Hakuna Matata Media 🐢🐢🐢’s Post

Vodacom Group Ltd and Orange SA are exploring a strategic partnership to enhance connectivity across Africa, focusing on reducing costs and improving rural access. The collaboration targets infrastructure deals in shared markets like Egypt and the Democratic Republic of Congo, aiming for infrastructure sharing and joint rural connectivity improvements. This initiative is crucial as Africa’s Internet user base is projected to grow by 51.79%, reaching 1.1 billion users by 2029. With rural internet usage at just 23% as of 2023, Vodacom and Orange's partnership aims to bridge the digital divide. "Our goal is to alleviate rollout costs and enhance rural connectivity, addressing communication costs and narrowing the digital gap," stated a Vodacom representative. Both companies see the partnership as a strategic move to capture emerging markets and expand their customer base. Vodacom, operating in seven African countries, boasts 186 million customers, including Safaricom. Meanwhile, Orange SA operates in over ten African countries, serving 298 million customers worldwide. The collaboration will leverage their combined expertise and infrastructure to significantly improve connectivity across the continent, fostering economic growth and digital inclusion. The partnership aligns with previous successful collaborations, such as the Mawezi RDC SA initiative between Orange DRC and Airtel Congo RDC SA, which landed 2Africa submarine cables to enhance broadband access in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As Vodacom reports a 29.1% increase in group service revenue, driven by strong performance in South Africa and Egypt, this new partnership with Orange SA is set to further boost their impact in Africa. #Connectivity #DigitalInclusion #Telecommunications #Vodacom #OrangeSA #Africa #RuralConnectivity #DigitalTransformation #EmergingMarkets #Infrastructure #TelecomPartnership #EconomicGrowth #Innovation #TechInAfrica https://lnkd.in/da44NwZj

📌𝗜𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮’𝘀 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀?    Last year Ethiopia issued a licence to Safaricom for M-PESA, disrupting Ethiotel’s monopoly.     Safaricom was the first telco to be granted a license in Ethiopia in 2022, opening one of the world’s last major closed telecoms markets.     So, the short answer is Yes. But this isn’t without challenges.     Safaricom will face an uphill battle capturing a large part of the market given the government’s stake in Ethiotel.     🤝𝗛𝗼𝘄𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿, 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝘀 𝘃𝗶𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲𝗹𝘆.     New market entrants aren’t always successful, as seen with Tigo/Airtel in Ghana.    #TelecomAfrica #MarketTrends #Telecommunications #AfricanEconomy  

Vodacom's CEO, Shameel Joosub, has proposed three bold strategies to bridge the digital divide at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The proposals aim to address the disparities in digital access and literacy that persist globally, particularly in Africa. The 𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝 𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚐𝚢 involves investing in digital infrastructure to expand coverage and improve the quality of internet services. This includes deploying 4G and 5G networks in underserved areas to ensure that more people have access to reliable and fast internet. The 𝚜𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚐𝚢 focuses on digital literacy programs to equip people with the skills needed to fully utilize digital technologies. This includes training initiatives and partnerships with educational institutions to promote digital inclusion. The 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚛𝚍 𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚐𝚢 emphasizes the importance of affordable digital services. The CEO highlighted the need for telecom companies to offer affordable data plans and devices to make digital access more accessible to low-income communities. These strategies underscore the critical role that telecommunications companies can play in bridging the digital divide. By investing in infrastructure, promoting digital literacy, and offering affordable services, companies like Vodacom can help ensure that more people benefit from the opportunities provided by digital technologies. #DigitalDivide #Vodacom #UNGA #DigitalInclusion #TelecomForDevelopment

KENYA TAKES THE LEAD IN AFRICAN TECH WITH NEW MVNO 5G LAUNCH Kenya is making waves in the telecom world by introducing Africa's first MVNO-backed 5G service in partnership with Equitel and Airtel. This exciting development promises faster internet access across 370 locations, including big cities like Nairobi and Mombasa. It's a game-changer for businesses, communities, and individuals hungry for reliable connectivity. With this being Kenya's third 5G rollout, it's clear the country is serious about embracing technology and paving the way for digital progress. As Africa's MVNO market grows, with 7 million subscribers and counting, experts foresee even more innovation and tailored services to meet diverse needs. The Future News #5gtechnology #africa #kenya #news #taffds

MTN Rwanda has achieved a significant milestone by reaching 84.5% population coverage with its 4G network, nearly a year after obtaining its 4G license in July 2023. Mapula Bodibe, CEO of MTN Rwanda, announced this achievement at their 2024 Annual General Meeting, underscoring the company's commitment to expanding digital access and enhancing internet experiences nationwide. In her statement, Bodibe highlighted MTN Rwanda's strategic initiatives to accelerate network expansion through potential alliances and collaboration with the government's digital services policies. This approach aims to ensure connectivity and access for all Rwandans, further supporting the country's digital transformation goals. Faustin Mbundu, Chairperson of MTN Rwanda's Board of Directors, emphasized the company's resilience amidst macroeconomic challenges, showcasing strong economic growth and community impact in their 2023 Integrated Report. He reiterated MTN Rwanda's dedication to their Ambition 2025 strategy, focusing on becoming a leader in digital solutions and building robust platforms for Rwanda's advancement. MTN Rwanda, as the leading operator in the East African nation, serves approximately 7 million users and holds a substantial 62% market share as of July 2023. This achievement not only reinforces MTN Rwanda's position as a key player in Rwanda's telecommunications sector but also underscores their role in driving socio-economic development through enhanced digital connectivity. #MTNRwanda #4GNetwork #DigitalTransformation #Telecommunications #Connectivity #RwandaProgress #Ambition2025 #DigitalServices #CommunityImpact To read more: https://zurl.co/dsM9

