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In The Spotlight

LEO services enhance AD Ports digital transformation. (Image source: AD Ports Group)

Satellite

AD Ports Group, a global leader in trade, logistics, and industrial services, has begun the deployment of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services across its worldwide fleet and terminal operations

This initiative represents a major advancement in the Group’s digital transformation strategy, designed to provide vessels with real-time data and ensure resilient, uninterrupted connectivity for ports and terminals. The move is expected to enhance efficiency and support fuel savings.

The rollout commenced this month following agreements signed with two leading global LEO satellite service providers.

Mohamed Jamal-Eddine, group chief information officer, AD Ports Group, said, “LEO satellite connectivity serves as the digital backbone that unlocks the full potential of our technology ecosystem. With high-speed, low-latency communications, we can deploy advanced AI applications for predictive maintenance, dynamic route optimisation, and automated cargo tracking in real-time. This is not just about faster connectivity; it's about creating a smart, resilient infrastructure that maintains business continuity even in the most remote areas. By integrating this connectivity with our IoT sensors, smart port platforms, and AI analytics, we are building a truly connected supply chain that provides unparalleled visibility and control to our customers and partners.”

The phased introduction has started on several vessels within the Group’s 270-ship fleet. With high-speed, low-latency communications, LEO services enable real-time vessel tracking, predictive maintenance, and dynamic route optimisation.

The satellite-enabled digital backbone will also drive AI-powered applications at sea, such as smarter voyage planning, fuel optimisation, and advanced safety monitoring, unlocking efficiencies previously restricted by limited connectivity.

At the port level, deployment is expanding to AD Ports Group’s network of 34 terminals across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Southwest Asia. The technology will deliver uninterrupted communications and operational continuity, particularly in remote regions and during critical activities. It will also bolster cargo monitoring, emergency response coordination, and service reliability.

This initiative aligns with AD Ports Group’s wider digitalisation programme, which includes smart port platforms, integrated supply chain systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) adoption. With LEO satellite connectivity serving as the foundation, these systems will now deliver richer, real-time insights and greater automation across the Group’s global operations.

Through the introduction of LEO satellite services, AD Ports Group underscores its commitment to driving digital innovation and sustainable growth in the global maritime sector. The Group intends to continue investing in advanced technologies and strategic alliances to deliver world-class solutions that benefit customers, partners, and stakeholders worldwide.

Network International partners with National Union Bank to modernise Libya’s banking and expand secure, innovative digital payments

Commerce

Network International (Network), a leading fintech company in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), has signed a strategic partnership with National Union Bank – (NUB) to modernise Libya’s banking landscape and expand access to innovative, secure financial services

Under this collaboration, Network International will deliver a comprehensive suite of digital payment processing solutions to NUB, including end-to-end prepaid card issuance and other value-added offerings. The partnership is designed to accelerate NUB’s digital transformation, enhance the customer experience, and align with Libya’s national goals for financial inclusion.

Through Network’s advanced ‘Digital Payments as a Service’ platform, NUB will gain access to robust fraud prevention systems, a full range of back-office managed services, and other premium capabilities. These tools will help the bank provide seamless, secure, and scalable payment experiences, improve operational efficiency, and shorten the time-to-market for new financial products.

Dr Reda Helal, group managing director, processing, Africa at Network International, remarked, “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our commitment to help expand digital financial services across Libya. We are proud to support National Union Bank’s transformation journey and help bring modern, inclusive banking solutions to more people. Together, we aim to build innovation, improve customer access, and contribute to the growth of Libya’s fintech ecosystem.”

Ahmed Sultan, CEO of National Union Bank, added, “Partnering with Network International allows us to leap forward in our digital strategy. With their proven expertise and cutting-edge technology, we can offer our customers faster, safer, and more convenient financial services. This is a major step toward building a more inclusive and digitally empowered banking environment in Libya.”

This strategic collaboration highlights Network International’s commitment to expanding its presence in the MEA region and partnering with leading financial institutions to deliver next-generation payment infrastructure, supporting the growth of modern banking solutions across the region.

