Author: Akin Naphtal

Telecom giant Vodafone has signed a major agreement with Amazon Leo, Amazon’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite broadband network, to connect more 4G and 5G mobile base stations in hard-to-reach areas, dramatically improving coverage and network resilience across Europe and Africa. The partnership enables Vodafone to deploy base stations more quickly and cost-effectively in regions without existing fibre or fixed wireless infrastructure, bypassing the high expenses and delays associated with traditional backhaul methods. Amazon Leo provides high-speed connectivity—up to 1 Gbps download and 400 Mbps upload—linking remote masts directly to Vodafone’s core network. The deal also enhances network reliability for…

German cleaning technology company Kärcher has appointed Joe Lahoud as Regional President for its newly unified Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, placing 68 countries under a single leadership structure as part of efforts to streamline operations and accelerate growth. The company announced on Monday that the consolidation merges its Middle East and African businesses into one coordinated structure designed to enhance access to its portfolio of more than 1,000 professional and consumer cleaning products. These include high-pressure cleaners, industrial scrubber driers, autonomous robots and municipal sweepers. ALSO READ: AIRTEL AFRICA REAFFIRMS DATA PRIVACY COMMITMENT FOR 2026   Under the new framework, Lahoud…

As a leading telecommunications provider connecting millions across the continent, Airtel Africa has reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding customer data, emphasizing that trust is at the core of its operations. During International Data Privacy Week (January 25–30, 2026), teams across Airtel Africa’s operating companies (OpCos) united for a series of engaging, hands-on activities designed to deepen understanding of data protection.   ALSO READ: FAAN, MTN NIGERIA ROLL OUT FREE AIRPORT WIFI AT LAGOS, ABUJA HUBS   Employees participated in interactive quizzes, team discussions, debates, and specialized training sessions that highlighted what trust means in practice and how everyday decisions play a critical role in…

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), in partnership with MTN Nigeria, has officially launched free WiFi services at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Terminal 2 and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, marking a significant step toward enhancing passenger experience and strengthening digital infrastructure across Nigeria’s aviation sector. The official unveiling took place at MMIA Terminal 2 in Lagos, where FAAN’s Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, was represented by the Director of Airport Operations, Captain Abdullahi Mahmood. Also present at the ceremony was MTN Nigeria’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Lynda Saint-Nwafor, who represented the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Karl Toriola. ALSO…

MTN Group has agreed to acquire IHS Holding Ltd. in an all-cash transaction valued at $6.2 billion, in a move set to reshape Africa’s digital infrastructure landscape. IHS announced Tuesday that shareholders will receive $8.50 per share — a 239% premium to its share price at the start of its strategic review in March 2024. The board unanimously approved the deal and recommended it to shareholders. ALSO READ: MAROC TELECOM POSTS $760M PROFIT ON STRONG AFRICAN GROWTH   MTN has committed to vote its shares in favour of the transaction, while long-term shareholder Wendel also pledged support, securing over 40% backing ahead of the vote.…

Maroc Telecom reported a net profit of $760 million (MAD 6.969 billion) for 2025, marking a dramatic rebound driven by operational recovery and stronger cross-border performance. The result represents a 288% increase compared to 2024, underscoring how a diversified regional footprint is helping the operator navigate domestic pressures while funding long-term infrastructure upgrades. The company also revealed that its turnover for 2025 reached $4 billion (MAD 36.7 billion), a 1.4% increase from 2024. Maroc Telecom attributed the growth primarily to international operations, which rose by 5.3%, fueled by rising demand for data, mobile money, and broadband services across its African subsidiaries. The operator…

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has activated the country’s inaugural trial of Digital Sound Broadcasting (DSB) services in Nairobi, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of radio broadcasting as the world observes World Radio Day 2026. The trial, facilitated by the CA, introduces Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB+) technology to address longstanding challenges in the FM spectrum. Sound broadcasting reaches approximately 98% of Kenyan homes and supports around 300 licensed services. However, VHF Band II FM frequencies (87.5–108.0 MHz) are saturated in major urban areas, resulting in limited room for new broadcasters, increased interference, and suboptimal audio quality. ALSO…

Open Access Data Centres (OADC), Africa’s fastest-growing data centre company, has completed the strategic acquisition of seven NTT DATA data centres in South Africa, significantly expanding its national footprint and boosting its total capacity to over 25 megawatts. The transaction, finalised on 31 December 2025 following approval by the Competition Commission, adds seven facilities to OADC’s portfolio. The company, which operates in South Africa, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), further strengthens its “core-to-edge” proposition to meet rising demand for digital services across Southern Africa. ALSO READ: MASTERCARD, AKBANK UNITE TO POWER WOMEN-LED SMES IN TÜRKIYE   Dr Ayotunde (Tunde) Coker, CEO of OADC,…

The Mastercard Impact Fund (MIF), administered by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, has partnered with Akbank T.A.Ş. to expand financing for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Türkiye, with a strong focus on women-owned businesses and enterprises in earthquake-affected regions. The initiative aligns with the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) $100 million credit facility to Akbank and includes longer-term financing support. The program will strengthen Akbank’s lending capacity to women-led MSMEs while expanding its Transformation Academy to deliver broader non-financial services, including training, mentorship, and business advisory support. ALSO READ: KENYA CHAMPIONS GREEN AI INFRASTRUCTURE AT NAIROBI AI FORUM 2026   Kaan Gür, CEO of Akbank, reaffirmed the bank’s…

The adoption of robust and scalable Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure tailored to Africa’s unique context will unlock economic growth and create vast opportunities across the continent and beyond, stakeholders declared at the official opening of the Nairobi AI Forum 2026. The two-day Forum, themed “Accelerating Adoption & Impact: Building Green Scalable AI Infrastructure with Africa’s Innovators,” was officially opened in Nairobi by the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, H.E. Hon. William Kabogo Gitau, E.G.H. ALSO READ: GOOGLE TAPS TOTALENERGIES TO POWER AI GROWTH WITH TEXAS SOLAR DEAL   In his address, CS Kabogo underscored Kenya’s strong commitment to leveraging AI and digital technologies…