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ZTE showcases advanced digital solutions at GITEX Africa 2026

ZTE Corporation presents AI, 5G and network innovations at GITEX Africa 2026. (Image source: ZTE Corporation)

ZTE Corporation, a global provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, showcased its latest innovations at GITEX Africa 2026 in Marrakech

Recognised as one of Africa’s most prominent technology and startup gatherings, GITEX Africa continues to play a central role in advancing the continent’s digital transformation. The event brings together technology companies, policymakers, startups, investors and industry talent to drive collaboration, strengthen digital infrastructure and unlock new growth opportunities.

During the 2026 edition, ZTE, alongside its ecosystem partners, presented a wide-ranging portfolio of advanced network and intelligent solutions. These included RAN UniSite, 5G-A technologies, AI-enabled platforms, 800G pluggable optical modules, 50G PON, FTTR, Wi-Fi 7 solutions, 5G-focused microwave systems, zero-carbon energy offerings, as well as integrated intelligent computing and server infrastructure. The portfolio highlights the company’s end-to-end capabilities in supporting next-generation digital ecosystems.

On the device front, ZTE introduced its 5G FWA portfolio, featuring CPE and MiFi solutions designed to deliver high-speed, stable and reliable connectivity across various use cases. The company also unveiled its latest AI-powered smartphones and next-generation Wi-Fi 7 devices, aimed at enhancing user experiences in imaging, entertainment and gaming, while further embedding smart technology into daily life.

ZTE’s presence at GITEX Africa 2026 reinforces its ongoing focus on enabling digital and intelligent transformation for customers worldwide, while supporting sustainable innovation and technological progress across Africa.

DBSA and NPC outline broadband expansion strategy to 2035

South Africa maps digital connectivity investment roadmap

The Development Bank of Southern Africa, working alongside the National Planning Commission, has finalised South Africa’s Digital Connectivity Investment Roadmap to 2035

This extensive study evaluates the country’s progress toward universal high-speed broadband and outlines the level of investment needed to meet connectivity goals over the next decade.

The roadmap highlights key funding gaps, priority interventions and collaboration opportunities necessary to expand dependable broadband access and support the country’s transition to a more inclusive digital economy.

At its core, the research converts national digital policy objectives into a structured, costed and fiscally aligned investment plan for Digital Connectivity Infrastructure. It aligns with major frameworks including the National Development Plan Vision 2030, SA Connect, the National Infrastructure Plan 2050 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

"This roadmap provides the country with a current, comprehensive, costed view of what is required to bridge the digital divide and achieve universal access to digital connectivity by 2035. It outlines a common, evidence-informed basis for coordinated planning across the public and private sector, in order to drive investment and delivery of the roadmap,” commented Commissioner Mark Swilling from the NPC.

From a methodological standpoint, the study incorporates the World Bank’s Beyond the Gap framework together with the International Telecommunication Union’s Universal and Meaningful Connectivity standards. Using scenario modelling and GIS-based spatial analysis, it maps connectivity gaps, while also estimating both capital and operational expenditure under varying economic and policy conditions.

The report adopts a broad ecosystem perspective, reviewing infrastructure layers such as international connectivity, backbone and metro networks, data centres, spectrum systems and last-mile access. It also recognises affordability, digital skills and institutional capacity as essential factors in achieving meaningful connectivity. Reaching universal high-speed access of 100 Mbps will depend on targeted infrastructure upgrades, a diversified mix of technologies and increased investment in rural areas, while affordability remains the biggest barrier driven by income constraints.

“South Africa’s Digital Connectivity Investment Roadmap to 2035 goes beyond policy to deliver a clear implementation framework spanning spectrum reform, municipal capacity, digital skills, universal service, and demand-side support,” stated Boitumelo Mosako, CEO of the DBSA. By clarifying institutional roles and strengthening intergovernmental coordination, the study establishes a practical platform for execution.

To guide implementation, the roadmap presents three defined investment pathways for the period 2025 to 2035:

A mobile-centric, least-cost model suited to constrained economic conditions
A hybrid approach combining mobile and fibre to balance performance and cost efficiency
A fibre-led, high-capacity model aligned with economic recovery and long-term competitiveness

Each pathway outlines trade-offs between public spending, service ambitions, technology choices and expected economic returns. The study also evaluates funding approaches, including public investment, public-private partnerships and blended finance, alongside reforms aimed at reducing deployment barriers and encouraging private sector participation.

Overall, the roadmap provides a practical, evidence-based framework to achieve universal and meaningful connectivity, now requiring coordinated action to fully realise its potential for inclusive growth, improved services and long-term resilience.

IFC backs telecom energy expansion across Africa

Renewable_energy_with_solar_telecom_towers

IPT PowerTech scales clean power networks

International Finance Corporation has announced an investment in IPT PowerTech to expand access to clean and reliable power for telecom networks in Ethiopia, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, where limited energy infrastructure continues to constrain digital connectivity and broader economic participation

The initiative aims to enhance the stability and quality of power supplied to telecom towers, supporting stronger mobile coverage and enabling households, schools, healthcare facilities, and small businesses to benefit from more reliable digital services.