Enhanced CWS boosts hybrid multicloud protection

Security

Kaspersky has unveiled an upgraded version of its Kaspersky Cloud Workload Security (CWS) platform, offering enhanced protection for hybrid and multicloud environments

The update addresses the increasing complexity of cloud infrastructures by improving visibility, strengthening runtime defense for containers, and providing organisations with a more flexible, cost-efficient approach to safeguarding workloads.

As cloud infrastructures grow, security challenges continue to pose significant risks. In a research paper titled ‘Alleviating cloud migration difficulties with robust hybrid-cloud and container security’, Kaspersky and ISG found that 60% of surveyed organisations rank monitoring and proactively preventing runtime misconfigurations of cloud assets among their top five concerns regarding current cloud security solutions. The latest updates in CWS aim to help organisations stay ahead of evolving cyberthreats.

Kaspersky Cloud Workload Security consists of two core products: Kaspersky Container Security (KCS) and Kaspersky Hybrid Cloud Security (KHCS). The updated KCS introduces node OS vulnerability scanning and file threat protection, extending runtime security across both nodes and orchestrators. Organizations can now enhance network connection reputation data by integrating their own vulnerability feeds alongside NIST’s and Kaspersky’s databases, providing tailored intelligence that reflects their unique threat landscape.

Operational transparency is also improved with detailed logging of changes in RBAC (Role-Based Access Control) cluster objects. Incident response is more agile thanks to support for WebHooks, enabling data sharing with compatible software even without direct integration. Additionally, KCS now supports Microsoft Azure Registry and Google Cloud Platform Kubernetes & Registry, allowing organizations to secure workloads across a broader set of platforms.

Security policies, including Assurance, Runtime, and Response, have been expanded to deliver higher detection rates and greater flexibility, ensuring protection aligns with both business priorities and regulatory requirements.

In tandem with this release, the Light Agent in Kaspersky Hybrid Cloud Security has been enhanced. The solution now leverages Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Windows (12.10) and Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Linux (12.3) as light agents, improving integration and overall security capabilities in hybrid environments.

The update addresses common customer challenges, including cloud security blind spots, rising infrastructure costs, regulatory compliance pressures, and the limitations of traditional endpoint and open-source solutions in protecting multicloud workloads. By combining advanced automation with rich contextual intelligence, Kaspersky helps enterprises maintain resilience while meeting both business and compliance objectives.

"With the latest updates to Kaspersky Cloud Workload Security, we're continuing to push the boundaries of cloud security, providing our customers with the most comprehensive and robust protection available," commented Anton Rusakov-Rudenko, senior product marketing manager, cloud & network security product line at Kaspersky. "Our goal is to empower businesses to take full advantage of the cloud's potential, without compromising on security. With these updates, we're helping our customers to stay one step ahead of emerging threats and maintain the highest levels of security and compliance in their cloud infrastructure."

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Cassava Technologies and SAAIA join forces to boost AI development across Africa.

Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader with African heritage, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA) to deliver advanced artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) across Africa

The strategic partnership aims to bolster AI development by giving SAAIA’s community of over 3,000 AI practitioners—including entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry professionals—access to Cassava’s state-of-the-art data centre GPU infrastructure. This will enable them to develop, test, and deploy AI applications that address local and regional challenges.

As part of the collaboration, Cassava Technologies and SAAIA will also work together on joint initiatives that support the broader African AI ecosystem, promoting innovation, research, and sustainable growth.

“We are proud to partner with SAAIA to support the growth of Africa’s AI ecosystem. By extending our advanced AI infrastructure and capabilities to SAAIA’s growing community of AI professionals, we’re enabling greater access to the compute power required to build, test, and scale innovative local solutions. We believe this partnership will deliver meaningful value to both organisations and, more importantly, to the business and research communities driving AI development on the continent,” said Ziaad Suleman, CEO of Cassava Technologies South Africa and Botswana.

SAAIA, a leading force in South Africa’s AI landscape, is dedicated to promoting responsible AI by connecting AI practitioners from academia, government, private enterprise, startups, and NGOs. It is also the organiser of AI Expo Africa, the continent’s largest AI-focused event, and plays a key role in driving investment in Africa’s smart technology sector.

