Bayobab boosts Mozambique connectivity

MTN Digital Infrastructure, operating commercially as Bayobab, has entered into a strategic partnership with Mozambique-based mobile network operator TMCEL to enhance the country’s international connectivity landscape

As part of the agreement, TMCEL has appointed Bayobab as its preferred partner to support and manage international communications, with Bayobab providing comprehensive, end-to-end service management.

Through the collaboration, TMCEL will access Bayobab’s suite of global communication platforms, including International Voice, International Roaming and IPX. These capabilities will enable the delivery of scalable, high-performance connectivity services for both consumer and enterprise customers, supporting reliable international calling and seamless cross-border communications.

“This partnership with TMCEL is a powerful example of how MTN Digital Infrastructure is extending its scale and capabilities to empower African operators,” said Mazen Mroué, CEO of MTN Group Digital Infrastructure. “By extending our global platforms to support TMCEL in Mozambique, we are helping improve the everyday connectivity experience while enabling innovation, growth, and digital inclusion for millions.”

The partnership also represents an important milestone in Bayobab’s broader strategy to collaborate with African operators, offering the same level of technical expertise, service quality and operational support across its entire footprint.

“The partnership marks a transformative step for the country’s connectivity landscape. By leveraging Bayobab’s global platforms and expertise, we are strengthening TMCEL’s ability to deliver world-class voice and roaming services to customers. Together, we are positioning the nation as a key hub for innovation and growth in the region” said TMCEL Chairman, Mahomed Mussá.

Positioned as a public-private collaboration, the alliance reinforces the shared ambition of both organisations to accelerate digital transformation. By combining TMCEL’s local market presence with Bayobab’s international infrastructure and expertise, the partnership aims to build resilient connectivity and drive inclusive digital growth across Mozambique and the wider region.

Data And mobile money Drive Airtel Africa performance

Airtel Africa plc has released its financial results for the nine-month period ended 31 December 2025, delivering a robust performance marked by significant growth in revenue, profitability and customer engagement across its 14 sub-Saharan African markets

The results reflect sustained momentum in data services, mobile money adoption, and disciplined cost management, reinforcing the company’s strategic positioning in fast-evolving digital markets.

During the period, total revenues reached US$4.667bn, up 28.3% in reported currency and 24.6% in constant currency compared with the prior year, driven by strong demand for connectivity and digital services. Data revenues stood out as the largest contributor to the group’s top line, increasing 36.5%, while traditional voice and mobile money segments also delivered solid growth.

Profitability expanded sharply with profit after tax rising to US$586mn, more than double the US$248mn posted in the comparable period last year. Basic earnings per share climbed to 13.1 cents, reflecting both stronger operating profits and gains from foreign exchange movements. The company’s EBITDA grew 35.9% to US$2.283bn, with margins expanding to 48.9%, highlighting efficient cost control alongside top-line growth.

Customer growth remained a key highlight, underscoring Airtel Africa’s success in expanding its market footprint. The total customer base increased 10% year-on-year to 179.4 million, with data customers rising 14.6% to 81.8 million. Smartphone penetration across its markets reached 48.1%, while average data usage per customer climbed to 8.6 GB per month, driven by enhanced network capacity and customer demand for digital services.

Mobile money expansion and strategic network investment

Airtel Africa’s mobile money platform, Airtel Money, continued to scale meaningfully. The service surpassed a major milestone by exceeding 50 million customers, reaching 52 million users, up 17.3% compared with the prior year. The platform’s annualised total processed value (TPV) exceeded US$210bn, reflecting stronger merchant adoption and deeper customer engagement across the group’s markets.

To meet rising demand for connectivity and digital financial services, Airtel Africa accelerated its infrastructure investments. During the nine-month period, the company deployed approximately 2,500 new network sites and added 4,000 km of fibre infrastructure, taking its total fibre footprint beyond 81,500 km. This network expansion contributed to improved service quality and broader coverage, with population coverage reaching 81.7%.

The strong performance underscores Airtel Africa’s strategic execution in an increasingly digital African telecommunications landscape. By balancing customer growth, digital service adoption and disciplined financial management, the company is well positioned to sustain long-term growth and deepen financial inclusion across the continent.

Airtel Africa and SpaceX are positioning satellite-enabled mobile connectivity as a critical pillar of Africa’s digital transformation. (Image credit: Tech Africa)

Airtel Africa has taken a major step towards transforming mobile connectivity on the continent through a landmark partnership with SpaceX to deploy Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite services across its 14 African markets

The collaboration positions Airtel Africa as the first mobile network operator in Africa to offer this next-generation satellite-to-mobile technology, extending coverage to areas beyond the reach of traditional terrestrial networks.

