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Powering up esports with new alliance

Huawei and Emirates Esports Federation unite to drive innovation, support local talent, and enhance mobile gaming in the region. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

HUAWEI AppGallery and the Emirates Esports Federation (EESF) have partnered, aiming to foster innovation and growth within the esports and mobile gaming sectors across the region

The partnership will combine Huawei’s technological prowess and global reach with EESF’s expertise in esports governance and advocacy. Together, they will focus on nurturing local talent, creating new opportunities for gamers and developers, and further positioning esports as both a cultural and economic powerhouse in the region.

William Hu, managing director of Huawei consumer business group, Middle East and Africa Eco Development and Operation, commented, “Collaborating with the Emirates Esports Federation represents a major step forward in realising our vision for the future of esports and mobile gaming. Together, we are creating a platform that not only drives innovation but also fosters an environment where gamers and developers can thrive. The UAE’s rapidly evolving gaming ecosystem makes it an ideal hub for shaping the future of esports.”

Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Sultan Bin Shakhboot Al Nahyan, president of the Emirates Esports Federation, added, “This partnership with HUAWEI AppGallery represents a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen the esports and gaming ecosystem in the UAE and beyond. By combining our expertise and resources, we aim to create new opportunities for innovation, talent development, and global collaboration within this dynamic industry.”

The agreement focuses on the joint effort to bolster the esports and mobile gaming sectors, with HUAWEI AppGallery and EESF collaborating on cutting-edge tournaments and campaigns. The Emirates Esports Federation will provide government support and professional player assistance for AppGallery Gamers Cup (AGC) tournaments in the UAE. The partnership also emphasises the growth and promotion of mobile games available on Huawei’s AppGallery platform.

This robust partnership highlights Huawei and the Emirates Esports Federation’s shared dedication to driving esports as an engine of innovation and economic development in the UAE and beyond, setting the stage for a promising future in the global gaming industry.

Safaricom, Nyala Insurance launch mobile insurance payments

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This partnership highlights Safaricom M-PESA’s dedication to expanding digital financial inclusion in Ethiopia. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Safaricom M-PESA has entered into a strategic partnership with Nyala Insurance, integrating the insurer into the M-PESA ecosystem

This collaboration enables Nyala Insurance customers to use M-PESA for premium payments, policy renewals, and other transactions, offering a secure and efficient mobile payment solution.

Through this initiative, customers will benefit from faster, more accessible insurance payment options, driving the adoption of mobile financial services across Ethiopia. Nyala Insurance will leverage the M-PESA platform to accept real-time payments, broadening its reach, streamlining processes, and providing clients with greater flexibility.

Elsa Muzzolini, chief digital financial services officer at Safaricom M-PESA, remarked, “This partnership underscores our commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s digital economy by providing businesses like Nyala Insurance with the digital tools they need to connect with customers in a more efficient way and enables mobile payments to be more accessible, convenient and time saving.”

Echoing this sentiment, Ato Tegegn Masresha, chief customer officer at Nyala Insurance, stated, “We are thrilled to partner with Safaricom M-PESA, a leader in digital financial services in Kenya with a promising foothold in Ethiopia. This collaboration allows us to deliver unparalleled convenience to our customers, enabling them to access our services seamlessly and securely through M-PESA. By leveraging this partnership, we are reinforcing our commitment to innovation and enhancing customer satisfaction by making insurance transactions simpler and more efficient.”

This partnership highlights Safaricom M-PESA’s dedication to expanding digital financial inclusion in Ethiopia. By collaborating with local businesses, it continues to support the country’s digital transformation, ensuring tailored solutions that empower Ethiopian consumers and businesses to thrive in the digital economy.

Safaricom expands network, supports communities

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Safaricom Ethiopia expands network to Assosa, introducing M-PESA and donating laptops and routers to schools, enhancing connectivity and education. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Safaricom Ethiopia has extended its network to Assosa, marking a significant step in its mission to deliver reliable and high-quality connectivity across Ethiopia

In the past two weeks, the company has launched services in several key cities in Western Ethiopia, including Nekemte, Gambella, Metu, and Bedele. The Assosa launch further strengthens its presence in the region. Since starting operations in Ethiopia over two years ago, Safaricom has achieved remarkable network coverage, now reaching 50% of the Ethiopian population across Central, Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western areas.

