Author: Akin Naphtal

Alexandra Olive Naa Korkoi Mensah As global leaders prepare to meet in Doha, Qatar, Ghana has an opportunity to advance a digital agenda that places people, opportunity and inclusion at its centre. For a young Ghanaian learning to code or a family without reliable mobile connectivity, digital transformation means opportunity, improved livelihoods and participation in a connected world. This is the broader context for the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference, PP-26, scheduled for November 9 to 27, 2026, in Doha. PP-26, the ITU’s highest policy-making conference, will determine its strategic direction, elect leadership and approve strategic and financial plans…

Ghana has called for stronger international cooperation, investment in digital infrastructure and equitable access to emerging technologies to ensure that the global digital revolution benefits all countries, particularly developing economies. The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, made the call at the Doha Ministerial Roundtable in Qatar, where he emphasised that the future of digital development must be defined by inclusion, partnership and practical action. He warned of an emerging digital divide centred on access to computing power, quality data and the capacity to develop advanced technologies. Using the example of a young Ghanaian innovator…

Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, has joined global telecommunications leaders, policymakers and industry stakeholders at the 2026 edition of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Doha, Qatar, as the country seeks to strengthen international partnerships and accelerate its digital transformation agenda. The three-day congress officially opened on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC), bringing together key players across the global telecommunications and technology ecosystem to deliberate on emerging technologies, digital innovation, connectivity and the future of the digital economy. Organised by the Global System for Mobile Communications…

Telecom Egypt is showcasing its artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, cybersecurity and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions at Cairo ICT 2026 as it expands its focus beyond traditional connectivity into enterprise digital services. The operator is participating in the 30th edition of the exhibition, taking place in New Cairo from 7 to 10 November, under its “Beyond Connectivity” strategy. The strategy focuses on developing digital solutions tailored to businesses and public institutions across Egypt. Its portfolio targets sectors including healthcare, education, manufacturing, smart cities, ports, airports, hospitality and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). READ ALSO: KENYA’S WAYAWAYA, CHOICE BANK PARTNER…

Fintech company WayaWaya has partnered with Choice Bank to launch WayaWaya Banking, a digital banking service that enables users to open bank accounts, hold funds in multiple currencies, make local and international transfers, and pay utility bills under the regulatory framework of the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). Under the partnership, Choice Bank will provide the regulated banking infrastructure, while WayaWaya will manage the technology platform and customer experience. The arrangement combines Choice Bank’s banking capabilities with WayaWaya’s digital services and personalisation technology. The service is built around what WayaWaya calls “Intelligent Adaptive Banking”, an approach that uses artificial intelligence…

Ericsson has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s digital transformation through sustained investment in telecommunications infrastructure, expanded connectivity, skills development and strategic partnerships, as the country advances its digital economy ambitions. Patrick Johansson, President, Market Area Europe, Middle East and Africa at Ericsson, made this known following a recent visit to Addis Ababa, where he engaged with customers, government stakeholders, the Swedish Embassy, Business Sweden and other key players in Ethiopia’s digital ecosystem. Johansson described Ethiopia as entering a significant phase in its digital development, noting that strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure, broadening access to connectivity and developing local capabilities…

Mauritius Telecom has launched the myt Learning Hub, a free online learning platform designed to make digital and artificial intelligence (AI) skills accessible to people across Mauritius. The initiative supports the government’s target of training 50,000 citizens in digital skills. The platform was unveiled at the Telecom Tower in the presence of Dr. Avinash Ramtohul, Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation; Dr. Kaviraj Sharma Sukon, Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Research; Sarat Lallah, Chairman of Mauritius Telecom, and other dignitaries. Developed through a joint initiative between Mauritius Telecom and Amazon Web Services (AWS), the Learning Hub will initially…

Mastercard has partnered with South African payments platform Glyde Payments to introduce a virtual card solution aimed at simplifying supplier payments for travel businesses across Southern Africa. The solution, powered by the Mastercard Wholesale Program, allows travel agencies and intermediaries to generate a unique Virtual Card Number (VCN) for each booking and supplier transaction. The launch marks the first issuance of a Mastercard Wholesale Program card in Southern Africa, extending the programme’s virtual payment capabilities to the region’s travel industry. It is designed to give businesses greater control over payments by allowing them to set transaction limits based on the…

Apple has reported quarterly revenue of $114.5 billion for its fiscal fourth quarter ended 26 September 2026, representing a 12% increase year over year. The company also recorded diluted earnings per share of $2.10, up 14%, as iPhone sales reached a September-quarter record and its Services business achieved an all-time high. Apple’s gross margin stood at 47.9%, including an estimated one-percentage-point benefit from tariff refunds. The refunds also contributed $0.05 to diluted earnings per share. For the full fiscal year, the company reported record revenue of $479 billion, alongside double-digit earnings-per-share growth. Apple CEO John Ternus described the results as…

MTN Uganda has reported an 8.5% increase in service revenue to Ush2.84 trillion for the nine months ended 30 September 2026, supported by growth in data and fintech services. The telecommunications company’s total subscriber base also increased by 12.5% to 26.4 million, maintaining its market leadership with a 63.4% subscriber market share. Data revenue grew by 12.8% to Ush860.6 billion, while fintech revenue increased by 11.6% to Ush902.8 billion. The company’s active data subscribers rose by 14.3% to 12.6 million, while active fintech subscribers increased by 8.6% to 15.5 million. Mobile money transaction value grew by 18.3% to Ush166.6 trillion…