Author: Akin Naphtal

Google has named Preeti Lobana as the new leader of its India business, filling a significant role that had been vacant since Sanjay Gupta’s promotion to Asia-Pacific president in July. Previously serving as the vice president of advertising technology at Google, Lobana steps into her new position as the company intensifies efforts to promote its artificial intelligence (AI) products in India, a critical market for the tech giant. Lobana, who joined Google in 2016, brings a wealth of experience from both the tech and banking sectors, having previously held roles at NatWest, American Express, and Standard Chartered. India remains a…

The UK government has introduced sweeping planning reforms to accelerate the approval process for building data centers, particularly on green belt land. These changes, spearheaded by the Labour government, are designed to modernize the nation’s economy by streamlining infrastructure development critical to the digital sector. Under the new rules, data centers can now be classified as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). This status allows them to bypass local council approval and instead undergo a centralized review process by the UK government. The reform seeks to eliminate bureaucratic delays and ensure swift progress for projects essential to the country’s digital and…

Ralph Mupita, President and CEO of MTN Group, has unveiled plans for a substantial $100 million investment in MTN’s operations in Cameroon, reaffirming the telco’s commitment to driving the country’s digital transformation. During meetings with key stakeholders in Yaoundé, Mupita announced that MTN would invest $100 million (62.4 billion XAF) in 2025, followed by an additional $300 million (187.2 billion XAF) over the subsequent three years. These funds are earmarked for enhancing network infrastructure, particularly in artificial intelligence and data center development, ensuring improved service delivery and operational efficiency. Mupita was joined by a delegation that included MTN Cameroon CEO…

Liquid Intelligent Technologies has successfully extended its fiber network in Botswana, creating the first direct connection from northern Botswana along the A1 route. The newly expanded network, spanning approximately 730 kilometers, links key communities including Francistown, Mahalapye, and Palapye. Describing the project as a significant milestone, Odirile Tamajobe, Managing Director of Liquid Botswana, highlighted its potential to strengthen the nation’s economic hubs and connect major commercial centers. “The high-speed connectivity access will benefit urban centers and rural communities along the route, expanding our presence in Botswana and the continent through the One Africa Digital Network,” Tamajobe said. “It will bring…

PalmPay, a prominent Nigerian fintech app, has announced a strategic partnership with Jumia, a leading e-commerce platform, to enable customers to pay for products on Jumia directly from their PalmPay accounts. The collaboration underscores the growing adoption of digital payment solutions in Nigeria, as fintech companies increasingly build on the pay-by-bank feature. According to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria, internet transfers accounted for 51.91% of total e-payment transactions in the first half of 2024. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, a PalmPay spokesperson highlighted the company’s efforts to expand its payment ecosystem. “We have over a hundred…

Airtel Nigeria has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Google to enhance its Airtel Smart Router offering, a move set to redefine digital entertainment and connectivity for Nigerian households. The collaboration was unveiled during a signing ceremony at Airtel’s Lagos headquarters, attended by representatives from BrandSpur and IAT News. The partnership seeks to provide seamless internet access and premium entertainment experiences to subscribers across Nigeria. Central to this initiative is the Airtel Smart Router, a cutting-edge device that doubles as an internet router and a smart TV converter. By transforming analog televisions into smart TVs, the router allows users to access…

Network International, a prominent enabler of digital commerce across the Middle East and Africa has introduced Apple’s Tap to Pay on iPhone technology in the UAE. This innovation enables merchants to accept in-person contactless payments securely and seamlessly using only an iPhone. Integrated into Network’s N-Genius One iOS app, the Tap to Pay feature allows merchants to accept all contactless payments, including credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and other digital wallets, without additional hardware. At checkout, customers hold their contactless payment devices near the merchant’s iPhone, and the transaction is completed securely using NFC technology. Apple’s Tap to Pay…

MTN Group convened policymakers, educators, advocacy groups, and digital safety experts to unveil the findings of its Online Child Safety African Insights research, conducted in collaboration with IPSOS. The report, which incorporates data from Nigeria, South Sudan, and Zambia, sheds light on the pressing issues children face in the digital realm. In Nigeria, more than half of the children surveyed reported being bullied or harassed online. Many refrained from seeking help due to fears of judgment or punishment. In South Sudan, unrestricted access to inappropriate content, coupled with insufficient parental supervision, has been linked to heightened stress and behavioral disorders…

IHS Brazil, a subsidiary of IHS Holding Limited, has completed the first phase of its 5G and 4G indoor mobile phone coverage system at Campo Belo Station on Line 5-Lilac of the São Paulo subway. The project, operated by ViaMobilidade, is a significant step in enhancing metro passenger connectivity. In collaboration with mobile network operators (MNOs), IHS Brazil has deployed a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) and 5G active antennas to ensure strong and reliable coverage. This advanced solution aims to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access for commuters across Line 5-Lilac, which includes 12 underground stations. Building on its expertise in…

Orange and La Poste have announced a pioneering initiative to extend the lifespan of network equipment used during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Starting in 2025, the partnership will see approximately 90% of the Wi-Fi terminals and 78% of the switches from the Olympic sites repurposed for use at La Poste locations across France. This large-scale reuse plan is a key part of the Paris 2024 legacy, emphasizing sustainable practices and minimizing the environmental impact of digital technology. As a result, La Poste employees will gain access to enhanced connectivity through refurbished, state-of-the-art equipment, supporting their digitalization efforts…