The investment will fund the upgrade, operation, and maintenance of 2,235 telecom sites across the three countries, with more than 90% located in off-grid or weak-grid areas. By integrating solar and battery systems, the project is expected to reduce outages, improve service reliability, and lower dependence on diesel-powered generation. Energy optimisation is projected to cut power costs by up to 30% in Liberia, 26% in Sierra Leone, and 52% in Ethiopia, while also reducing emissions by more than 10,624 tCO₂e annually. These gains are expected to support more affordable digital services and expand economic inclusion in underserved regions. The partnership will also contribute to gender inclusion by increasing opportunities for women across technical, operational, and leadership roles.

Nabil Haddad, CEO of IPT PowerTech Group, said, “This agreement with IFC reflects a shared vision for a greener telecom industry. It empowers IPT PowerTech to scale its innovative energy platforms and deliver measurable environmental and operational impact across our global footprint.”

“Reliable and affordable power for telecom networks is a cornerstone of Africa’s digital transformation. Through this partnership with IPT PowerTech, we are supporting a scalable, private sector-led solution that enables mobile operators to extend coverage, improve service quality, and reach underserved and fragile communities more sustainably”, said Nathalie Kouassi-Akon, IFC division director, West Africa Gulf of Guinea. “This investment demonstrates how innovative InfraTech solutions can simultaneously strengthen connectivity, reduce emissions, and unlock economic opportunity at scale.”

To support the rollout, IFC is providing a US$45mn financing package, including a US$27 million A-Loan and US$18mn in blended finance through the Canada-IFC Blended Climate Finance Program and the IDA20 Private Sector Window Blended Finance Facility. This marks IFC’s first direct infrastructure investment in Liberia in ten years and in Sierra Leone in six years, helping scale solar- and battery-based systems to reduce diesel reliance and improve network resilience.

In addition to financing, IFC will work with IPT PowerTech to enhance environmental and social standards across its operations, aligning with global best practices.

The project also contributes to broader development initiatives, including the World Bank Group and African Development Bank’s Mission 300 programme, which aims to deliver reliable and affordable electricity to 300 million people across Africa by 2030. It further supports the World Bank Group’s Digital Economy for Africa strategy and Country Partnership Framework priorities in the three countries.

Can connectivity transform Africa’s essential services delivery?

Paratus launches Essential Access connectivity solution

Pan-African telecommunications provider Paratus Group has introduced Paratus Essential Access, a new solution aimed at delivering priority connectivity to critical services and communities across the continent

The initiative focuses on bridging connectivity gaps that continue to limit the effectiveness of essential services in remote and underserved regions. Powered by Starlink, the offering is designed to provide dependable satellite-based connectivity where conventional infrastructure is unavailable.

Paratus Essential Access is built to support organisations operating at the core of community wellbeing. By delivering reliable, high-speed and low-latency connectivity, the service ensures that institutions in hard-to-reach locations can continue functioning without disruption. It is made available with preferential pricing and dedicated support for approved essential service providers, including law enforcement agencies, hospitals, clinics, schools, higher education institutions, emergency response units, community centres, and non-profit initiatives focused on agriculture and food security.

To support seamless deployment, the solution is delivered through Paratus Group’s in-country teams, which provide certified installation and integration with existing network infrastructure where required. Its rapid rollout capabilities enable organisations to establish connectivity quickly, ensuring continuity of operations even in the most challenging and isolated environments.

Schalk Erasmus, Paratus Group CEO remarked, “With Paratus Essential Access we are prioritising the organisations and communities people rely on most. This ensures that essential services in remote areas stay connected where traditional infrastructure cannot reach, allowing them to continue providing vital support to the communities they serve.”

Designed to support frontline operations, the solution enables a broad range of use cases, including emergency response coordination, secure communications, telemedicine, digital healthcare systems, and remote education. It also facilitates smart agriculture practices and operational monitoring, contributing to improved food security and long-term community sustainability.

Vertiv to showcase AI-ready infrastructure at GITEX Africa

GITEX Africa to showcase Vertiv’s HPC innovations. (Image source: Vertiv)

Vertiv, a global leader in critical digital infrastructure, will present its advanced AI-ready solutions at GITEX Africa Morocco 2026, scheduled from 7–9 April at the Marrakech Exhibition & Convention Centre

Aligned with the event’s theme, ‘Powering Africa’s Digital Future’, attendees will have the opportunity to explore Vertiv 360AI, a comprehensive portfolio of validated designs for high-performance computing (HPC), covering the complete power train and thermal chain. Vertiv experts will be on hand at stand 14B-30, Hall 14, to discuss a wide range of infrastructure solutions, including pre-engineered, prefabricated data centre solutions that integrate power, cooling, and monitoring for rapid deployment and modular scalability.

On Wednesday 8 April, Vertiv’s managing director for Africa, Wojtek Piorko, will join industry leaders on a panel discussion titled ‘Power is the Platform: Can Data Centres Scale Without the Grid?’ on the Connected Future track. The session will address Africa’s energy challenges and explore how organisations can build sovereign, secure, and energy-efficient infrastructure tailored to local markets.

“As Africa continues to see growing interest in AI innovation, Vertiv is strategically positioned to support this transformation with solutions designed to meet the power and cooling needs of HPC and support the digital infrastructure expected for AI deployments across the region,” Piorko states.

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