The agreement will enable Airtel Africa’s 174 million customers to access mobile connectivity directly via satellite using compatible smartphones, even in remote and underserved regions with no existing network infrastructure. Commercial rollout is expected to begin in 2026, initially supporting data services for selected applications and text messaging, with broader capabilities to follow.

Central to the partnership is Starlink’s advanced Direct-to-Cell broadband system, powered by next-generation satellites designed to deliver dramatically enhanced performance. According to the companies, the technology can provide data speeds up to 20 times faster than earlier satellite capabilities. Deployment will be phased and remains subject to regulatory approvals in each individual country.

Approximately 650 low-Earth orbit satellites will support the service, creating a seamless layer of connectivity across vast rural and hard-to-reach areas. This approach addresses one of Africa’s most persistent digital challenges: the high cost and complexity of extending fibre and mobile towers into sparsely populated or geographically difficult regions.

For Airtel Africa, the partnership strengthens its long-term strategy of bridging the digital divide and improving service availability across its footprint. By integrating satellite connectivity with its existing terrestrial networks, the company aims to deliver more reliable, contiguous coverage while supporting digital inclusion, financial services, education, healthcare and enterprise connectivity.

Airtel Africa Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said, “Airtel Africa remains committed to delivering great experience to our customers by improving access to reliable and contiguous mobile connectivity solutions. Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell technology complements the terrestrial infrastructure and even reaches areas where deploying terrestrial network solutions are challenging. We are very excited about the collaboration with Starlink, which will establish a new standard for service availability across all our 14 markets.”

From SpaceX’s perspective, the agreement marks a significant milestone in bringing satellite-powered mobile broadband to everyday users across Africa. Stephanie Bednarek, Vice President of Sales at Starlink, said, “For the first time, people across Africa will stay connected in remote areas where terrestrial coverage cannot reach, and we’re so thrilled that Starlink Direct to Cell can power this life-changing service. Through this agreement with Airtel Africa, we’ll also deliver our next-generation technology to offer high-speed broadband connectivity, which will offer faster access to many essential services.”

Together, Airtel Africa and SpaceX are positioning satellite-enabled mobile connectivity as a critical pillar of Africa’s digital transformation, unlocking new opportunities for economic growth, innovation and inclusive access to essential digital services.

National digital platform transforms Liberia’s payments. (Image source: The Central Bank of Liberia)

The Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) will launch the Inclusive Instant Payment System (IIPS) on December 16, 2025, a platform designed to facilitate mobile money transfers between Liberia’s two major Mobile Network Operators, Lone Star MTN and Orange Liberia

The launch event, taking place at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, marks a significant step in modernising Liberia’s national payments infrastructure and expanding access to secure, convenient, and inclusive digital financial services.

The ceremony will bring together key stakeholders from Liberia’s financial sector, including mobile money operators, Lonestar Cell MTN and Orange, all commercial banks and financial institutions, government ministries, agencies and commissions, development partners, and international stakeholders.

His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr will deliver the keynote address, reaffirming the Government of Liberia’s commitment to digital transformation under the ARREST Agenda.

The IIPS is a national digital payment platform regulated and supervised by the Central Bank of Liberia. It enables full interoperability between banks, mobile money operators, and other financial service providers, allowing instant and secure transactions across different platforms and institutions.

With the IIPS, both individuals and businesses will be able to send and receive money in real time, whether between bank accounts, mobile wallets, or across service providers. This enhances convenience, reduces transaction delays, and limits reliance on cash.

Why the IIPS matters for Liberia

As Liberia’s digital economy continues to grow, the need for a unified, efficient, and inclusive payment ecosystem has become increasingly urgent. The IIPS addresses persistent challenges such as fragmented payment channels, slow transaction processing, and limited interoperability among financial service providers. By connecting all major players on one national platform, the system enhances trust, transparency, and efficiency across the digital payments landscape.

Expected benefits and impact

For citizens and small businesses:

The IIPS will make everyday transactions simpler and safer. Whether sending money to family, receiving payments directly into a mobile wallet or bank account, or conducting business without carrying cash, market women, farmers, students, entrepreneurs, and SMEs will benefit from faster and more reliable digital payment options.

For government:

The platform will support efficient Government-to-Person (G2P) transactions, including salaries, social benefits, and other public payments. This will improve transparency, reduce leakages, and ensure funds reach beneficiaries quickly and securely.

For the wider economy:

The IIPS strengthens Liberia’s financial infrastructure, promotes innovation, and expands access to regulated financial services across both urban and rural communities, advancing the country’s broader financial inclusion agenda.

The CBL notes that the rollout of IIPS services will continue following the official launch, in close partnership with participating banks and mobile money operators. The Central Bank of Liberia remains committed to improving the safety, security, and efficiency of the country’s payment systems and encourages all media partners to help inform and educate the public about the IIPS and its benefits.