Author: Akin Naphtal

Africa’s leading carrier-neutral digital infrastructure platform has signed a Shareholder Subscription Agreement with Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and Vision International Investment Company (Vision Invest), under which the two investors will inject a combined US$300 million into the company. The agreement was signed at the LEAP 2026 Global Technology exhibition in Riyadh. The investment marks a major milestone in WIOCC’s growth strategy and will support its mission to build and operate open-access critical infrastructure across the continent, strengthening the digital foundations of Africa’s economic transformation. The funding comes as demand for data, cloud services and artificial intelligence continues to rise. According…

MTN Nigeria has introduced FlyX, a new broadband solution designed to extend reliable internet connectivity to households and small businesses across the country. Launched in Lagos on August 31, the solution combines Outdoor Units (ODUs) with an indoor component, leveraging MTN’s 4G and 5G networks to provide broadband access in locations where fibre connectivity is unavailable or indoor network reception is limited. According to MTN, the ODUs are designed to capture stronger network signals from outside buildings, improving connectivity and bringing high-speed internet to areas that may otherwise experience weaker indoor reception. READ ALSO: CYBASTION UNVEILS $75M AI DATA CENTRE…

Cybastion has announced a planned $75 million investment in an AI-powered data centre and power plant in Cameroon, as the U.S.-based technology company strengthens its digital infrastructure presence across Africa. The investment was disclosed by the U.S. Embassy in Cameroon on August 27, during the inaugural U.S.-Cameroon Bilateral Economic and Commercial Dialogue held in Douala. The project is part of a wider announcement by the U.S. Embassy highlighting approximately $7 billion in new and expanding U.S. investment and trade opportunities in Cameroon. Prior to the bilateral dialogue, Cybastion’s Senior Director of Infrastructure Solutions, Daniel Epee Lea, moderated a high-level panel…

Ericsson and Mobily have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at LEAP 2026 to strengthen network operations and optimisation while advancing network automation. The partnership will support Mobily’s goal of achieving Level 4 network autonomy in selected use cases, with AI and autonomous networks at the centre of its strategy. The initiative also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation goals under Vision 2030. The MoU provides a framework for Ericsson and Mobily to jointly develop and deploy autonomous network use cases through the Ericsson Operations Engine (EOE). The initiative builds on Mobily’s existing operational model, which has supported the development…

Airtel Nigeria has opened two premium experience centres in Lagos, marking a continuation of its retail expansion strategy aimed at bringing its telecommunications and digital services closer to customers. Located at DAT Mall in Sangotedo and in Marina, the new centres were officially commissioned by Airtel Africa Group Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar. With this latest expansion, Airtel Nigeria’s premium experience centres now number more than 350, as the company continues working toward its target of rolling out 500 centres nationwide. These centres give customers access to a wide range of Airtel offerings, including mobile connectivity, Fibre, Home Broadband, Outdoor…

Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC) is set to enter Botswana’s commercial 5G market, with plans to introduce 5G services in selected parts of Gaborone in October. The operator plans to invest more than P240 million (approximately US$17.8 million) during the 2026/27 financial year to speed up its 5G rollout, strengthen 4G coverage and expand network capacity. This follows an investment of more than P225.5 million (about US$16.7 million) in network infrastructure upgrades during the previous financial year. After the initial deployment in Gaborone, BTC intends to extend its 5G network to other major cities and villages as it works toward achieving…

Banco BCS and Mastercard have announced a strategic partnership to expand Mastercard-enabled debit and credit card services and strengthen digital payment options for customers in Angola. The partnership is aimed at meeting the increasing demand for faster, simpler, and more secure payment methods while enhancing Banco BCS’s card offerings and overall customer experience. Under the initiative, Banco BCS will introduce payment solutions designed to meet different customer lifestyles and financial needs. Existing Mastercard Gold and Mastercard World cardholders will also gain access to enhanced services and benefits. Eligible customers will have access to The Mastercard Collection, which offers a range…

Zoho, a global technology company, has partnered with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to expand access to affordable cloud technology for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria. Under the partnership, Zoho will provide wallet credits worth up to ₦20 billion to as many as 25,000 eligible MSMEs within SMEDAN’s network. The initiative combines SMEDAN’s support for the MSME sector with Zoho’s range of scalable cloud-based business applications. The programme supports SMEDAN’s GROW Nigerian strategy, which focuses on business formalisation, access to finance and markets, productivity and digital adoption. It also complements the agency’s…

SunTrust Bank Nigeria Limited is celebrating its 10th anniversary with renewed confidence following the successful completion of its recapitalisation programme. The milestone strengthens the Bank’s financial position and provides greater capacity to improve customer service, increase technology investments and support sustainable growth. Since beginning commercial banking operations in 2016, SunTrust Bank has grown alongside Nigeria’s evolving financial services sector, offering banking solutions to individuals, SMEs and corporate customers while responding to changing market conditions and customer needs. Over the past decade, the Bank has established a reputation for responsive service and strong customer relationships, while expanding its retail and business…

Amir Hayek has stepped into the role of Senior Vice President, Regional Core Payments Commercialization for Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (EEMEA) at Mastercard, marking a significant new chapter in his more than 12-year career with the global payments company. Hayek announced the appointment, expressing enthusiasm for the expanded mandate. “I’m excited to begin a new chapter as SVP, Core Payments Commercialization, EEMEA at Mastercard,” he said. “Since joining Mastercard in 2014, I’ve had the privilege of taking on five roles across levels, functions, and continents. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities, experiences, and trust that have shaped…