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Infrastructure push to expand 5G, enhance site security, and improve service during load shedding

MTN South Africa is investing R300 million (approx. US$17mn) to upgrade its network infrastructure across Gauteng, one of the most populous and economically vital provinces in the country

This initiative is part of a broader national investment plan, with MTN committing R4.5 billion (US$251mn) to its infrastructure rollout, set for completion in 2025. The Gauteng investment includes the addition of new base stations and enhancements to MTN’s digital backbone. Over 70 sites will receive capacity upgrades, modernisation, and energy improvements. The rollout will also bring 5G access and enhancements to existing LTE services, helping to reduce the digital divide between urban and rural communities.

“The R300 million investment, part of the national rollout to enhance the company’s digital capabilities, will lead to improvements in battery, site security, and energy facilities, including the availability of generators across the province,” said Machawe Dlamini, general manager for Gauteng Operations at MTN SA.

According to Dlamini, the development includes network strengthening strategies to maintain service continuity during load shedding and other potential disruptions.

While Gauteng is a focal point, MTN’s upgrade plans extend to other provinces. An additional R480 million (US$27mn) has been allocated for upgrades in KwaZulu-Natal, where the company will build new sites and increase rural access to 4G and 5G services.

MTN South Africa was recently recognised as the country’s top-performing mobile network for Q1 2025, according to MyBroadband Insights. The company aims to retain that position by continuing to expand its physical network infrastructure.

Gauteng contributes around 34% to South Africa’s GDP, making it a strategic priority for the telco. As Dlamini explained, “Our investment in the network infrastructure is a crucial facilitator in connecting the unconnected and fostering a more inclusive digital landscape across South Africa.”

TouchNet and iXAfrica unveil sovereign AI cloud at Nairobi’s NBOX1 campus. (Image source: iXAfrica Data Centres)

TouchNet has partnered with iXAfrica Data Centres to introduce the Zadara AI Sovereign Cloud, an enterprise-grade, locally hosted cloud computing solution, at iXAfrica’s Nairobi One (NBOX1) campus

Already successfully deployed in other African regions, this marks the first implementation in Kenya, representing a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing digital transformation efforts.

TouchNet began as a nimble B2B Internet Service Provider and has grown into a major force in Africa’s cloud and digital transformation ecosystem. The company now leads the deployment of decentralized Sovereign AI Cloud Services, supporting the growth and capabilities of data centre providers, carriers, managed service providers (MSPs), cloud service providers (CSPs), and ISPs across the continent. With over 15 years of experience and more than 300 business clients and MSPs, TouchNet has consistently introduced adaptable and market-relevant solutions.

The Zadara AI Sovereign Cloud, hosted at iXAfrica’s carrier-neutral and AI-ready data centre, is managed by a local service provider and delivers computing, networking, storage, and GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS). The solution is built with high standards of security, performance, and compliance, and is designed to meet the growing need for reliable local cloud infrastructure. By eliminating dependency on offshore platforms, it empowers businesses, MSPs, and CSPs to optimise operations with greater flexibility, resilience, and availability, supporting both AI adoption and digital strategies.

The partnership between iXAfrica and TouchNet brings forward a predictable, pay-per-use financial model that helps companies transition to an operational expenditure (OPEX) approach. This allows them to modernise IT infrastructure without large upfront investments, freeing resources for strategic growth and innovation.

“The launch of this AI-driven cloud solution with TouchNet, Zadara and iXAfrica Data Centre is more than just a technological advancement – it’s about enabling businesses to operate with greater control, security, and efficiency,” said Charly Bahous, CEO at TouchNet. “Through the partnerships in Kenya, we are committed to providing local enterprises with agile and fit for purpose, fit for market and all the tools and support they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.”

Sedna Africa expands industrial reach with private mobile network deployment at Mozambique’s strategic Beira Port terminal

Sedna Africa has secured a major contract with Cornelder de Moçambique to deploy a private mobile network at Beira Port, Mozambique, aiming to improve safety, operational efficiency, and productivity at one of southern Africa’s most important transport hubs

The deployment marks a strategic move by Sedna Africa to expand beyond its traditional mining focus into other heavy industries such as ports, oil and gas, and manufacturing. The company, which recently restructured to accelerate growth across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, views the Beira project as a critical step in this evolution.

Anton Fester, managing director of Sedna Africa, explained, "Our heritage lies in mining, where we’ve built a strong pedigree supporting industry leaders like Anglo American, African Rainbow Minerals, Zimplats, Seriti, Sibanye Stillwater, Thungela and DRA. But the reality is Africa’s ageing infrastructure cannot meet the demands of modern industrial use cases, particularly when it comes to connectivity."

Most African ports still operate on outdated narrowband technologies, limiting the adoption of modern digital solutions. Sedna’s private mobile networks address this gap, enabling high-throughput, reliable communication essential for safety, automation, and productivity.