“SAAIA is pleased to be partnering with Cassava Technologies in strengthening AI in South Africa. Supporting local AI entrepreneurs is a key pillar of SAAIA, and access to GPU-as-a-Service is a key enabler to growing the emerging AI startup ecosystem,” said SAAIA Founder and Chairman, Dr Nick Bradshaw.

The partnership underscores Cassava’s commitment to advancing digital transformation across Africa. It follows the company’s recent announcement of plans to build the continent’s first AI factory, a move aimed at providing local businesses, governments, and academic institutions with access to cutting-edge AI computing capabilities. This initiative aligns with Cassava’s vision of becoming the leading provider of digital solutions across its markets and empowering Africans to thrive in the digital economy.

Top Stories

Grid List

Internet

The expansion is expected to improve digital access for hundreds of millions of people across up to 22 African nations

Internet

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has taken a step to strengthen the security of international data communications by funding a feasibility study to extend the Medusa Submarine Cable System to Africa’s Atlantic coastline

The expansion is expected to improve digital access for hundreds of millions of people across up to 22 African nations.

USTDA and AFR-IX Telecom (AFR-IX), an infrastructure and telecommunications company specialising in Africa’s digital infrastructure, formalised their collaboration on the project. The initiative aims to boost data security and privacy, counter threats posed by malign global actors seeking to compromise critical infrastructure, and deepen long-term digital partnerships between Africa and the United States.

Why Medusa matters?

“Subsea cables are the foundation for Africa’s digital future. Secure, reliable digital infrastructure provides the essential bandwidth and foundation to enable widespread use of a new generation of technologies like AI, quantum computing, and 6G solutions. These are all areas where U.S. companies provide trusted solutions and where USTDA is focusing its attention,” said Thomas Hardy, USTDA’s acting director. “USTDA’s involvement in this project will help secure it against untrusted infrastructure providers that could manipulate markets, intercept data, and conduct surveillance to the detriment of the United States and our African partners.”

The feasibility study funded by USTDA will evaluate both the technical and commercial potential of extending the Medusa subsea fiberoptic cable from the Mediterranean Sea to Africa’s Atlantic coast. It will incorporate U.S. expertise to recommend American standards and alternatives to untrusted suppliers, advancing shared goals for secure, standards-based connectivity while opening the door for U.S. technology solutions to be deployed.

The project also promises to expand high-speed access across the region, enabling key services such as cloud computing, secure government communications, and digital financial transactions.

Norman Albi, CEO of AFR-IX Telecom and the Medusa Africa Submarine Cable System, highlighted the project’s importance: “The Medusa Africa Submarine Cable System will be transformational for digital connectivity along Africa’s Atlantic coast, creating new opportunities for innovation, commerce, and social inclusion in the region. USTDA’s support is truly catalytic — turning an ambitious vision into a bankable project and accelerating the partnerships needed to bring it to life. At Medusa, we are proud to receive USTDA’s support, which underscores the importance of adding the United States as a partner to Medusa Africa."

SEACOM launches 2.0 subsea system to boost Africa’s digital sovereignty. (Image source: SEACOM)

Tizeti introduces its New & Awesome Deal, harnessing AI to simplify service, payments, and customer control

Mobile

Sub-Saharan Africa remains the most active region for mobile money, with East and West Africa seeing the highest growth in registered accounts and monthly usage. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Mobile

The ‘State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money 2025’, published by the GSMA Mobile Money programme, highlights two major milestones for the mobile money industry in 2024—crossing two billion registered accounts and more than half a billion active monthly users worldwide

This marks a significant acceleration in adoption, as it took the industry 18 years to reach one billion registered accounts and 250 million active users, but only five more years to double that growth.

According to the report, transaction volumes and values saw strong double-digit increases in 2024. An estimated 108 billion transactions, worth over US$1.68 trillion, were processed through mobile money accounts. Compared to 2023, transaction volumes surged by 20%, while values rose by 16%, up from 13% the previous year.

