Andy Halsall

Driven by purpose means M-PESA Africa and the M-PESA teams continue to solve societal challenges with the lense of an opportunity to make the society better! There is no silver bullet, it’s simple hard work, passion, dedication to do good that makes M-PESA successful. We focusing on opening up the platform and letting others as well as ourselves innovate and help address our customers needs (over 60M customers and over 5M businesses). We are at an inflection point that will be driven by the significant opportunities in the African continent- young population, growing economies, trade agreements, growth of e-commerce and social commerce, rapidly evolving Financial services and rapid technology advancement! We will not only recreate the current economies we will build new economies based on ecosystems that deliver on the aspirations of the continent and aligned with our ESG goals! I’m excited about the FUTURE OF AFRICA! #mpesa #mpesaafrica #africa

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Bayobab stands tall as the Best African Connectivity Provider for 2024/2025.​ ​ It is our unwavering commitment to building a truly connected Africa that has earned Bayobab the Capacity Media - a techoraco brand 2024 Global Connectivity Awards accolade. ​ ​ Bayobab empowers other operators and ensures that everyone benefits from our expansive network:​ • Robust and reliable network: From integrating advanced algorithms to aid network management, to implementing cutting-edge cybersecurity protocols, we are focused on creating improved user experience. ​ • Innovation and growth: Our investments in network expansion, infrastructure upgrades, and operational excellence, have delivered strong financial growth and exceptional value for partners and customers alike.​ • Strategic partnerships: Bayobab is rooted in partnerships as we provide reliable, high-bandwidth connectivity to hyperscalers, supporting their growing African footprint. ​ ​ For more on how we are building the foundation of Africa's digital future, read here: https://lnkd.in/dx5veHyP #ConnectingAfrica #Bayobab #DigitalAfrica #GCAAwards #StandingTall #BestAfricanConnectivityProvider ​

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Listen to our Executive Director, Melanie Ayoola speak on the power of smart prepaid meters for your business. Fortify your business against unfavorable bills today with the internet of things (IoT). Watch full video here 👉 https://lnkd.in/d7DAKKSQ #iotwestafrica #iotafrica #iot #internetofthings #smartenergy

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We had an incredible time at the TowerXchange Africa event last week! The conversations were as dynamic as the telecom infrastructure industry itself! Here’s what caught our attention: 💸 The forex impact is being felt across many markets, with exchange rates fluctuating drastically. To adapt, companies are being smart, opting for shorter leases, variable pricing, and multi-currency contracts to stay agile in challenging times. 🌱 New revenue opportunities like fiber and small cells are in the spotlight, though Africa is still catching up with other regions like Asia. But the potential is huge, and towercos are eager to tap into fresh growth avenues. 💡 Digitalization isn’t just a buzzword - it's on every senior management team's agenda. The goal? To find the right tools that drive efficiency, cut operational costs, and fuel growth. The digital future is happening now! If you’re still in the market for the right telecom site management solution, talk to us - https://hubs.la/Q02Qdnhc0 A special shoutout to our incredible customers, TowerCo of Africa and partners, PowerX Technology for connecting with us and being part of these insightful discussions. The future of telecom in Africa is bright, and we’re excited to be on this journey with you! #towerxchangeafrica #digitalization #telecominnovation #newrevenuestreams #growthopportunities #operationalexcellence #africatech #redcube #towermanagement #eventnetworking #techevents #telecomsolutions

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Startups are the backbone of economic development, and initiatives like this provide essential support to entrepreneurs looking to scale their ideas and solutions! 💡 #Startups #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Investment #Technology #Africa

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At the last NOVACOM AFRICA 1-to-1 TELCO SUMMITS , we hosted a conversation with Alice Kariuki, the director of public policy at Airtel Africa. She shared insights on how public and private sector collaborations have helped increase and improve connectivity across the continent. Let’s get this out of the way first. Telcos prefer to turn a profit. Governments recognise that these providers will prioritise regions with bigger populations in urban areas that are cheaper and easier to build in. But what about people with lower incomes who live in more inaccessible areas? Governments have two tools to ensure that telcos serve the public good and connect more people, no matter who or where they are: 🛂 Obligatory infrastructure policies Governments can implement policies that dictate exactly where new telco infrastructure is built, making sure that neglected remote areas are included. 💰 Universal Service Fund This is a fee ranging from 0.5 - 2% that’s levied from a telco’s annual revenue and used to provide telecom infrastructure in places that are underserved, and subsidise the cost of telco services for people in low-income households. Rwanda’s government understands the value of an incentive, and rewards telcos who do follow through with installing infrastructure where it’s less profitable to do so. Stay tuned to your feed for highlights from the latest NOVACOM AFRICA 1-to-1 TELCO SUMMITS in Franschhoek, South Africa.