Vodacom Group has announced a successful quarter, driven by strategic investments in spectrum and infrastructure across several African markets. The company’s recent upgrades in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mozambique, and Tanzania, alongside a 19.7% increase in 4G sites, contributed to a notable 5.7% growth in normalized service revenue, reaching $402 million (R7.4 billion) for the quarter ending in June. Group CEO Shameel Joosub highlighted the impressive growth, particularly in the DRC and Tanzania, where the latter saw strong local currency performance. M-PESA Africa and data revenue also showed robust growth, with increases of 10.9% and 15.5%, respectively. Vodacom’s international customer base grew to 55 million, supported by significant network investment and a 29.6% rise in data traffic. In addition to these advancements, Vodacom is pushing forward with a new daily repayment model to enhance smartphone penetration. The company is also in the process of acquiring a joint control stake in South African fibre operator MAZIV, a move expected to expand fibre reach and foster economic development in South Africa. Joosub’s update underscores Vodacom’s commitment to expanding its network and digital capabilities across Africa, reinforcing its position as a leading telecom provider on the continent. #VodacomGroup #Telecoms #AfricanGrowth #SpectrumInvestment #4GExpansion #DigitalTransformation #MergersAndAcquisitions #EconomicDevelopment #SmartphonePenetration #NetworkInvestment

++ Airtel Zambia Partners with #ZICB to Boost SME Digital Connectivity ++ Airtel Networks Zambia plc has entered into a strategic partnership with Zambia Industrial Commercial Bank (ZICB) aimed at significantly transforming the business landscape for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Zambia. This collaboration will provide ZICB’s SME customers with advanced digital connectivity through 4G and 5G internet devices. This initiative underscores the commitment of both Airtel Zambia and ZICB to support the growth and development of SMEs by ensuring they have access to reliable and high-speed internet services. By leveraging Airtel’s robust 4G and 5G infrastructure, SMEs will be better equipped to operate efficiently, access new markets, and enhance their overall business performance. #techafricanews #africa #zambia #sme #internet #services #4g #5g #digital #connectivity #business

#Nigeria's journey towards a digitized economy is advancing rapidly with the Industry and Government partnering on initiatives to enhance connectivity and digital policy frameworks. Efforts include supporting the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy's strategic plan, developing affordable access strategies for digital devices, investing in broadband and supporting digital startups to drive economic growth and innovation. 🔍 Dive deeper into how these initiatives align with Nigeria’s development goals and are setting the stage for a fully digitized economy: https://lnkd.in/dpuWhRnC #DigitalEconomy MTN MTN Nigeria Airtel Africa Airtel Nigeria Globacom 9mobile Nigerian Communications Commission

𝐓𝐢𝐠𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐘𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐧-𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 Tigo Tanzania has rebranded to Yas Tanzania as part of AXIAN Telecom Group's broader initiative to unify its pan-African operations, with its mobile financial services arm Tigo Pesa now operating as Mixx by Yas. The change follows Axian Telecom's 2022 acquisition of Tigo and Zantel in partnership with Tanzanian businessman Rostam Aziz. The rebranding reflects Axian Telecom's ambition to consolidate its position as a pan-African digital and financial powerhouse, with operations unified across Tanzania, Senegal, and Togo. Interim CEO Jerome Albou highlighted the company's commitment to innovation with 23.5 million customers across markets. The initiative aims to enhance synergies and streamline services while advancing digital inclusion and connectivity, with plans to offer widespread 4G and 5G networks. The company sees this as a pivotal step in transforming Africa's digital landscape through sustainable technology solutions. #AxianTelecom #Tanzania #MobileMoney #DigitalAfrica

A real digital transformation is underway in Africa, as it is in the rest of the world. The most dynamic countries around the world have embraced digital technologies most effectively. Mobile is the foundation for all of this in Africa so it is vital that we look beyond the immediate boundaries of the sector and consider the impact that digitalization has already had and the potential impact that it will have in the future. Keep up with insights from the GSMA Sub- Saharan Africa work on #digitalization and find out more on what countries are doing with regards to driving the #DigitalEconomy. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dX5rfyK4 MTN Airtel Africa MTN Nigeria Airtel Nigeria Airtel RDC TechAfrica News VODACOM CONGO (RDC) S.A Globacom 9mobile MTN Ghana Telecel Ghana AT Ghana MTN Zambia Moov Africa Bénin