NuRAN has fully restored all seven sites, bringing them back on air. (Image credit: Nuran Wireless)

NuRAN Wireless Inc., a leading provider of mobile and broadband wireless infrastructure solutions, has shared an operational update on its network activities in Ghana and the Democratic Republic of the Congo

As highlighted in the Company’s September 2, 2025 press release, several key initiatives are progressing, including the Cameroon rollout, relocation of low-traffic sites in the DRC, the resumption of operations in Ghana following the MOU, deployments in new countries, and expansion of 3G network coverage.

In Ghana, NuRAN has fully restored all seven sites, bringing them back on air. “This milestone ensures the continuity of mobile services and reinforces network reliability for the communities served,” the Company noted.

In the DRC, site relocation activities have resumed, with one new site successfully relocated and integrated into the network. Additional relocations are underway and expected to be activated in the coming days as deployment accelerates. Meanwhile, site deployment in Cameroon continues as planned.

Alongside these initiatives, NuRAN is actively progressing toward the deployment of 50 additional sites. Combined with the Cameroon rollout and the DRC relocation program, these 50 sites are aimed at unlocking the final drawdown of USD 450,000.

Starlink’s satellite-powered broadband network will be made commercially available across CAR. (Image credit: U.S. MISSION CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC)

The United States Embassy has welcomed a landmark agreement between the Government of the Central African Republic (CAR) and US-based telecommunications company Starlink, marking a major step forward in the country’s digital transformation journey

The agreement was officially signed on December 18, 2025, paving the way for high-speed satellite internet services to be introduced in CAR for the first time.

U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Dr. Melanie Anne Zimmerman praised the development during a signing ceremony hosted by CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadéra. The event brought together senior government officials, representatives from the Ministry of Post, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy, and executives from SpaceX, Starlink’s U.S. parent company.

Addressing government and private sector leaders, Chargé d’Affaires Zimmerman reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and advancing shared economic goals. She highlighted the importance of collaboration in driving digital inclusion, innovation and sustainable development. Speaking at the event, she committed to continue strengthening the relationship between the United States and CAR, especially by working together to expand opportunities for trade, investment, and commercial partnerships.

Chargé d’Affaires Zimmerman also underscored the U.S. Embassy’s role in facilitating dialogue and connecting key stakeholders throughout the negotiation process. She congratulated both the CAR government and Starlink on reaching what she described as a critical milestone for the country’s digital economy and future connectivity ambitions.

Under the agreement, Starlink’s satellite-powered broadband network will be made commercially available across CAR, delivering reliable, high-speed internet access in areas that have long struggled with limited connectivity. In a significant boost to social infrastructure, Starlink will also donate hundreds of satellite kits for distribution nationwide. These kits are expected to support rural schools, health centres and government institutions, helping to bridge the digital divide and improve access to essential services.

Enhanced connectivity is widely viewed as a catalyst for economic growth, opening doors to new digital infrastructure projects, foreign investment, tech entrepreneurship and cross-border business partnerships between American and Central African companies.

The ceremony was attended by representatives from the U.S. Embassy and Starlink, as well as CAR’s Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Post, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy. The United States reiterated its support for initiatives that promote economic growth, technological innovation and deeper trade and commercial ties between the two countries.

Partner programme unlocks growth for niche ISPs. (Image source: Vox)

Andre Eksteen, senior product manager – FTTB at Vox, highlights how niche internet service providers (ISPs) in South Africa play a critical role in delivering connectivity to underserved areas

Yet, their growth is often constrained by the high capital investment required to build and maintain complex network infrastructure. To address this challenge, Vox, one of South Africa’s leading internet and communications companies, has launched the Vox Partner Programme, allowing ISPs to leverage Vox’s extensive network infrastructure, peering agreements, technical expertise, and operational support while they focus on delivering exceptional service to their customers.

Smaller ISPs provide reliable broadband and voice services in areas often overlooked by larger providers. However, they face multiple barriers, including limited economies of scale, infrastructure investment challenges, and the absence of long-standing vendor relationships. These hurdles make it difficult for new and mid-sized players to compete effectively.

ISPs must secure high-quality network equipment, implement Business Support Systems (BSS) and Operations Support Systems (OSS), and build skilled technical teams to manage complex networks. They also contend with high interconnect costs and the need to negotiate peering and caching agreements with major technology companies such as Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Netflix. Many of these agreements include minimum capacity thresholds, which can be cost-prohibitive for smaller providers.

Modern customers expect comprehensive solutions that combine multiple access technologies such as fibre, wireless, and satellite with voice and PBX functionality, delivered with reliability and speed. Meeting these demands is often impossible for niche ISPs, making it challenging to thrive in the market.