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MTN Chairman, Mcebisi Hubert Jonas, has announced a $12 billion investment in digital infrastructure across Africa by 2030, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships and capital sourcing to achieve this goal. Speaking at the CEO Forum in Rwanda, Jonas highlighted how digitisation and the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) reshape Africa's future, necessitating robust digital infrastructure including radio access networks, fibre optics, and data centres. Jonas also underscored the potential of precision agriculture, food technology, retail tech, clean energy, telemedicine, edu-tech, and fintech, estimating these sectors to drive a $1 trillion food industry by 2030 and foster economic leapfrogging. He urged policymakers to focus on governance reforms to support these developments, noting positive steps like fiscal consolidation in Ghana and market-based foreign exchange rates in Nigeria. He also praised initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area and Startup Acts in Nigeria and Algeria. #MTN #DigitalInfrastructure #4IR #AfricanDevelopment #Telecoms #Fintech #EduTech #Telemedicine #CleanTech #GovernanceReform #AfricaGrowth #CEOForum #Investment #DigitalEconomy https://zurl.co/xKtS

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Boost Your Business: South Africa’s Fastest Pitching Event 🚀 Are you driving innovation and tackling Africa’s unique challenges? Make your mark at Innovation City’s third annual Business Pitching Event on November 7! Showcase your game-changing solutions to investors, VCs, corporates, and venture builders ready to support the next big idea. Why Participate? 🔵 Startups & Scale-ups: Pitch directly to decision-makers—ideal for Pre-Seed, Angel, Seed, and Series A companies seeking funding, partnerships, or acceleration. 🔵 High-Growth Sectors: Connect with industry leaders ready to help you scale, whether you're innovating in impactful, high-demand areas. 🔵 5-Minute Pitches: Engage in a rapid, high-energy format with 1-minute transitions—make every second count to capture interest. How It Works: 🔵 Pitching Rounds: Present your business in a focused 4-minute pitch to top investors, VCs, and industry innovators. 🔵 Post-event Networking: Seal the deal during a casual networking session immediately following the pitches. Event Details: 🗓 Date: November 7, 2024 🕒 Time: 15:00 - 19:00 📍 Location: Innovation City, Cape Town Ready to elevate your business? Register now to join Africa’s brightest startups and leading investors. Limited spaces available. Register: https://lnkd.in/ducyAqem ❗Applications close November 1

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++ Bayobab Zambia Secures MTN Fiber Assets, Bolsters Digital Infrastructure ++ Bayobab has marked a significant stride in its digital journey with the successful structural separation and acquisition of fibre assets from MTN Zambia. This pivotal move underscores Bayobab’s commitment to its Ambition 2025 agenda and strategic expansion goals. The transfer of these assets is not merely a transaction but a testament to Bayobab’s strategic vision. By integrating these assets into its infrastructure, Bayobab enhances operational efficiency, optimizes network traffic, and elevates bandwidth utilization. This, in turn, promises unmatched service quality and reliability for customers spanning the region. #techafricanews #africa #zambia #digital #infrastructure #fiber #assets #network #traffic #bandwidth #utilization

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Significant Steps Towards Enhanced Internet Access in Kenya   This week, our Kenyan colleagues have been highlighting and discussing the bold move to tackle the challenge of internet affordability in Kenya. The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and Kenyan telecommunications leader Wilken Group have forged a powerful partnership. This collaboration marks a major stride towards improving digital connectivity across the nation. The two entities formalized a grant agreement to undertake an extensive feasibility study. This pivotal step underscores their commitment to thoroughly explore the potential of erecting a cutting-edge fiber optic and 5G network linking Mombasa to Malaba, spanning over 1,170 kilometers. This ambitious project aims to address the surging demand for reliable internet access in the region. The feasibility study will delve into the development of a wholesale open-access fiber optic network alongside strategically placed 5G towers. This approach seeks to ramp up digital accessibility and inclusivity for Kenyans.     Why does this matter?   Well, this partnership resonates with the global thrust to bridge the digital divide and foster economic growth, much like many of the initiatives we have been discussing at Cusp Technologies in serving the under-served and bridging the technology gap between genders and socially economically marginalized sectors of the community. Representatives from both USTDA and Wilken Group underscored the transformative potential of the project. They emphasized its ability to meet the need for secure, affordable, and high-quality internet while also bolstering the Kenyan government's digital development objectives.   Our Kenyan team has been explaining how this project is poised to empower communities and fuel socio-economic progress throughout Kenya. This initiative epitomizes the power of collaboration in driving positive change. By investing in advanced digital infrastructure, there is hope that it is possible to carve out a more connected, inclusive, and prosperous future for all, which is one of the core values driving Cusp Technologies' strategy for the future.   Please feel free to contact our team at Cusp Technologies to explore how we can enhance last-mile connectivity on the back of this bold initiative to bring business and social communities together. Members of our Kenyan team are waiting to discuss opportunities with you. https://www.cusptech.io/  