Vivek Badrinath, GSMA director general, commented, “Mobile money has emerged as a powerful driver of financial inclusion and economic growth. Its continued success depends on supportive regulatory environments that promote innovation, accessibility and help unlock the full socio-economic potential. To ensure mobile money remains accessible, affordable, and safe, it is vital for governments and regulators to work with financial service providers to support financial literacy programs, empowering underserved populations and opening new opportunities for financial decision-making.”

Sub-Saharan Africa leads

The report also underlines mobile money’s growing economic impact. By the end of 2023, countries offering mobile money services experienced a collective GDP that was over US$720bn higher than it would have been without them, translating to a 1.7% increase. Sub-Saharan Africa alone accounted for US$190bn of this, affirming the region’s leading role in mobile money innovation.

Sub-Saharan Africa remains the most active region for mobile money, with East and West Africa seeing the highest growth in registered accounts and monthly usage. In 2024, East Africa led monthly active account growth, followed by Southeast Asia and West Africa. The East Asia-Pacific region also made significant gains, ranking second in growth of monthly active accounts—driven by favourable regulatory conditions in Cambodia, Fiji, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

According to the GSMA, providers in East Asia and the Pacific are increasingly evolving into full-service financial platforms. “The most successful providers are often those who are actively innovating the breadth of their offerings,” the report noted.

Mobile money services have expanded to include adjacent financial products like credit, savings, and insurance. As of June 2024, 44% of providers offered credit—making it the most common—while about a third offered savings, and 28% provided insurance products.

Despite this momentum, the report flags ongoing adoption challenges, particularly among women. Of the 12 countries surveyed, eight still report a gender gap in mobile money ownership, with minimal improvement since 2023. Barriers such as limited awareness and low digital financial literacy persist—especially for women.

However, women who do own accounts are nearly as likely as men to have used them within the last 30 days. “To address these challenges,” the GSMA explained, “nearly 60% of mobile money providers have launched digital financial literacy initiatives to improve financial skills and drive adoption over time.”

Google Pay launches in Lebanon and Oman, expanding digital wallet access securely. (Image source: Google Pay)

MTN rolls out bioSIM and eSIM solutions to cut plastic waste and promote sustainability in telecom

Satellite

Satellite connectivity boosts education in South Sudan and Uganda. (Image source: Intelsat)

Satellite

Intelsat, operator of one of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks, has announced a landmark partnership with the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI), founded by Academy Award-winning actor and humanitarian Forest Whitaker

This collaboration aims to transform educational access in conflict-affected areas across Africa by delivering high-speed satellite internet to WPDI’s Community Learning Centers in South Sudan and Uganda, regions where infrastructure remains limited or disrupted.

Through this three-year partnership, Intelsat will provide managed connectivity services, satellite equipment, installation, and ongoing technical support to 10 centres— seven in South Sudan and three in Uganda. This initiative marks the first time these WPDI sites will have reliable internet access, opening the door to modern digital education for thousands of young people in underserved communities.

“Education is the foundation for peace,” said Forest Whitaker. “At WPDI, we use technology as a conduit to opportunity, bringing knowledge to young people whose lives have been upended by violence and political unrest. With the right tools, youths can reclaim their futures to become powerful agents of peace in their communities.”

This partnership addresses the urgent issue of digital inequality. According to the International Telecommunication Union, only 19% of people in the least developed countries, such as South Sudan and Uganda, use the internet. The numbers are even lower in conflict-affected regions, creating severe obstacles to education and economic opportunity. By enhancing digital access, WPDI and Intelsat aim to equip learners with the tools to build stronger, more resilient communities.

“At Intelsat, we are great believers in the power of connectivity to promote education and sustainable development around the world,” said Dave Wajsgras, CEO of Intelsat. “Forest Whitaker and WPDI’s efforts represent exactly the kind of transformative work that satellite communications can enable. We’re proud to support WPDI’s efforts to bring young people together, close the digital divide, and create pathways to prosperity in communities that need it most.”

