Mobile

The GSMA unifies the mobile ecosystem to drive innovation that promotes positive business environments and societal change. (Image source: Hayo)

The GSMA, a global member-led organisation representing the mobile industry, has welcomed Hayo to its community

Bringing more than three decades of experience delivering communications services and digital solutions to Africa, the Middle East and around the world, Hayo has an overarching mission of closing the digital gap in Africa. It aims to do this by bringing technology and digital solutions to underserved rural areas, as well as urban developments.

As such, its voice will be a welcome addition to the GSMA. Already the organisation comprises nearly 700 mobile network operators and more than 450 companies ranging from technology providers to enterprises from vertical industries. As a new addition to these ranks, Hayo and GSMA community experts will work together to solve industry challenges and accelerate innovation to positively impact the future of mobile technology.

“Joining the GSMA is a key milestone for Hayo and represents a very exciting opportunity to accelerate digital transformation across the mobile ecosystem on a global scale,” remarked Feraz Ahmed, CEO at Hayo. “We have a wealth of experience not only in telecoms, but also digital solutions, to deliver on-the-ground innovation that has a positive impact on local people’s lives. We’re looking forward to connecting with other GSMA members to collaborate and maximise the potential of new, existing and emerging technologies for businesses and consumers alike.”

“We are pleased to welcome Hayo as an industry member and look forward to their valuable insights and collaboration on GSMA initiatives that help shape the mobile ecosystem,” said Colin Bareham, general manager, membership, GSMA. "Our members represent a truly diverse group of organisations, including many different vertical industries, and together, we have the power to transform businesses and societies around the world.”

BradyVoice offers a faster, more efficient way to label. (Image source: Brady Corporation)

Labelling cables and components should not slow you down! Simply dictate your text to your smartphone and watch BradyVoice work its magic

Label faster and smarter with the power of your voice. With the option to dictate text onto blank or wrap labels, BradyVoice offers a faster, more efficient way to label. Packed with time-saving features like quick formatting, intuitive voice recognition and automatic sizing, BradyVoice harnesses the power of your voice to streamline labelling tasks and maximise productivity.

How BradyVoice boosts your productivity:

* Effortless dictation: Speak your label content directly into the app.

* Quick formatting: Easily add bolding, italics, and more with voice commands.

* Intuitive voice recognition: BradyVoice accurately understands your instructions.

* Automatic sizing: No more manual adjustments! Your text fits perfectly every time.

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Rajesh Chandiramani stepping into the role of CEO in June. (Image source: Comviva)

Rajesh Chandiramani, CEO of global mobile solutions leader Comviva, has outlined the company’s strategic vision and the importance of the African market to its growth plans

The CEO, who stepped into the new role in June this year, made the comments while speaking to Robert Daniels, Editor of African Review, in a digital interview. In the session, Chandiramani described how the company has evolved its platforms and technologies to consistently push the boundaries with intelligent software solutions that drive substantial business impact for its customers across the globe and is systematically investing to pave the way for a brighter, digitally-connected future. 

While India was the start point for Comviva, Chandiramani explained that Africa was its second stop and, therefore, has the continent in its DNA. With both regions experiencing a growth economy, the company is consistently being challenged to meet new demands but has, so far, met each of these through its dedication and diverse, evolving portfolio.

Discover the full interview with here

GSMA's 2024 report reveals the transformative impact of mobile technology in Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting key challenges and growth opportunities. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The mobile industry contributed US$140bn to Sub-Saharan Africa's GDP in 2023 and could reach US$170bn by 2030 if key connectivity challenges are overcome, according to the newly launched Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa 2024 Report from GSMA

Mobile technology is pivotal for advancing development in essential sectors like healthcare, education, and finance by broadening internet access and expanding digital services.

As digitalisation continues to progress, the report underscores the importance of 4G, which is projected to represent half of all connections by 2030. Yet, significant challenges remain: 13% of the population lacks coverage, while 60% of those within coverage areas still face barriers such as device affordability, limited digital skills, and concerns over online security.

Beyond connectivity, the region contends with high operational costs, inflation, and volatile energy prices. However, emerging technologies like generative AI and satellite collaborations are offering innovative ways to close gaps across industries. Broader API initiatives, such as GSMA’s Open Gateway, which recently introduced security APIs in South Africa, aim to enhance digital security and streamline services across the region. Tackling these issues is essential for unlocking the socio-economic benefits of mobile connectivity in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Our findings this year reveal both the extraordinary potential and the challenges facing Sub-Saharan Africa’s mobile ecosystem,” said Angela Wamola, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, GSMA. “To fully realise the benefits of connectivity, it is essential for operators, policymakers, and stakeholders to address affordability barriers, support infrastructure expansion, and foster collaborations that drive digital inclusion and economic impact.”

Key insights from the 2024 report:

* Usage Gap: Despite reaching 27% mobile internet penetration by the end of 2023, the region has a 60% usage gap, representing millions who live within network coverage but are constrained by factors like device affordability, limited digital skills, and online security concerns. Sub-Saharan Africa has the world’s largest usage gap, with 3.1 billion people—39% of the global population—affected by this issue.

* 4G Expansion and 5G Introduction: 4G adoption is expected to reach 50% by 2030, surpassing 3G as the dominant technology. Though 5G is still in its early stages, it is projected to account for 17% of total connections by 2030, primarily in South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya.

* 5G Economic Potential and Infrastructure: By 2030, 5G alone is expected to contribute US$10bn to the regional economy, representing 6% of the mobile sector's economic impact. The report emphasizes the need for progressive spectrum policies, particularly in the mid-band spectrum, to support growth and equitable digital access. 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is also becoming a preferred broadband option in Angola, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to meet high-speed connectivity needs in underserved regions.

* Digital Security Initiatives: South Africa has become the first Sub-Saharan country to deploy GSMA Open Gateway APIs, focused on fraud prevention and security through Number Verification and SIM Swap APIs. This initiative is part of a broader push to improve digital security, particularly in digital banking.

* Generative AI Opportunities: Generative AI could add up to US$1.5 trillion to Africa's economy by 2030, with mobile operators increasingly using AI to enhance customer engagement and network efficiency. Operators like MTN and Vodacom are deploying AI-driven initiatives to boost operational efficiency, although the region faces a shortage of skilled AI professionals.

The report outlines several strategic actions to enable sustainable growth and digital inclusion:

* Affordability Initiatives: High costs are a barrier to mobile access. The report advocates for lowering taxes on the sector, such as reducing import duties on handsets and cutting activation fees, to make services more affordable and accessible.

* Reforming Universal Service Funds (USFs): Many USFs in the region are underperforming, often due to inefficiencies. The report calls for reforms to increase transparency, speed up disbursements, and focus funds on impactful initiatives, such as digital literacy programs for underserved communities.

* Progressive Spectrum Policy: To meet growing data demands, governments are urged to release additional spectrum, particularly in the 6 GHz band, and adopt policies that facilitate efficient, affordable, and environmentally sustainable mobile network expansion.