Author: Akin Naphtal

Deloitte UK is set to open a new AI Studio at its London campus in late July, in partnership with Google Cloud, marking a major push to help British businesses scale autonomous “agentic” AI systems that deliver real-world outcomes beyond basic productivity gains. The studio will function as a co-innovation hub where Deloitte experts and clients collaborate to build and deploy production-ready agentic AI solutions. It will initially focus on high-impact sectors including the public sector, financial services, retail, healthcare, and technology, media and telecommunications (TMT), with particular emphasis on transforming business models and workflows in healthcare and TMT. Speaking…

As businesses across Zimbabwe and the continent seek faster, more secure, and seamless financial solutions, Ecobank is positioning itself at the forefront of digital payments transformation, according to Blessed Chimbgha, Head of Payments, Cash Management, and Digital Client Access for Ecobank Zimbabwe. In a detailed reflection on his role, Chimbgha described the bank’s payments business as the “engine room” for delivering next-generation digital platforms tailored for mining companies, corporates, and SMEs. “At Ecobank, we treat our collective expertise as the engine room for building next-generation digital platforms for the mining and business clients to deliver world-class payment solutions,” Chimbgha said.…

Telecommunications giant Ericsson has announced the appointment of Per Narvinger as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, following the decision of long-serving CEO Börje Ekholm to step down from the role. According to the company, Narvinger will officially assume the position on October 1, 2026, succeeding Ekholm, who will retire after nearly a decade as Ericsson’s CEO. Ekholm will step down on September 30, 2026, and will remain with the company as an executive advisor to support the leadership transition until June 15, 2027. Narvinger, who joined Ericsson in 1997, brings nearly three decades of experience across multiple areas…

Avanti Communications and SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation have signed a satellite purchase agreement for the Ka-band communications satellite HYLAS 3, currently owned and operated by Avanti in geostationary orbit. The acquisition forms part of SKY Perfect JSAT’s broader strategy to strengthen its space business. The satellite is expected to begin operations under the new name JSAT-144D in early fiscal year 2027. HYLAS 3 is equipped with advanced Ka-band multi-spot beams, offering high-capacity communications and flexible network configurations. By integrating it with SKY Perfect JSAT’s existing Ku-band satellite fleet, the Japanese company will create a highly reliable multi-band communications network capable…

Spiro has appointed Anant Badjatya, the former chief executive officer of Indofast Energy, as its new Group CEO in a significant leadership restructuring aimed at accelerating its growth across the continent. The appointment comes shortly after the company secured a $215 million equity investment, one of the largest disclosed funding rounds in Africa’s electric mobility sector. As part of the leadership changes, Kaushik Burman, who previously served as Spiro’s CEO, will now head the company’s mobility services division. The unit oversees electric vehicle deployment, rider leasing programmes, battery subscription services, and fleet operations. Badjatya joins Spiro with extensive experience in…

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the business landscape, small businesses are leading the charge with remarkable speed and resilience. According to Bluehost Group CEO Sachin Puri, these enterprises — which make up 99.9% of U.S. businesses and contribute nearly half of the nation’s GDP — are not only adopting AI at record rates but are fundamentally rethinking their digital strategies to thrive amid economic and technological disruption. “Small businesses are the earliest responders to economic and technological change. They feel disruption first and they adapt the fastest,” said Puri. “AI adoption among small businesses has officially exploded.” Citing a…

MTN Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola, has declared that truly unlimited data plans are unrealistic on mobile networks, warning that no operator can sustainably deliver quality service if every customer enjoys unrestricted access at low prices. Toriola made the remarks on Saturday during a press conference titled “Data on Trial” held in Lagos, where he addressed growing consumer demand for affordable unlimited internet packages amid concerns over data pricing. “The issue of unlimited data on mobile network, it does not exist anywhere in the world, except you are paying $400 a month or whatever,” Toriola said. “There are high…

China is set to expand its support for Zambia’s digital transformation following high-level discussions between officials from both nations on deepening cooperation in digital infrastructure, emerging technologies, and skills development. The talks, held between Nkula Mwanza, Director of Digital Communications at Zambia’s Ministry of Technology and Science, and Han Jing, China’s Ambassador to Zambia, signal a potential broadening of Beijing’s already significant footprint in the country’s technology and infrastructure sectors. China has long been a key partner for Zambia in telecommunications and digital connectivity. Chinese firms such as Huawei and ZTE have played major roles in expanding telecom networks, advancing…

In the fiercely competitive telecommunications industry, where customer experience has become the ultimate differentiator, few professionals command the depth of expertise and institutional impact that Dr. Lawrence Akosen brings to the table. With over 23 years of distinguished service at MTN Ghana, Akosen has risen through the ranks to become one of the most influential voices in customer experience strategy across West Africa. As Senior Manager for Customer Experience Planning and Enablement, he stands at the forefront of shaping how millions of Ghanaian customers interact with one of Africa’s largest telecom brands. His career is a masterclass in the evolution…

Safaricom, Kenya’s dominant telecom operator, is intensifying its push into the affordable broadband market, introducing entry-level internet packages starting at KES 800 ($6) per month to challenge smaller providers that have long dominated price-sensitive neighbourhoods. The company is currently piloting a pay-as-you-go wireless internet service called Wi-Fi Bamba in densely populated, low-income areas including Kawangware, Kangemi, and Kiambu Bus Park. According to Safaricom, the pilot has already attracted more than 800 active users. The service targets budget-conscious customers in high-footfall locations such as markets and bus parks. “Wi-Fi Bamba is currently in the pilot phase within densely populated areas of…