The connectivity enabled by Intelsat will allow WPDI to expand its educational reach, giving students access to digital tools, online courses, and virtual collaboration programs previously unavailable in these remote areas. Learners will also gain digital literacy skills, complementing WPDI’s training in conflict resolution, entrepreneurship, and community development. Many WPDI alumni have become leaders in their communities, such as Benson Lugwar, a former child soldier now serving as an elected official and radio host in Uganda.

LEO services enhance AD Ports digital transformation. (Image source: AD Ports Group)

Carel Coetzee CEO of NEC XON. (Image source: NEC XON)

Commerce

AfDB and Algeria unite to scale startups and SMEs, fostering innovation, trade, and youth-driven growth in Africa

Commerce

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and Algeria’s Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Startups, and Micro-Enterprises have agreed to deepen cooperation to accelerate the growth of startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa

The announcement came at the close of the fourth edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025), hosted in Algiers from 4 to 10 September. Leading the Bank’s delegation, Ousmane Fall, Acting Director of the Industrial and Trade Development Department, highlighted the AfDB’s central role in unlocking finance for African businesses. “Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and startups is one of the key pillars of our work, as defined in the Four Cardinal Points of the Bank group’s new president, Dr Sidi Ould Tah,” said Fall. He added, “The Bank will support SMEs through an innovative approach that combines new financing instruments, advisory services, and policy reforms to promote their emergence across the continent.”

Strengthening private sector engagement

Ahead of discussions with Minister Noureddine Ouadah, the Bank delegation met with Algeria Venture, the state-backed startup accelerator. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation, particularly by linking Algerian startup funding mechanisms with leading private equity and venture capital funds. They also confirmed plans to jointly take part in the African Startup Conference, scheduled in Algiers from 6 to 9 December 2025, which aims to promote innovation, strengthen networks, and attract investment on a continental scale.

Closing IATF 2025, Minister Ouadah announced the launch of a new investment fund for African startups, an initiative championed by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, underlining Algeria’s commitment to prioritising youth and innovation in shaping Africa’s economic future.

The AfDB’s Non-Sovereign Operations team also presented financing solutions for the private sector while pursuing new strategic collaborations. Engagements with firms such as Solewant Group, a Nigerian steel and coatings leader, illustrated the Bank’s interest in high-impact African companies.

Showcasing innovation and entrepreneurship

The AfDB further contributed to several IATF sessions, including one organised with UNDP’s Timbuktoo initiative and the African Union on “Building an Enabling Startup Ecosystem,” as well as a discussion hosted by Afreximbank’s African Research and Innovation Centre. These platforms enabled the Bank to highlight its Innovation and Entrepreneurship Lab and its flagship ENNOVA programme, which helps entrepreneurs expand their operations and access new opportunities.

The IATF Advisory Council, in which the Bank is an active participant, announced that Lagos, Nigeria, will host the fifth edition of the fair in 2027. Reaffirming its commitment, the AfDB stressed that trade, entrepreneurship, and innovation remain central to driving inclusive growth and industrial transformation across the continent.

Network International partners with National Union Bank to modernise Libya’s banking and expand secure, innovative digital payments

Niraj Shah joins Bayobab as general manager, leading Data Centres Programme to drive Africa’s digital growth. (Image source: Bayobab)

Power

GeniWatt expands footprint with FG Wilson gensets across Guinea Bissau and Cameroon’s telecom and healthcare sectors. (Image source: GeniWatt)

Power

France-based GeniWatt has enjoyed a string of Africa successes so far in 2025, most recently completing a genset installation at a telecommunications site in Guinea Bissau

The company supplied a P22 generator set, in partnership with Synergy, for telecoms group MTN in the West African country.

The FG Wilson P22 and P33 gensets are “perfectly suited” to telecoms towers, the company noted in a statement, citing soundproof enclosures, safety options, large tanks and telemetry, with full customisation available.

Founded in 2011 by Damien Fétis, president of Secodi, GeniWatt was specially created for the distribution of FG Wilson generators in France, but has extended its footprint deeply into Africa.

