Author: Akin Naphtal

MTN Nigeria, in partnership with Huawei, has launched the country’s first hybrid 400G-800G Automatically Switched Optical Network (ASON), setting a new benchmark for high-speed connectivity in West Africa. Unveiled today, this innovative network marks a pivotal moment in strengthening Nigeria’s digital backbone, delivering unprecedented transmission speeds and resilience to meet the surging demand for data. The hybrid ASON integrates 400G and 800G high-speed optical channels, positioning MTN Nigeria at the forefront of broadband innovation. By leveraging Huawei’s cutting-edge 400G/800G platforms, including advanced Optical Cross-Connect (OXC) systems and hybrid ASON architecture, the network achieves rapid data transmission while reducing operational costs…

Digital Realty has joined forces with the London Internet Exchange (LINX) to unveil LINXAccra, a major new interconnection hub based in Accra, Ghana. Launched at Digital Realty’s state-of-the-art ACR2 carrier-neutral data center, LINXAccra stands as one of the continent’s largest interconnection points, poised to revolutionize connectivity in the region. The partnership enables Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to connect directly to LINX at the Accra facility, unlocking enhanced performance, greater reliability, and a superior internet experience for consumers. With LINXAccra now live, international content providers can localize their services in Ghana, delivering faster streaming, quicker downloads, and a significant reduction in…

NTT Data, a global technology powerhouse, will usher in a new era of leadership in Europe with the appointment of Anne-Sophie Lotgering as CEO of its European operations. Succeeding Chieri Kimura, Lotgering will report directly to Abhijit Dubey, president and global CEO, as she takes the helm to drive innovation and growth across the region. With over two decades of leadership in IT services and telecommunications, Lotgering brings a wealth of expertise to NTT Data. Her illustrious career includes senior roles at Orange and Microsoft, where she served as general manager for Microsoft Services in Central and Eastern Europe. Most…

Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, Managing Director of Digital Realty Nigeria, has been honoured as the Digital Economy Icon of the Year at the 2025 Digital Innovation Awards (DIA), held at the Labadi Beach Resort in Accra. The award recognizes his outstanding contributions to advancing Africa’s digital infrastructure, cementing his reputation as a transformative leader in the continent’s technology sector. The Digital Innovation Awards, organized by InstinctWave, is one of Africa’s foremost platforms celebrating excellence in ICT and digital transformation. This year’s ceremony highlighted the pivotal role of data centers and digital infrastructure in shaping Africa’s economic future. Mr Akin Naphtal, CEO,…

Mobile money subscriptions in Kenya surged by 7.3% to 45.4 million users in the quarter ending March 2025, according to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) Third Quarter Sector Statistics Report for the Financial Year 2024/2025. This growth has driven the country’s mobile money penetration rate to an impressive 86.6%. The CA attributes the rise in mobile money usage to a parallel 6.7% increase in active mobile (SIM) subscriptions, reaching 76.2 million and reflecting a 145.3% penetration rate. “This growth in active mobile subscriptions is driven by effective customer win-back campaigns by operators,” the CA noted in its report. ALSO…

Airtel Uganda has expanded its 4G network to Kassanda district, delivering faster and more reliable connectivity to residents and businesses as part of its nationwide coverage campaign. The new network sites are already transforming call quality and data experiences, empowering local communities with better access to digital services. During a recent visit to Kassanda, Airtel Uganda’s Managing Director, Soumendra Sahu, engaged with customers, agents, and community members to assess the impact of the upgraded infrastructure. The expansion is driving economic participation, improving access to knowledge, and fostering affordable connectivity for local businesses and families. ALSO READ: GHANA’S ICT MINISTER INSPIRES…

Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, today visited Girls in ICT training centres across the Volta Region, engaging with young trainees to promote digital skills and STEM education. The centres included In My Father’s House, RC Basic School in Abor, Keta Municipal, and Amissah-Arthur Learning Centre in Ohawu, Ketu North District. The minister expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, which aims to train 3,000 girls and 300 teachers in digital skills this year. “The Girls in ICT program is a flagship effort to equip a new generation of girls with future-ready skills,” George said, highlighting its…

OpenAI has launched Codex, its most advanced AI coding agent, now available to ChatGPT Pro, Enterprise, and Team subscribers. The cloud-based tool, introduced in a research preview, promises to revolutionize software development by automating complex tasks, allowing developers to focus on high-value work. Codex can write features, debug code, answer codebase queries, and propose pull requests, handling multiple tasks simultaneously. While tasks may take one to 30 minutes, users retain full computer access during processing. OpenAI is offering “generous access at no additional cost” for a limited period before introducing pricing and rate limits. “We envision a future where developers…

Colt Data Centre Services (Colt DCS) has reaffirmed its leadership in sustainable data centre operations, securing its EcoVadis Platinum rating for the third consecutive year and achieving a remarkable 32% reduction in absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions since 2019, according to its latest sustainability report. This milestone, accomplished amidst operational expansion in high-growth markets like Japan and India, underscores Colt DCS’s commitment to environmental stewardship and aligns with the growing demand for sustainable infrastructure in Africa’s burgeoning digital economy. The company’s environmental achievements are notable. Colt DCS eliminated Scope 2 emissions through 100% renewable electricity sourcing,…

Safaricom Ethiopia has relaunched its 4G network in Arbaminch City, marking a significant step in its nationwide expansion while reinforcing its commitment to social good through a partnership with Mary Joy Ethiopia, a leading NGO supporting vulnerable women and children. The relaunch event in the Gamo Zone showcased Safaricom’s dual focus on connectivity and compassion. CEO Wim Vanhelleputte emphasized, “We’re not just building a network; we’re fostering community resilience, opportunity, and hope.” As part of its humanitarian efforts, Safaricom donated approximately $9,000 (500,000 Birr) to equip a new elderly care centre managed by Mary Joy Ethiopia. The facility provides essential…