Author: Akin Naphtal

Safaricom has announced the appointment of Edward Okaro as an independent non-executive director, effective January 15, 2025. In a statement, the company highlighted Okaro’s extensive experience spanning over 30 years in financial management, audit, and strategic risk management. “Mr. Okaro is an audit professional with over thirty (30) years’ experience in financial management, audit, and strategic risk management. Mr. Okaro previously worked with Ernst & Young for twenty-six (26) years, rising to the position of director and subsequently partner in Ernst & Young Africa Risk Services,” the notice stated. ALSO READ: DELOITTE FORECASTS GROWTH FOR CLOUD COMPUTING, TELECOM IN WEST…

Deloitte, a leading global professional services firm, has projected transformative growth in West Africa’s cloud computing and telecommunications sectors by 2025. It emphasizes the pivotal role of 5G networks in driving cloud adoption, improving connectivity, and reducing latency. The report by the London-based multinational highlights the critical role of 5G networks in accelerating cloud adoption, enhancing connectivity, and reducing latency. In its 2025 preview, Deloitte West Africa emphasized that businesses must embrace advanced technologies to remain competitive as consumer expectations for seamless digital experiences grow. The cloud computing market in Nigeria and Ghana is primed for significant expansion in 2025,…

In a move for the telecommunications sector, MTN South Sudan and the National Communications Authority (NCA) have officially introduced electronic SIM (eSIM) technology to the local market. MTN South Sudan has taken the lead as the first operator in the country to roll out eSIM technology, marking a significant step in enhancing digital connectivity. Speaking at the launch, Ali Monzer, CEO of MTN South Sudan, emphasized the milestone’s importance. “Today marks another milestone in South Sudan’s telecommunications journey. As MTN, we are proud to be the first operator in the country to launch eSIM technology. This is not just about…

OpenAI has named Adebayo Ogunlesi, a senior managing director at BlackRock Inc., to its board of directors, marking a significant addition as the company ramps up its infrastructure and energy resources to support the demands of advanced artificial intelligence systems. Widely recognized for his expertise in infrastructure investments, Ogunlesi brings decades of leadership experience to the San Francisco-based AI leader. Before joining BlackRock, he led Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), which was acquired by BlackRock in a $12 billion deal last year, elevating him to billionaire status. OpenAI welcomed Ogunlesi, highlighting his extensive expertise. “We’re pleased to announce Adebayo ‘Bayo’ Ogunlesi…

The U.S. Department of State hosted the inaugural U.S.-Nigeria Technology Dialogue big step in bilateral cooperation on technology and innovation. A key highlight of the event was the signing of a $2.1 million grant to evaluate the deployment of over 90,000 kilometers of new fiber optic infrastructure across Nigeria. The grant, funded by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, supports Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan (2020-2025), which aims to increase broadband penetration to 70% and provide affordable access to 90% of the population. Deputy Secretary Kurt Campbell led the dialogue, welcoming a senior Nigerian delegation headed by the Honorable Minister of…

Mastercard has opened its first office in Accra, Ghana. This move underscores the global payment company’s commitment to fostering a vibrant digital economy in the region by introducing innovative financial products and services tailored to the Ghanaian market. Establishing a physical presence in Ghana is part of Mastercard’s strategy to deepen relationships with local stakeholders and promote inclusive growth across West Africa. The Accra office aims to facilitate closer collaboration and enhance Mastercard’s ability to provide bespoke solutions that positively impact the country’s financial ecosystem. “Opening our office in Ghana marks an important milestone in our commitment to deepening relationships…

Orange and Vodacom have announced a partnership to create the first-ever rural tower collaboration in Africa. The initiative will focus on building, owning, and operating solar-powered mobile base stations in underserved regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This partnership is set to extend network coverage, bringing telecommunications and mobile financial services to up to 19 million people in rural communities, reinforcing efforts to bridge the digital divide and drive inclusive growth. The DRC faces significant challenges in deploying and operating networks in remote areas. To address this, Orange and Vodacom have pledged to jointly construct up to 2,000…

From its inception, Africa’s unicorn startups have achieved remarkable feats, collectively raising $3.9 billion since 2019. These nine companies represent nearly a quarter (23%) of all the funding raised on the continent in the past six years. Their journey not only highlights their successes but underscores the transformative power of innovation in Africa’s tech landscape. Here’s a chronological breakdown of their rise to unicorn status: 1) Interswitch In November 2019, Interswitch, a Nigerian fintech became Africa’s first unicorn in years, thanks to a significant $200 million investment from Visa with its valuation worth $1 billion. In May 2022, it raised…

Côte d’Ivoire is set to enhance public service delivery with the opening of a new digital service center in Yopougon’s Cosmos Mall later this year. The facility will feature a self-service area equipped with interactive terminals, enabling users to carry out administrative procedures independently. Additionally, assisted services will be available, with agents on hand to guide users through processes. Notably, the center will operate 24/7, offering round-the-clock access to essential services. The center will cater to administrative needs related to road transport, including issuing registration certificates, driving licenses, and carrier cards. It forms part of a broader national strategy to…

Luxembourg,in collaboration with the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC), has launched a critical initiative to address the information and technology gap in Africa’s conflict-prone Sahel region. Through the project, over 3,650 users, including host communities, refugees, and youth aged 18 to 34, are receiving access to vital digital services, training, and resources. Burkina Faso and Niger are the first countries to benefit from the ETC project, which is focused on delivering tailored ICT solutions to enhance access to lifesaving information, global connectivity, and digital skills development. ETC, a global network of organizations dedicated to providing shared communication services during humanitarian emergencies,…