Telna, Bayobab expand travel eSIM services in Africa

Telna has entered into a strategic partnership with MTN Digital Infrastructure, the parent company of Bayobab, to support the rollout of travel eSIM services across several African markets

The collaboration combines Telna’s CONNECT platform with Bayobab’s IPX capabilities, giving operating companies the infrastructure and digital tools needed to introduce branded travel eSIM offerings through digital channels.

The partnership is intended to make the launch of new connectivity services more straightforward by bringing digital enablement and international connectivity together within a coordinated operating model. This approach is designed to help operating companies deploy services more efficiently while maintaining their individual brands and providing customers with a consistent experience across markets.

Under the arrangement, Telna’s CONNECT platform acts as the digital enablement layer for the travel eSIM services. Bayobab’s IPX services provide the international connectivity required to support eSIM activation and usage across participating markets.

The combined framework is designed to provide a scalable foundation for expansion into additional markets while supporting consistency in service delivery. The companies also see potential for the partnership to extend beyond travel eSIMs as digital connectivity requirements evolve.

The agreement addresses growing demand for cross-border connectivity by enabling operators to offer customers access to mobile services when travelling between markets.

“As demand for digital connectivity continues to grow across Africa, this partnership represents an important step in expanding access to innovative eSIM services. By combining Bayobab's connectivity capabilities with Telna's digital platform expertise, we are enabling operating companies to deliver seamless connectivity to customers across multiple markets,” shared Mohamed Bassit, chief communication platforms officer, Bayobab.

Gregory Gundelfinger, founder and CEO of Telna added, “Our collaboration with Bayobab extends its wholesale roaming business into the eSIM market, with Telna's managed eSIM travel offering making that move fast and straightforward. MNOs get a branded app webstore, marketing, and customer support, all ready to go, a simple wholesale path to sell eSIM access into travel apps and reach customers faster.”

Through the partnership, Telna and Bayobab aim to provide African operators with a scalable route to digital connectivity services, supporting both operators and customers as demand for flexible mobile connectivity grows across the continent.