The rollout of M-PESA digital financial solutions in these areas will provide residents with secure, convenient, and cost-effective ways to manage financial transactions. This initiative reflects Safaricom’s broader mission to support social and economic growth through technological advancement.

To give back to the community, Safaricom has donated 80 laptops, 16 routers, and six months of free unlimited internet to schools in Assosa, Nekemte, Gambella, Metu, and Bedele. This initiative highlights the company’s dedication to combining network expansion with impactful community projects.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to local leaders and government officials, whose support has been instrumental in making these launches possible. Safaricom Ethiopia remains committed to connecting people and fostering development across Ethiopia,” the company stated in its press release.

ZTE, MTN launch 5G-A experience

ZTE and MTN South Africa showcase 5G-A technology with record-breaking speeds, innovative applications, and future-ready advancements. (Image source: ZTE Corporation)

ZTE Corporation, a global leader in integrated ICT solutions, has partnered with MTN South Africa to launch a 5G-A public experience at the MTN Store in V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

The event demonstrated an impressive ultra-download speed of 9.2 Gbps, highlighting MTN's strong position in the South African telecom market.

Innovative 5G-A showcase

The event, attended by hundreds, featured advanced applications such as AI-Generated Content (AIGC), a robotic dog, and nubia's glasses-free 3D tablet with cloud-rendered applications.

ZTE presented the latest in 5G-A technology, achieving 9.2 Gbps download speeds using its next-generation millimeter-wave AAU. This milestone demonstrates the combined technological prowess of ZTE and MTN South Africa in 5G-A advancements.

Operating on an 8-server setup within a 5G Standalone network based on 3GPP Release 18, the system delivered ultra-low latency of 6ms. ZTE also highlighted its space division multiplexing and 5GC end-to-end slicing, enhancing resource efficiency and flexibility.

Advancing 5G-A and digital transformation

5G-A, an evolution of 5G, demonstrates seamless 10 Gbps speeds, integrates AI, and paves the way for smart cities and industries.

Rami Farah, chief techical officer of MTN South Africa, stated, "The 5G-Advanced experience allows us to vividly showcase the potential of next-generation network technologies, from ultra-high speeds to immersive experiences. It's not just a demonstration of technology but a significant step toward connecting future digital lifestyles for South African people."

Luca Shen, CEO of ZTE South Africa, added, "5G-Advanced innovation not only enhances connectivity and experiences but also expands the boundaries of application scenarios and business domains, giving rise to new industries, business models, and ecosystems. These innovations will empower MTN to inject strong momentum into the development of the digital economy and accelerate the realisation of an intelligent, connected future."

Future Plans for 5G-A in South Africa

ZTE and MTN South Africa remain committed to advancing 5G-A network deployment and commercialization. This collaboration aims to propel South Africa’s digital transformation and foster economic growth.

Speed up networks with Siemon’s trunks

Revolutionising network installations, Siemon unveils bundled fibre trunks, combining performance, durability, and ease for faster project delivery. (Image source: Siemon)

Siemon, a leading provider of network infrastructure solutions, has introduced its innovative bundled fibre trunks

These trunks are specifically engineered to simplify fibre optic network installations, offering a cost-efficient and dependable solution that significantly reduces deployment time.

By combining high-performance fibre cables into a single, manageable bundle, these trunks enhance pathway utilisation and enable up to 50% faster installations. This advancement helps organisations cut down on project costs and accelerate time-to-market.

“Siemon bundled fibre trunks are a game-changer for network installations,” stated Tony Walker, Siemon fibre product marketing manager. “By simplifying the process and reducing installation time, we are empowering our customers to achieve their project goals more efficiently and effectively.”

Built with exceptional performance comparable to single-jacket fibre, the trunks also feature durable construction for reliable use. They are available in various configurations to suit diverse project needs.

Qualcomm supports African tech

MTC's MTC Maris set to revolutionise Namibia

For Ghanaian customers, this license means more efficient and secure money transfers across the country. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Flutterwave gains enhanced PSP license in Ghana

OADC Texaf Digital - Kinshasa, a 2MW open-access, Tier-III data centre, boosts DRC's digital ecosystem with carrier-neutral, sustainable infrastructure. (Image source: Open Access Data Centres)