Author: Akin Naphtal

The Kenyan Communications Authority (CA) is intensifying efforts to enhance the country’s ICT sector by inviting public input on three critical regulatory initiatives designed to drive growth and innovation. One of the key initiatives involves a comprehensive review of the telecommunications market structure. This review aims to reassess the decade-old technology-neutral Unified Licensing Framework (ULF). The objective is to address and eliminate market entry and operational barriers, clarify the scope of existing licenses, and propose new licensing areas aligned with current ICT policies. Public input is being sought to strengthen the review process, adhering to the constitutional requirement for public…

MTN Group Limited has announced the sale of its Guinea-Conakry operations to Guinea. This move aligns with the telco’s Ambition 2025 strategy to optimize and simplify its portfolio, focusing on markets where it can drive significant growth and returns. The announcement, made by MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita, marks the second major divestment by Africa’s largest mobile operator this year. In August 2024, MTN completed the sale of its Guinea-Bissau subsidiary to Telecel Group Mobile Limited. “This milestone marks a new phase for MTN Guinea-Conakry under local ownership,” said Mupita. “We thank the staff, customers, regulators, and broader…

Google CEO Sundar Pichai has identified 2025 as a “critical” year for the tech giant, with the company’s artificial intelligence (AI) model Gemini set to take centre stage. Pichai emphasized the importance of accelerating progress during a strategy meeting, as reported by CNBC. “We need to internalize the urgency of this moment and move faster as a company. The stakes are high,” Pichai told employees, according to an audio recording obtained by the outlet. The meeting, where executives donned holiday sweaters, outlined Google’s priorities for the coming year. Pichai acknowledged the company’s challenges in the competitive AI space, noting that…

Algeria is intensifying efforts to fast-track its digital transformation. The government has unveiled an ambitious plan to implement over 500 digitalization projects between 2025 and 2026. Meriem Benmouloud, the High Commissioner for Digitalization, announced during the Government-Walis meeting at the Palais des Nations in Algiers. The initiatives, which are a core part of the “Algeria Digital 2030” strategy, aim to modernize public services, with 75% of the projects focused on improving transparency and simplifying administrative processes. Benmouloud emphasized that the digital transition is critical to positioning Algeria as a global leader in digital innovation. “Algeria is experiencing a clear transition…

Bamboo, a Nigerian investment platform, has become the first financial technology company in the country to secure a U.S. broker-dealer license. The certification, obtained through its affiliate, Bamboo Securities L.L.C., is a significant milestone for the company and the broader African fintech ecosystem. The license grants Bamboo the authority to partner directly with African brokers and financial institutions, creating a streamlined pathway for African investors to access U.S. stock markets. This development enables seamless integration for various companies with Bamboo’s platform, allowing their clients to trade U.S. stocks effortlessly through existing service providers. This move addresses a critical gap in…

IHS Towers has announced the completion of an agreement to sell its 70% stake in IHS Kuwait Limited to Zain Group, Kuwait’s leading mobile network operator. The transaction includes approximately 1,675 sites and an additional 700 managed sites in Kuwait. Valued at an enterprise worth $230 million, the deal represents a transaction multiple of 14.2x based on the estimated Adjusted EBITDA for IHS Kuwait after leases. This valuation significantly exceeds IHS Towers’ current group valuation multiple. Pending regulatory and government approvals, the sale is expected to close in the first half of 2025. ALSO READ: PALO ALTO NETWORKS SECURES TOP…

Palo Alto Networks, the global cybersecurity leader, today announced it has received Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) High Authorization across its industry-leading network, cloud and security operations (SOC) platforms. Palo Alto Networks now has the most comprehensive suite of AI-powered cybersecurity solutions authorized for use in federal networks at the High-impact level. Palo Alto Networks platformization approach empowers organizations by seamlessly integrating diverse security solutions into unified platforms across network, cloud, and security operations. By harnessing the power of automation and AI, this holistic approach offers customers both operational efficiencies and protection against cyberthreats. Leveraging advanced technologies to…

Global digital infrastructure leader, Vertiv has announced the acquisition of assets and technologies from BiXin Energy Technology (Suzhou) Co., Ltd (BSE), a Chinese manufacturer specializing in chillers, heat pumps, heat-recovery solutions, and air-handling units. The move aims to enhance Vertiv’s offerings in high-performance computing and artificial intelligence (AI) applications worldwide. The acquisition, carried out by Vertiv’s Chinese subsidiary, underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its critical technology portfolio. Founded in 2010, BSE has a proven track record in the Chinese and broader Asian markets, bringing patented technologies, advanced solutions, and robust research and development capabilities to Vertiv’s global operations. BSE’s…

Singapore-based cross-border payments company, Tranglo announced its expansion into 10 African countries. This move brings the total number of countries in Tranglo’s African payments network to 25, significantly broadening options for seamless international remittances. Mobile wallets are witnessing rapid growth across Africa, providing a lifeline for millions without access to traditional banking services. These platforms are increasingly becoming the preferred channel for money transfers, particularly international remittances. The newly added countries include Benin, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Malawi, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Initially, these markets will support peer-to-peer e-wallet transactions, enabling near-instant transfers…

Cassava Technologies, a global technology company of African heritage, has achieved three major milestones aimed at bolstering its growth and operational efficiency. These include securing a $90 million equity investment, successfully refinancing its South African Rand (ZAR) debt, and completing a legal reorganization to streamline its business operations. The equity investment round saw contributions from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the Finnish Fund for Industrial Cooperation (Finnfund), and Google LLC. This funding is expected to strengthen Cassava’s balance sheet, accelerate sustainable growth, and solidify its standing as a leading global technology provider. Concurrently, the company finalized a reorganization…