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🌍 Great news from Africa's tech scene! MTN Group and Huawei Technologies have joined forces to establish an innovation lab at MTN’s headquarters in South Africa, paving the way for a transformative digital future. This strategic partnership will leverage MTN's vast network and Huawei's technological prowess to foster a vibrant ecosystem of tech innovation, focusing on advanced technologies like 5G, AI, and more. The lab will collaborate with startups, encouraging a flourishing environment for technological breakthroughs that cater to Africa’s unique market needs. Both MTN Group, a leader in communication services across Africa, and Huawei, a global ICT leader, are driving this initiative to not only advance digital infrastructure but also empower local businesses and tech talents. This partnership stands as a beacon of progress, set to revolutionize the economic landscape by integrating cutting-edge technology with entrepreneurial innovation. Let's discuss how this collaboration can set a new standard for digital excellence in Africa. #DigitalTransformation #Innovation #Technology #Partnership #AfricaTech #Startups #OpenInnovation Alberto Onetti Mind the Bridge https://lnkd.in/edsbbBvR

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Despite a $6B funding pool for African tech startups in 2023, compared to $150B in the U.S., innovative funding solutions are emerging. In a Video interview with ITWeb On The Road at WiTechAfrica, I highly emphasized my keynote on the discussion around SMMEs leveraging enterprise supplier development (#ESD) funds beyond compliance, focusing on long-term goals through incubators, sandboxing, and resource sharing. It's time for corporates to help startups thrive by disrupting from within and sharing valuable resources like market insights. We also concluded that this is not a discussion for females only, because there are man in the room that are decision makers. Watch the full interview now on: https://lnkd.in/dGR26ViR Read the article: https://lnkd.in/dEug43W3 #Leadership #CareerGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #Startups #FutureOfWork #DigitalTransformation #TechTrends #PersonalDevelopment #DiversityAndInclusion #Networking #Sustainability #WomenInTech #MarketingStrategy #BusinessGrowth

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Muni, a leading mobile operator in Central Africa, faced significant challenges in adapting to the evolving demands of its subscribers due to an outdated BSS environment. By modernizing its legacy BSS with Alepo, Muni was able to launch new services and drive significant improvements in both revenue and ARPU. With upgrades to carrier-grade solutions in policy control, billing, and subscriber management, Muni not only enhanced network operations but also empowered real-time service creation. Key Results: - 10% increase in revenue within just two months of deployment - 7.5% reduction in churn rate - Reduced dependency on external vendors for network issue resolution by - providing a single, robust backend solution Read the case study to learn how Muni evolved its BSS with Alepo to drive growth: https://lnkd.in/d6cd_gaf #BSStransformation #DigitalTransformation

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🌍 Maximum Group Digital: Empowering Smart Connectivity at the Africa Investment Summit 🌍 As Platinum Sponsors of the Africa Investment Summit, Maximum Group Digital (MGD) is proud to showcase innovative IoT solutions that are transforming Africa’s urban and rural landscapes into smarter, more sustainable ecosystems. 🏙️ IoT Solutions for Africa’s Future MGD’s IoT offerings are designed to enhance connectivity, efficiency, and sustainability. Key focus areas include: Smart Energy Grids: Optimizing energy consumption to reduce waste and improve access to reliable power. Connected Public Services: Streamlining urban mobility, waste management, and safety for a better quality of life. Smart Agriculture: Leveraging IoT technology to boost productivity, enhance food security, and support sustainable farming practices. These solutions empower cities and communities, enabling them to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital age while aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Why IoT Matters for the Summit IoT technologies are key to unlocking Africa’s potential for inclusive growth and innovation. At the Africa Investment Summit, MGD’s IoT solutions align with the mission to attract investments that drive sustainable development, create smarter infrastructure, and foster regional integration. Join Us in Shaping Africa’s Connected Future By leveraging IoT, Maximum Group Digital is paving the way for a resilient, inclusive, and innovative Africa. Let’s collaborate to transform bold ideas into transformative realities. 💡 Be part of this connected journey at the Africa Investment Summit. Together, we can build a smarter, more sustainable Africa. #AfricaInvestmentSummit #MaximumGroupDigital #IoT #SmartCities #InnovationForAfrica #SustainableDevelopment #FutureOfAfrica #DigitalTransformation

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See watra.org, “Digital Economy & Telecomms Regulation Trends” for details. #5GInfrastructure #WestAfricaTech #WATRAInitiative #DigitalRevolution #TechAdvancement #ConnectivityFuture

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