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Sofibanque enhances IT systems through colocation at OADC Texaf, boosting service delivery in DRC's digital landscape. (Image source: Open Access Data Centres)

Sofibanque has announced a significant upgrade and transformation of its IT systems to enhance service delivery and customer experience by colocating its equipment in a highly secure environment

The OADC Texaf – Kinshasa facility, boasting a 2MW capacity, has emerged as a cornerstone for the Democratic Republic of Congo's burgeoning digital ecosystem. It is on track to secure ISO27001 post-live certification, marking the first of several ISO certifications and demonstrating its commitment to the highest standards of security, operational excellence, and client satisfaction. This facility is particularly well-suited to meet the demanding needs of the banking sector and other corporations, providing a secure, reliable, scalable, and cost-effective infrastructure.

This initiative highlights Sofibanque’s dedication to advancing digital transformation in the DRC. A colocation data center like OADC Texaf – Kinshasa enables banks to modernise their IT operations, enhancing agility for customer acquisition and growth. By colocating their essential IT systems in a certified facility, financial institutions such as Sofibanque can enjoy improved physical security, sustained uptime, and compliance with international standards and national regulations, all vital for fostering the growing digital economy.

Partnering with OADC Texaf – Kinshasa allows Sofibanque to bolster its digital capabilities and reinforce its leadership position in the DRC’s banking sector. By utilising the premier colocation services available at OADC Texaf – Kinshasa, Sofibanque can provide superior service delivery to its expanding customer base while also realising cost savings compared to maintaining in-house data storage and management systems. With all leading carriers installed in OADC Texaf’s connectivity ecosystem, Sofibanque gains direct access to connectivity services, achieving efficient connectivity alongside cost efficiencies.

For OADC Texaf – Kinshasa, this collaboration represents a significant milestone, establishing the facility as a vital hub in Central Africa's financial infrastructure. As more banks follow Sofibanque’s lead, OADC Texaf – Kinshasa is poised to become a key player in the region’s digital transformation, promoting financial inclusion and innovation within the banking sector.

“This collective shift towards advanced infrastructure will play a critical role in the economic development of the DRC and neighbouring countries, fostering a more inclusive financial system and supporting broader socio-economic progress. We are proud to support Sofibanque in their journey towards digital transformation and look forward to welcoming other local and pan African banks,” said Mohammed Bouhelal, managing director of OADC Texaf Kinshasa.

Henry Wazne, managing director and CEO of Sofibanque, added, “Our decision to partner with OADC Texaf Digital – Kinshasa reflects our commitment to offering the best possible service to our customers. The facility’s advanced infrastructure will enhance the availability of our services, allowing us to meet the growing demands of the market and support our long-term digital strategy. This partnership is a key step in our journey towards a more robust and agile IT environment that supports both our customers and the broader financial ecosystem in the DRC.”

CMC Networks launches CMC Fusion, a platform enabling seamless network management across 51 African and 11 Middle Eastern countries. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

CMC Networks, a global Tier 1 service provider, has launched its CMC Fusion networking platform, extending its reach to 51 countries in Africa and 11 in the Middle East

This platform allows carriers, service providers, and enterprises to provision and manage network services across these regions from any location, making it easier for businesses to expand in dynamic markets.

CMC Fusion is a cloud-based solution that integrates various network services and analytics into a unified portal and marketplace. This includes MPLS, Carrier Ethernet, Dedicated Internet Access (DIA), multi-cloud connect, SD-WAN, service monitoring, assurance, security, and management. The platform is designed to be user-friendly and is built on Africa’s largest application-aware, AI-enabled, and software-defined network (SDN). It adheres to global industry standards for interoperability and compliance support.

Connecting Africa and Middle East

According to Marisa Trisolino, CEO at CMC Networks, “CMC Fusion is transforming what was once a complex, costly and fragmented market into one unified networking ecosystem. We are developing a platform that is making it easier than ever to do business across Africa and the Middle East.”

The platform delivers reliable and consistent performance for customers connecting across multiple countries and clouds in these regions. It consolidates information and analytics, enabling users to easily track orders, tickets, and services. Its 24/7 network monitoring ensures rapid detection and resolution of potential issues, allowing carriers, service providers, and enterprises to act swiftly and capitalise on new growth opportunities across markets.

Geoff Dornan, chief technical officer at CMC Networks, remarked, “In an increasingly cloud-centric world, we are removing the borders and barriers to growth in Africa and the Middle East and innovating to directly address on-the-ground challenges where we operate. We’re looking forward to making it even easier for our customers to grow their businesses across these regions.”

One of the offerings within CMC Fusion is CMC Cloud, which provides high-performance edge computing across Africa. This IaaS solution is designed to bring workloads closer to users, enhancing application and service performance without requiring investment in physical hardware. CMC Networks operates the largest pan-African network, serving 51 of Africa's 54 countries, along with 11 countries in the Middle East, and maintains regional hubs in key interconnection points across Europe, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific region.

Starlink launches budget-friendly internet in Kenya, challenging Safaricom as competition heats up in the evolving digital landscape. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Starlink has introduced a more affordable kit and monthly plan in Kenya, aiming to capture a larger share of the market

This launch comes shortly after Safaricom, Kenya’s leading internet service provider, boosted its fiber internet speeds to keep pace with the increasing competition.