Jan de Vries, managing director of Cornelder, highlighted the port’s growing importance and the role of modern infrastructure.

"Improved port infrastructure and efficiency will attract more trade, boosting economic growth. Enhanced capabilities will support industries, create jobs and generate revenue. Modernising, digitising and focusing on safety and automation are critical components of these plans, ensuring the port is future-fit."

Sedna Africa has already delivered several pioneering industrial connectivity projects, including Africa’s first licensed spectrum private LTE network for mining and the first underground LTE deployment. The company is using its mining expertise to help resolve infrastructure bottlenecks in other sectors.

Fester adds, "We’re using the knowledge, skills, and experience honed in mining to tackle infrastructure bottlenecks across Africa."

The company’s expanded offering includes OT governance, enabling communication layers, and distributed fibre sensing. Advanced fibre optic trials have shown the potential for detecting wear, fire, and failures, supporting preventive maintenance and risk management.

With active operations in six African countries, Sedna Africa remains committed to driving Africa’s digital industrial revolution and creating a more connected, inclusive future.

 

REA and NCC form joint committee to boost rural power and digital access

In a significant move toward bridging Nigeria’s rural energy and digital divide, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have officially inaugurated a joint strategy and steering committee

This initiative follows extensive consultations and strategic alignment between both agencies and marks a new chapter in collaborative infrastructure development.

The core objective of the partnership is to address the intertwined challenges of limited electricity access and poor digital connectivity in Nigeria’s underserved and unserved communities. These twin gaps have long stifled socioeconomic progress, limiting access to education, healthcare, financial inclusion and broader opportunities for rural populations.

By leveraging REA’s proven track record in delivering sustainable energy solutions and NCC’s mandate to expand telecommunications reach, the initiative seeks to deploy integrated infrastructure that can simultaneously provide power and digital access. This approach aims to accelerate the delivery of modern services in rural areas, creating a strong foundation for inclusive development.

“Whether it is powering a base station or enabling a child to access digital learning, this partnership has the potential to transform realities and bring opportunity closer to the people,” commented executive vice-president and CEO of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida. “This initiative is about more than infrastructure, it is about driving inclusion, bridging inequalities, and creating the conditions for shared prosperity.”

This joint initiative not only promotes synergy between two critical government agencies but also sets a new benchmark for integrated infrastructure planning in Nigeria. It is a forward-thinking effort that recognises the need for holistic solutions in transforming rural communities and advancing national prosperity.

Also read: Paratus launches EduLINK for schools

Stitch becomes one of South Africa’s first fintechs to offer full card clearing services. (Image source: Stitch)

Stitch has announced the acquisition of Efficacy Payments, marking its second major strategic acquisition this year. Earlier, the company acquired ExiPay, enabling its entry into the in-person payments space

With the addition of Efficacy, Stitch now becomes one of the first fintechs in South Africa to offer direct card clearing for both online and in-person transactions.

The acquisition positions Stitch as a Designated Clearing System Participant (DCSP), empowering the company to offer card acquiring services directly to merchants. This advancement allows for more seamless and cost-effective transactions and further supports Stitch’s mission to serve a broader range of merchant payment needs.

By integrating Efficacy into its operations, Stitch gains full control over the card product lifecycle. As a DCSP, Stitch can now deliver a comprehensive end-to-end card acquiring solution, covering technical, compliance, financial, and operational requirements, under a single provider.

What this means for merchants:

  • Stitch is the gateway, switch and acquirer: Merchants can rely on a single provider to handle the entire acquiring process, simplifying workflows and reducing the need for multiple systems or partners.

  • Direct connectivity to Visa and Mastercard: Stitch's direct integration with card networks eliminates dependence on intermediary banks or switches, reducing the risk of transaction failures.

  • Improved conversion rates: With optimised message routing across card networks, merchants can benefit from higher transaction success rates.

  • Faster access to new features: Stitch’s reduced reliance on external banks and third parties accelerates product development and deployment for merchants.

  • Real-time reporting and reconciliation: Merchants gain visibility into payment states and associated fees, with the ability to customise reporting and reduce reconciliation challenges.

  • Cost savings: Consolidating services under one provider results in lower fees and reduced internal resource requirements for managing multiple payment interfaces.

“We’re excited to welcome the Efficacy team into the Stitch Group and offer this critical solution to the merchants we work with. Card processing is an essential requirement for businesses in South Africa, and we’ve seen a lot of room for improvement when it comes to conversion, recon capabilities and access to the latest technology. We’re excited to see the impact this will have on the way our merchants collect card payments from their customers,” Junaid Dadan, president and co-founder at Stitch.

Efficacy Payments was founded in 2016 and achieved its designation as a clearing system participant in 2021, becoming the second fintech in South Africa to do so. This acquisition enhances Stitch’s capabilities and reinforces its commitment to delivering innovative, full-stack payment solutions across the region.

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