West Africa, in particular, has proved fruitful ground so far during 2025.

That includes a string of orders from Cameroon, working together with another local partner, DM Approtech.

Together, the two companies have supplied generators to various groups and associations based in Yaoundé, the nation’s capital.

It includes a 110kVA FG Wilson emergency generator for the Association pour la Promotion de la Femme building, and another emergency generator with its source inverter for the Centre de Formation Sorawell, a separate entity created by the Association pour la Promotion de la Femme.

In addition, the two companies supplied a P22 generator for a new maternity unit financed by the Compassion Sans Frontière association.

Last year, GeniWatt also played a key role in a major dam project in Cameroon, modifying an FG Wilson open P150 for installation at the Nachtigal hydroelectric plant, which sits about 65 kilometres north-east of the capital.

The project included automatic load bank and oil top-up, dual starter with dual battery sets, NFE37-312 GSS2 compliance for safety, a tank with two electric pumps and a manual pump, conducted again alongside DM Approtech, with supervision from EDF to validate the specifications.

Nachtigal is a key strategic project for Cameroon, operated by a consortium that includes energy giant EDF.

The dam’s first turbine is now operational, with full commissioning expected during 2025.

With an expected total capacity of 420 MW, it will eventually cover nearly 30% of Cameroon’s energy needs with clean, available and inexpensive electricity.

International Power Control Systems (IPCS) has been named as a distribution partner in Malawi by Vertiv, a specialist in critical digital infrastructure

Mozambique’s energy sector to receive a boost from the African Development Bank following the institution’s participation in Maputo at the Africa50 summit

Security

Cyberthreats are intensifying across sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria emerging as a key target, according to Kaspersky’s latest 2025 security report. (Image source: Kaspersky)

Security

According to data from global cybersecurity company Kaspersky, sub-Saharan Africa recorded 42.4 million web attacks and 95.6 million on-device attacks in the first half of 2025

The region also saw spyware cases more than double, a 64% increase in password stealer incidents, and a 12% rise in backdoor infections compared with the same period in 2024. These figures are being released ahead of Kaspersky’s participation at GITEX Nigeria, one of the region’s leading technology exhibitions taking place on September 3–4 in Lagos. At the event, the company will provide practical guidance and host workshops to help individuals and businesses strengthen their defences against fast-evolving threats.

In Nigeria, during the first half of 2025, Kaspersky’s security tools blocked more than 1.46 million online attack attempts targeting users. These threats—which included phishing scams, exploits, botnets, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) intrusions, and network spoofing such as fake Wi-Fi networks—affected nearly one in five people in the country (19.9%). During the same period, 4.97 million on-device attacks were intercepted, with 28.6% of Nigerian users facing malware delivered through infected USB drives, CDs, DVDs, and hidden installers. These included ransomware, worms, backdoors, trojans, password stealers, and spyware.

Kaspersky’s research highlighted a 66% surge in password stealer attacks in Nigeria in H1 2025 compared to the same timeframe in 2024, along with a 53% increase in spyware incidents. Exploits exploiting vulnerabilities in applications such as Microsoft Office also remained widespread. While the overall number of phishing detections dropped by 52%, phishing attempts became more precise. Financially themed phishing, including scams targeting banks, e-commerce platforms, and payment systems, increased by 46%. Kaspersky registered more than 595,000 finance-related phishing attempts in Nigeria during the period.

Industrial sectors remain vulnerable as well. In H1 2025, Kaspersky solutions blocked threats on 26.5% of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) computers in Nigeria. Virus and worm infections posed significant risks, particularly in construction, ICS engineering and integration, energy, and biometrics industries. More broadly, Africa ranks among the regions with the highest percentage of ICS computers impacted by malicious objects worldwide.

“Every day, more people in Africa and in Nigeria specifically are moving their businesses, banking, and even daily errands online. But with this opportunity comes a challenge. Cybercriminals are also becoming more active, targeting not only big companies and government networks, but also ordinary people, small businesses, and industrial infrastructures we depend on,” commented Chris Norton, general manager for sub-Saharan Africa at Kaspersky.

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