate with GSMA, beginning with EWS4ALL. This project will be pivotal, particularly in our East African and Indian ocean-based regions, which are highly vulnerable to natural disasters.”

Kimberly Brown, head of Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation at GSMA, added, “Connectivity is a lifeline for emergency-affected populations, the GSMA’s Humanitarian Connectivity Charter fosters industry-wide cooperation in times of crisis, and we are pleased to welcome AXIAN Telecom as a signatory. Mobile network operators continue to play a critical role in humanitarian preparedness, response, and recovery, harnessing mobile technology to support communities in need. AXIAN Telecom’s efforts in Madagascar, including the development of an Early Warning System, exemplify this commitment – ensuring communities are better equipped to anticipate and mitigate disasters. This is a valuable contribution to the Early Warnings for All initiative.”

Also read: AXIAN expands digital access with AfDB Loan