Author: Akin Naphtal

Global smartphone shipments have seen a notable increase of 6.5% in the second quarter of 2024, according to preliminary data released by International Data Corporation (IDC) on 15th July. The surge in shipments is attributed to the efforts of leading smartphone manufacturers like Samsung Electronics and Apple. Both companies have been at the forefront of leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to appeal to price-sensitive consumers and expand their market share. According to Reuters, Nabila Popal, research director with IDC’s Worldwide Tracker team, highlighted the growing excitement in the smartphone market fuelled by higher average selling prices and the anticipation surrounding next-generation…

Network International, a leading enabler of digital commerce in the Middle East and Africa have agreed with Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK), in the bank’s efforts to improve e-commerce solutions for its merchants. Through this partnership, ABK merchants will benefit from Network International’s expertise in digital payments, gaining advanced capabilities to accept credit card transactions on their websites and provide convenient payment links. This initiative aims to streamline online payment processes and offer merchants the flexibility to generate and share payment links, significantly improving customer convenience. Additionally, the merchants will accept payments through popular digital wallets, including Apple Pay,…

Huawei has held its 2024 edition of Africa Connect, focusing on the impact the of digital era in sectors like finance, transportation, internet service provision (ISP) and Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Africa. Held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, the event marked a new era for enterprise-focused annual gathering, with Huawei senior leaders expressing their commitment to the continent. The Executive Director of the Board and Chairman of the ICT Infrastructure Managing Board for Huawei, David Wang emphasized that the company’s investment of $156 billion in Research and Experimental Development (R&D) over the last decade…

Global cybersecurity firm, Kaspersky is monitoring Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) and has identified nine active threat actors targeting organizations, government entities, energy sectors, and telecommunications companies, which are primary targets across Africa. APTs are sophisticated threat actors known for their prolonged and targeted attacks, often motivated by espionage, financial gain, or hacktivism. Prominent APT groups in the region include MuddyWater, FruityArmor, and Sidewinder. Kaspersky collaborates with legal authorities to provide crucial intelligence for tracking cybercriminals involved in these attacks. These threat actors employ various techniques to infiltrate their targets. Social engineering tactics, such as fake job advertisements aimed at software…

Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTCL) is undergoing a strategic transformation from a traditional telecommunications entity to a leading digital e-commerce business. This decisive move was part of the telecom’s 2022-2025 strategic plan, aimed to position the country’s premier digital services provider, focusing on e-health, e-learning, and fintech. At the presentation of the company’s 2023/24 financial year results, BTCL’s Managing Director Anthony Masunga highlighted the importance of digital transformation in creating shareholder value. “We have made significant investments in modernizing our network, building data centres, and improving our mobile services,” Masunga stated. Meanwhile, the company’s financial performance has been strong, with…

Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani announced the approval of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to support the deployment of 90,000km of fibre optic cable for universal access to the internet across the country. Dr Tijani explained that, “Nigeria needs 125, 000km of fibre optic cable. Fortunately for us, the private sector has invested 35, 000km. Since the emergence of this administration, it has been very clear that President Bola Tinubu, with the support of the ministry, will aggressively deploy 90, 000km of fibre optic cable.” “About six or seven weeks ago, the Federal Executive…

The Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation (MoCD), in collaboration with the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) and The Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (GI-KACE), has successfully climaxed its Girls-in-ICT (GIICT) training programme. The Climax ceremony of the 10-day programme was held at the University of Ghana’s Cedi Conference Centre on Wednesday, 10th July, 2024. It was supported by MTN, the National Communications Authority (NCA), ATC Ghana, GES, GIZ, and Kodris Africa The ceremony, led by the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, also saw key female stakeholders in the technology industry, including the CEO…

2024 Theme: Leadership The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) launched the Girls-In-ICT project in 2012 to foster a global environment that empowers and encourages girls and young women to pursue education and jobs in the rapidly increasing field of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Since 2017, the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, led by Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the Minister (MP, Ablekuma West constituency), has used the initiative as a platform to provide girls aged 9 to 15 (Upper Primary to Junior High School) with knowledge and skills in basic ICT and coding. Ghana adopted the Girls-in-ICT Initiative in 2012 on a…

Airtel Zambia has agreed with Zambia Industrial Commercial Bank (ZICB) to transform Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Zambia. This agreement is set to provide ZICB’s SME customers with advanced digital connectivity through 4G and 5G internet devices, enhancing their technological capabilities. The initiative tends to support the growth and development of SMEs by ensuring access to reliable and high-speed internet services. By leveraging Airtel’s robust 4G and 5G infrastructure, SMEs will have the tools needed to operate efficiently, access new markets, and improve their overall business performance. This partnership aims to drive digital inclusion and economic growth in Zambia.…

The Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has launched the Ghana Girls-in-ICT Trust, a non-profit organisation built to support the digital training initiative for girls, introduced by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in 2012. The Trust was launched during the Climax ceremony of the Greater Accra Region Girls-in-ICT programme, which was held on Wednesday, 10th July, at the University of Ghana’s Cedi Conference Centre. During the ceremony, the Minister explained that the Trust was created out of “the desire of the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation to offer more girls a more in-depth training, with age-appropriate content, and a…