Author: Akin Naphtal

In a groundbreaking move towards enhancing transactional security, Avanti Communications, a global leader in multi-orbit connectivity services, has successfully conducted a satellite connectivity test with BankservAfrica and Capitec Bank in South Africa This pivotal test marks a significant advancement in the realm of digital banking, highlighting the transformative potential of satellite communications in bolstering financial operations. As Africa’s largest automated clearing house, BankservAfrica’s collaboration with Avanti showcases a forward-thinking approach to ensuring a resilient and digitally inclusive banking future. Some of the insights from the satellite connectivity test are its link demonstrated consistent stability, a crucial element for uninterrupted financial…

Energy management and automation company, Schneider Electric, has teamed up with Nairobi-based IXAfrica Data Centres to inaugurate Kenya and East Africa’s first and largest hypercloud data centre. The facility, nicknamed ‘NBOX1’, is built around Schneider Electric’s Medium Voltage (MV) and Low Voltage (LV) switchgear to ensure stable, reliable cloud services powered sustainably by Kenya’s grid. NBOX1, now operational, stands as the most advanced and extensive carrier-neutral, AI-ready data centre in East Africa. It aims to attract hyperscale and internet customers, offering a user experience on par with leading facilities in North America and Western Europe. The foundation of NBOX1 is…

Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, welcomed U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce, Arun Venkataraman, and his team to his office on Wednesday, 17th July, to discuss U.S. companies investing in Nigeria’s ICT and startup sectors. Dr. Tijani shared the news on his LinkedIn page, highlighting discussions that centred on increased U.S. investment opportunities in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), and data protection. The conversation also touched on U.S. President Biden’s Digital Transformation with Africa initiative, which aims to expand digital access and literacy and strengthen digital enabling environments across the continent. A notable highlight…

Movie streaming giant, Netflix is expected to report slower subscriber growth for the April-June period, adding around 4.82 million new users, following its crackdown on password-sharing, and viewers’ shifting attention to summer sports events like the Euro football tournament. Despite fewer new subscribers, the fewest in five quarters, Netflix’s lower-priced ad-supported tier has been very successful, more than doubling ad revenue in the June quarter. Overall, Netflix’s revenue is expected to rise 16.4% to $9.53 billion, the fastest growth since the second quarter of 2021. Popular shows like Bridgerton and Baby Reindeer helped Netflix stay on top of the most-watched…

Kenya’s Principal Secretary for the State Department of ICT and Digital Economy, Eng. John Tanui, has engaged the Co-Founder of iWorkersKenya, Ms. Frida Mwangi, in a discussion on strategies for fostering a beneficial environment for Kenya’s digital sector. Founded in 2023, iWorkersKenya is a pioneering organisation dedicated to providing support to digital workers. The organisation focuses on community building, and providing support to enhance the overall productivity and well-being of digital professionals. Eng. Tanui shared the news of the meeting on his LinkedIn page, emphasising the importance of this collaboration in creating a supportive ecosystem for Kenya’s growing number of…

Vertiv, a leading provider of digital infrastructure, has introduced Trinergy, a new uninterruptible power supply (UPS) designed to meet the dynamic load demands of data centres. Alongside Trinergy, Vertiv also launched PowerNexus, an integrated solution that combines the UPS with system switchgear to save space and enhance efficiency. With global electricity demand from data centres expected to double by 2026 due to the increasing computing and cooling needs of artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC), robust backup power solutions are crucial. Vertiv’s UPS ensures continuous availability of the GPUs and CPUs essential for AI computations. The Vertiv UPS, available…

South Africa’s newly appointed Home Affairs Minister, Dr. Leon Schreiber, has announced plans to upgrade the security features of Smart ID cards and passports. The announcement was made during the Department of Home Affairs’ 2024/2025 budget vote speech. Schreiber “Both the passport and Smart ID card will be refreshed and updated to enhance the security features of these documents, with the aim of building trust by more countries and organisations worldwide,”. The minister did not specify a date for the updates but mentioned they would occur “during the current administration,” which is expected to serve until the next general elections…

Ghana has issued nearly 19 million biometric digital identity cards, highlighting immense progress in the successful digitalization of public offices including DVLA, the ports, registrar general, filing of taxes, passport application, NHIS registration and renewal among others. The West African nation has already issued electronic Identification to its adult population and a new initiative ensures that all babies are issued with Ghana Card numbers at birth before receiving their Ghana Cards after their full biometrics are formed. Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) has encouraged more funding within the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL), allocating over 108 million euros to projects designed…

Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has licensed 51 cybersecurity companies, marking a drastic move towards aligning the West African nation’s cybersecurity standards with global frameworks. This initiative makes Ghana the first country in Africa and the second globally, after Singapore, to implement a comprehensive regulatory framework for cybersecurity players. The cybersecurity agency’s Director-General, Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako warned that offering cybersecurity services without proper licensing or accreditation violates the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038). He emphasized that violators would face strict sanctions, including criminal prosecutions and administrative penalties. Additionally, Antwi-Boasiako urged other CSPs, CEs, and CPs in the process of obtaining…

Huawei Technologies and the Government of Zambia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build 100 smart villages across the country. The announcement was made during the launch of Zambia’s first Smart Village in Muchila, Namwala District, Southern Province. In addition, Muchila is now connected to the world with a Rural-Star communications tower that provides wireless coverage to residents. By design, a rural-star telecom tower reduces network deployment costs by 50% and it is used in traditional rural network solutions. Namwala District now boasts of a mini-solar grid that is powering a school, a clinic and the residences of…