Expand without the heavy lifting: Vox partner programme

The Vox Partner Programme enables ISPs to overcome these challenges by leveraging Vox’s experience in building and managing network infrastructure, delivering broadband and voice services to hundreds of thousands of customers nationwide, and providing access to commercial partnerships with a wide range of access providers.

Key benefits for small and mid-sized ISPs include:

Seamless integration with flexible topologies: Vox adapts to each ISP’s setup, offering multiple connection options including point-to-point, ring, or mesh configurations to minimise disruption.

Premium infrastructure and expertise:

ISPs gain cost-effective access to carrier-grade routers, switches, and skilled technicians without overinvesting in scale. This allows them to focus on customer acquisition and service excellence.

Ecosystem partnerships:

ISPs can leverage Vox’s commercial agreements to access 10 FTTB networks, 18 FTTH networks, and 6 WTTB networks. They can also bypass minimum requirements and secure peering and caching with global platforms like Google and Netflix at manageable volumes.

Tailored services: Modular, scalable offerings from wholesale bandwidth to advanced voice solutions enable ISPs to grow at their own pace while delivering high uptime and low-latency performance to customers.

The Partner Programme is designed specifically for emerging and mid-sized ISPs ready to expand without the heavy lifting. Vox takes on the fixed costs, network management, upstream relationships, and operational complexities, freeing ISPs to focus on their unique value proposition. This approach enables smart, sustainable growth for providers of all sizes.

ISPs wishing to join the programme need an ECS Licence, billing and network management systems, Teraco presence, CPE installation capability, and first-line support. For national and international core network capacity, partners may use their own infrastructure or leverage Vox’s world-class backbone to deliver exceptional service.

WIOCC secures US$65mn financing expansion Africa. (Image source: WIOCC)

WIOCC Group, a leading open-access digital infrastructure provider in Africa, has secured an additional US$65mn in debt financing, marking another milestone in its continental expansion strategy

The new facility has been arranged through sustainability-linked debt financing with support from IFC, Proparco, Emerging Africa Infrastructure and Asia Infrastructure Fund and Ninety-One. The funding will be used to expand WIOCC Group’s connectivity capacity and strengthen its digital infrastructure footprint across Africa.

Commenting on the development, Samuel Ndungu, chief financial officer of WIOCC Group, said, “This new financing underscores the continued confidence of our development finance partners in WIOCC Group’s long-term growth strategy and our role in driving Africa’s digital transformation. The additional capital enables us to further scale our network infrastructure, extend our data centre footprint and enhance the resilience and capacity of our pan-African digital ecosystem. Through this, we remain steadfast in our commitment to enabling digital inclusion and making an enduring contribution to the development of Africa’s digital economy.”

Chris Wood, CEO of WIOCC Group, highlighted the strategic importance of the funding, stating, “This additional financing represents another significant step forward in advancing the resilient, scalable and open-access digital infrastructure required to support Africa’s growth. It strengthens our ability to execute on our long-term vision, expand our hyperscale network and data centre footprint, and continue building the continent’s most open, interconnected digital ecosystem. We are grateful for the continued confidence of our funding partners and remain fully committed to supporting the growth, innovation and digital inclusion that will shape Africa’s future.”

Sarvesh Suri, IFC Regional Industry Director for Infrastructure and Natural Resources in Africa, stated, “IFC is proud to deepen its long-standing partnership with WIOCC Group as they scale Africa’s digital infrastructure. Through a blend of USD and ZAR financing, we are supporting WIOCC in optimizing its capital structure, mitigating currency risk, and accelerating investments in resilient, open-access networks. This commitment reflects our strategy to expand connectivity and data center capacity across the continent—advancing digital inclusion to drive job creation and economic growth.”

Puleng Pitso, Investment Specialist at Ninety-One and fund manager for Emerging Africa Infrastructure and Asia Infrastructure Fund, noted: “Digital connectivity is one of the most powerful enablers of economic growth in Africa. By expanding access to high-speed internet, we are unlocking opportunities for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and industries to thrive in the digital economy. Emerging Africa Infrastructure and Asia Infrastructure Fund and Ninety One’s investment in WIOCC will help strengthen the foundations for inclusive growth, job creation, and innovation across the continent.”

Françoise Lombard, CEO of Proparco, said, “The AFD Group has been supporting WIOCC since its inception back in 2007. Proparco is very proud to reinforce the long-standing partnership with this flagship African player at a time when it has successfully evolved into a diversified digital infrastructure platform. By supporting WIOCC’s expansion across terrestrial fiber, submarine cables and open-access data centers, Proparco is helping strengthen a leading network that carries an important part of Africa’s internet traffic. This new financing, arranged alongside IFC and Ninety-One, will contribute to accelerating resilient, energy-efficient connectivity solutions in markets where reliable digital services are essential for economic transformation.”