The new Starlink Mini kit is now available at KES 27,000 (US$208.38), a notable drop from the original price of KES 45,000 (US$347.25) when it first launched in July 2023. This cost-effective kit provides speeds of up to 100Mbps, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious users looking for fast internet access.

Alongside the new hardware, Starlink has introduced its Residential Lite plan, priced at $30.87 per month. This aggressive pricing is expected to escalate the competition for subscribers throughout Kenya, where demand for affordable, high-speed internet is rising. Previously, Starlink had also rolled out a US$15 monthly rental plan for its kits, adding to its portfolio of affordable services.

In response to Starlink's entry, Safaricom has upgraded its internet offerings. The provider enhanced its 10Mbps package to 15Mbps while maintaining the same price of KES 3,000 ($23). Similarly, the 20Mbps plan has been upgraded to 30Mbps, and higher-tier plans saw significant boosts as well, with the 40Mbps plan doubling in speed and the 100Mbps package increasing fivefold. Additionally, Safaricom launched a new 1Gbps plan for heavy users, priced at KES 20,000 (US$155).

This rivalry between Starlink and Safaricom underscores the dynamic changes in Kenya's internet market. With a 36.7% market share and a 14,000 km fiber optic network serving around 400,000 customers, Safaricom is a dominant player. However, it has expressed concerns about satellite-based services like Starlink, even appealing to the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) to restrict such entries.

Starlink's presence in Kenya poses a significant challenge to traditional ISPs. Its satellite technology offers broad coverage, making it particularly advantageous in rural or remote areas with limited or no terrestrial infrastructure. This could have a transformative effect in regions where internet connectivity has historically lagged.

The introduction of more affordable options by Starlink could accelerate the pace of internet adoption in Kenya, enabling greater access to online services, education, and digital economic opportunities.

With this growing competition, consumers are likely to see improved services and potentially lower prices. Established providers like Safaricom may feel the pressure to enhance their offerings and adopt more competitive pricing, which could lead to broader improvements in Kenya's internet ecosystem.

These shifts in Kenya's internet market are reflective of broader global trends. As satellite internet becomes more advanced and accessible, it presents both challenges and opportunities for traditional providers. The outcome of this competition in Kenya could influence internet accessibility and digital inclusion throughout Africa and other developing regions.

South Africa’s minister of communications, minister Malatsi, has announced a new initiative aimed at making broadband connectivity one of the nation’s top empowerment goals

The initiative is set to clarify the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies’ (DCDT) position on recognising equity equivalent programs through a policy directive to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). This move is expected to significantly expand broadband access to underserved populations, including those in remote and low-income areas.

The proposed policy, issued under section 3(2) of the Electronic Communications Act, highlights the importance of broadband in economic development. Citing World Bank research, Malatsi emphasised that every 10% increase in broadband penetration can lead to a 1.21% rise in GDP growth in middle-income countries like South Africa. He noted that broadband access can help individuals start and grow businesses, secure employment, work remotely, and market goods and services, making it a vital tool for economic empowerment.

“This policy will be one of the most impactful empowerment programs the South African government has undertaken,” said Malatsi. He outlined a two-part plan to achieve this goal. The first phase focuses on reducing regulatory barriers to attract investments in affordable, reliable broadband infrastructure. The second phase, which will be addressed in future announcements, aims to lower the cost of smart devices necessary for 4G and 5G data use.

The Minister also mentioned that, following consultations with ICASA, the proposed policy direction will be made available for public comment as required by section 3(5) of the Electronic Communications Act. This approach aligns with the Codes of Good Practice, which acknowledge the challenges faced by multinational companies in meeting equity ownership requirements and promote alternative equity equivalent schemes.

For years, the ICT industry has sought clarity on the recognition of such schemes, which could pave the way for increased investments in the sector. Minister Malatsi believes that this policy direction will provide the necessary certainty to attract investment and expedite the goal of universal internet access in South Africa, driving significant socioeconomic progress.

MTN Congo's new 5G network aims to revolutionise connectivity and drive economic growth in the region. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

MTN Congo has officially launched its 5G network, marking a significant milestone as it becomes the first country in Central Africa to do so

The announcement comes two years after MTN Congo initiated a pilot-phase 5G network in October 2022, establishing itself as the first operator to conduct a 5G pilot in the country.

At that time, Leon Juste Ibombo, the country's telecoms minister, revealed that tests had achieved data speeds exceeding 10Gbps, setting the stage for the operator to prepare for commercial 5G services in the Republic of the Congo. Ibombo also noted the government's commitment to expedite the provision of a technologically neutral license, allowing operators to set up and manage a public terrestrial cellular mobile network for electronic communication services.

In light of this recent launch, MTN Congo expressed appreciation to local authorities, especially to Leon Juste Ibombo and Louis-Marc Sakala, the telecom regulator's representative, acknowledging that this progress will create new opportunities for connectivity and innovation.

MTN Congo emphasised that "This technological advancement is an unprecedented opportunity to boost the development and growth of businesses," highlighting that the country is entering a new digital era with the introduction of the 5G network. Additionally, there were 2.24 million Internet users in the Congo as of January 2024, with an Internet penetration rate of 36.2% of the total population, projected to rise to 62.48% by the end of the year.

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