Sparkle and Algérie Télécom join forces to boost Algeria’s digital future with new subsea cable to Europe

Sparkle, Italy’s first international service provider and a global telecom leader, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Algérie Télécom, Algeria’s primary fixed-line and internet service provider, to develop a new subsea cable connecting Italy and Algeria

The agreement was announced at the sixth Italy-Algeria Business Forum, which took place in Rome in the presence of Giorgia Meloni, president of the council of ministers of Italy, and Abdelmadjid Tebboune, president of the people's Democratic Republic of Algeria.

Through this strategic partnership, Sparkle and Algérie Télécom will jointly develop a submarine cable and collaborate on a wider range of digital initiatives. These include cybersecurity and cloud computing services, technical support for data center development, and training across key technical areas. The agreement also includes establishing a point of presence in Europe exclusively for Algérie Télécom to further boost Algeria’s digital transformation.

The dedicated cable system will deliver a high-capacity route between the two countries, enhancing performance, ensuring ultra-low latency, and offering complete redundancy when compared to current infrastructure. It will also help address rising demand for digital content and connectivity, benefiting both residential and commercial users.

“This agreement marks a significant step in strengthening digital ties between Europe and North Africa,” said Enrico Bagnasco, CEO of Sparkle. “We are proud to contribute to Algeria’s digital future by delivering modern infrastructure as well as innovative and secure solutions for fast and resilient international connectivity.”

“The strategic partnership with Sparkle confirms the long-standing relationship between our two companies and reflects our shared commitment to innovation and excellence,” said Adel Bentoumi, CEO of Algérie Télécom. “We believe that this project will play a key role in diversifying our international routes and in meeting the increasing needs of our customers across Algeria.”

The Italy-Algeria Business Forum promotes closer bilateral ties across sectors such as energy, education, innovation, agriculture, and culture. It aligns with Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa, which is focused on fostering balanced and mutually beneficial partnerships with African nations.

WIOCC and TMCEL partner to expand high-capacity connectivity across Mozambique and Southern Africa via subsea, terrestrial routes

WIOCC, one of Africa’s foremost digital infrastructure providers, has entered into a landmark Framework Agreement (FWA) with TMCEL, Mozambique’s national telecommunications operator, to deliver high-capacity connectivity solutions across Mozambique and the Southern African region

This agreement marks a significant step forward in enhancing Mozambique’s digital infrastructure, promoting nationwide connectivity and greater digital inclusion. Supporting the country’s National Broadband Strategy, it aims to achieve universal, affordable, and high-quality access. The signing took place on Wednesday, 23 July 2025, at TMCEL’s Maputo headquarters.

The collaboration leverages TMCEL’s national infrastructure and service experience with WIOCC’s regional and international network strengths. This includes strategic capacity via the 2Africa East subsea cable and terrestrial links into South Africa. Jointly, the two companies will reinforce Mozambique’s digital backbone, enhancing subsea and land-based infrastructure to bolster network resilience, expand access, and deliver secure, high-quality connectivity. The partnership strengthens Mozambique’s role as a regional digital hub and a vital data traffic conduit in Southern and Eastern Africa.

This strategic alliance will allow WIOCC to maximise its investments in Mozambique, facilitating the delivery of digital services to clients not only in-country but also in neighbouring nations, including Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, and South Africa.

“This partnership signifies our commitment to driving digital transformation across Africa,” said James Wekesa, Group Chief Commercial Officer at WIOCC Group. “By leveraging WIOCC’s scalable capacity and regional network alongside TMCEL’s robust national infrastructure and government collaboration, we are creating a powerful foundation for enhanced connectivity, inclusive growth, and expanded digital services across Mozambique and beyond.”

Hayo strengthens African presence with offices in Botswana, Liberia, and Malawi to boost digital innovation

Hayo, a global digital solutions provider, has announced the opening of new offices in Gaborone (Botswana), Monrovia (Liberia), and Lilongwe (Malawi), marking a significant milestone in its strategy to deepen engagement across emerging African markets

The move underscores Hayo’s commitment to fostering local digital ecosystems by providing region-specific solutions and hands-on expertise. Its services cater to a wide range of stakeholders including hyperscalers, government bodies, regulators, enterprises, and mobile operators — sectors increasingly seeking agile, localised digital support.

With this expansion, Hayo aims to improve service delivery in these countries, fast-track digital adoption and strengthen its capabilities to support businesses scaling across Africa. From voice and messaging to GovTech, IoT and cloud-based communications, the company’s offerings are tailored to meet Africa’s evolving digital landscape.

“Local presence plays a key role in supporting businesses, enabling digital innovation and having an impact on day-to-day life across African markets. It’s the only way to work effectively and closely align with unique dynamics across countries,” said Feraz Ahmed, CEO at Hayo. “Our offices in Botswana, Liberia and Malawi are not just operational hubs, they’re a long-term investment in local people, partnerships and digital progress.”

Africa’s digital economy is projected to contribute 5.2% to the continent’s GDP by 2025 and reach 8.5% by 2050 — a rapid rise from just 1.1% in 2012. Hayo’s regional investments align with this growth trend, aiming to generate employment, develop local partnerships, and deliver transformative impact across communities.

“The future of Africa’s digital economy deserves to be built by local talent to serve local needs,” added Sergio Rodrigues, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Product at Hayo. “By expanding our on-the-ground teams across key markets, we can better support communities, understand local challenges and work with partners to build a digital ecosystem that makes a real difference to businesses and communities.”

Hayo currently serves over 100 mobile operators and connects to a global network of 500-plus partners. The company’s footprint in Africa and the Middle East continues to grow, supported by recent innovations like its National Mobile Registry (NMR) platform, which helps governments regulate mobile ecosystems to enhance compliance and public revenue generation.

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.”