Author: Akin Naphtal

Kenya has launched the SecureKE Sovereign Security Operations Centre (SOC) at Konza Technopolis, in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s national cybersecurity capabilities and protecting its growing digital infrastructure. The launch was announced by Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, who said the centre would provide shared cybersecurity services to government institutions and private-sector organisations. The facility is designed to support continuous security monitoring, AI-assisted threat detection, incident investigation, vulnerability management and coordinated cyber response. The initiative comes as Kenya expands digital connectivity and moves more public services online through its Digital Superhighway programme. According to Tanui, the country had recorded…

Mastercard has partnered with LiaPay, a payroll and employee financial services app operated by fintech company Liabify, to introduce Mastercard prepaid cards for salaried workers across four Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets. The partnership aims to give employees faster and more secure access to their wages while expanding their ability to make everyday digital payments. The initiative combines LiaPay’s payroll-integrated earned wage access (EWA) and digital wallet services with Mastercard’s payment network. Aligned with local Wage Protection Systems (WPS) and supported by regulated financial institutions, the platform allows employees to access a portion of the salary they have already earned…

President William Ruto has nominated Lydia Sitienei, currently Director of Legal Services and Corporation Secretary at the Communications Authority of Kenya, to serve as the country’s second Data Commissioner, following a recommendation by the Public Service Commission. The nomination, announced by the Executive Office of the President, has been submitted to the National Assembly for consideration and approval under the Data Protection Act, Cap 411C. Should Parliament approve her appointment, Sitienei will succeed Immaculate Kassait, the inaugural Data Commissioner, whose six-year tenure is nearing its end, and will take charge of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC). The…

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…