Author: Akin Naphtal

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…

Microsoft Africa’s Chief Technology and Solutions Officer, Ravi Bhat, engaged in an insightful conversation about the transformative impact of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) on the continent. Speaking via Connecting Africa, he described GenAI as a “revolutionary technology,” Bhat likened its significance to that of the printing press in the 14th century and electricity in the 19th century. “What those did to the world is what generative AI is going to do going forward,” he remarked. Bhat highlighted the growing adoption of AI in African enterprises while addressing challenges such as limited access and the need for enhanced digital skills. He…

In a move poised to revolutionize internet connectivity across East Africa, the Kenya Internet Exchange Point (KIXP) has established a new Point of Presence (PoP) at the NBOX1 facility of iXAfrica Data Centers. This facility, the only hyper-scale data center in East and Central Africa, further solidifies its role as a cornerstone of the region’s burgeoning digital ecosystem. With East Africa’s population approaching 500 million and internet penetration exceeding 35%, the demand for fast, reliable, and affordable internet has reached unprecedented levels. The new partnership between KIXP and iXAfrica Data Centers aims to meet this demand while addressing critical challenges…

OpenAI has unveiled Sora, a groundbreaking text-to-video model, for ChatGPT Plus and Pro users. The tool marks a significant leap into multimodal AI, positioning OpenAI alongside competitors such as Meta, Google, and Stability AI, which are developing similar technologies Initially introduced in February 2023 during a research preview, Sora was exclusively accessible to safety testers. Now rebranded as Sora Turbo, the model allows subscribers to create videos up to 20 seconds long in 1080p resolution without incurring additional costs. Users can choose from widescreen, vertical, or square formats, generating content from scratch or blending existing assets. While the feature is…