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Expansion Plans to Bridge the Digital Gap with a Biometric Authentication Technology

Internet

Identy.io has unveiled plans to expand its footprint across Africa, targeting key growth markets including Kenya and Nigeria

The move signals the company’s ambition to play a larger role in supporting digital identity ecosystems on the continent as demand for secure, scalable verification solutions accelerates.

As part of the expansion, Identy.io has established a dedicated regional leadership team tasked with engaging stakeholders across government institutions, financial services, telecommunications and other regulated industries. The company has also appointed Matus Kapusta as Product Director for its Automated Biometric Identification System product portfolio, strengthening oversight of its ABIS strategy and deployments.

Across Africa, governments are intensifying efforts to roll out national digital identity programmes aimed at enhancing service delivery, expanding financial inclusion and building resilient digital public infrastructure. According to World Bank ID4D data, roughly 80% of adults in Sub-Saharan Africa possess a basic form of identification. However, coverage varies widely, with many countries recording levels below 70%. These identification gaps continue to restrict access to essential services, limit participation in the formal economy and slow digital transformation efforts.

Countries such as Kenya and Nigeria are investing significantly in integrated public digital infrastructure. By linking identity systems to public services, financial platforms and mobile connectivity, they are advancing broader economic development strategies centred on inclusion and digital enablement.

“Identy.io is committed to being the leading long-term partner in digital public and private infrastructure for our African clients. We are transforming the traditional industry model, which often relies on expensive and inflexible digital infrastructure. Instead, Identy.io adopts a software-first approach, minimizing reliance on specialized biometric hardware. Our technology supports biometric capture using standard smartphones, processes identity documents, issues digital identities to individuals lacking formal identification, and facilitates large-scale biometric verification and deduplication. This innovative yet simplified approach allows our clients to reach underserved communities by providing individuals with multimodal access to secure their digital identities and explore new economic opportunities,” stated Antony Vendhan, Co-founder of Identy.io.

The company’s Africa strategy will initially concentrate on Kenya and Nigeria, with additional markets to follow under a phased regional growth plan. The newly appointed leadership team will work closely with public and private sector partners to implement identity solutions that align with national digital transformation priorities while ensuring scalability and responsible deployment.

As part of its broader industry validation efforts, Identy.io’s ABIS platform has successfully completed the partner compliance process of MOSIP and is now listed on the MOSIP Marketplace. The marketplace features compliant technologies that governments and ecosystem stakeholders can assess for MOSIP-aligned implementations. MOSIP supports governments in designing, building and managing foundational digital ID systems tailored to their specific national requirements.

 
 

Data And mobile money Drive Airtel Africa performance

Mobile

Airtel Africa plc has released its financial results for the nine-month period ended 31 December 2025, delivering a robust performance marked by significant growth in revenue, profitability and customer engagement across its 14 sub-Saharan African markets

The results reflect sustained momentum in data services, mobile money adoption, and disciplined cost management, reinforcing the company’s strategic positioning in fast-evolving digital markets.

During the period, total revenues reached US$4.667bn, up 28.3% in reported currency and 24.6% in constant currency compared with the prior year, driven by strong demand for connectivity and digital services. Data revenues stood out as the largest contributor to the group’s top line, increasing 36.5%, while traditional voice and mobile money segments also delivered solid growth.

Profitability expanded sharply with profit after tax rising to US$586mn, more than double the US$248mn posted in the comparable period last year. Basic earnings per share climbed to 13.1 cents, reflecting both stronger operating profits and gains from foreign exchange movements. The company’s EBITDA grew 35.9% to US$2.283bn, with margins expanding to 48.9%, highlighting efficient cost control alongside top-line growth.

Customer growth remained a key highlight, underscoring Airtel Africa’s success in expanding its market footprint. The total customer base increased 10% year-on-year to 179.4 million, with data customers rising 14.6% to 81.8 million. Smartphone penetration across its markets reached 48.1%, while average data usage per customer climbed to 8.6 GB per month, driven by enhanced network capacity and customer demand for digital services.

Mobile money expansion and strategic network investment

Airtel Africa’s mobile money platform, Airtel Money, continued to scale meaningfully. The service surpassed a major milestone by exceeding 50 million customers, reaching 52 million users, up 17.3% compared with the prior year. The platform’s annualised total processed value (TPV) exceeded US$210bn, reflecting stronger merchant adoption and deeper customer engagement across the group’s markets.

To meet rising demand for connectivity and digital financial services, Airtel Africa accelerated its infrastructure investments. During the nine-month period, the company deployed approximately 2,500 new network sites and added 4,000 km of fibre infrastructure, taking its total fibre footprint beyond 81,500 km. This network expansion contributed to improved service quality and broader coverage, with population coverage reaching 81.7%.

The strong performance underscores Airtel Africa’s strategic execution in an increasingly digital African telecommunications landscape. By balancing customer growth, digital service adoption and disciplined financial management, the company is well positioned to sustain long-term growth and deepen financial inclusion across the continent.

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.

Vodacom acquires 20% stake in Safaricom, gaining controlling interest in Kenya’s leading telecom and fintech business

Commerce

Vodafone Group’s African subsidiary, Vodacom Group Ltd, has agreed to acquire a 20% stake in Safaricom Plc, Kenya’s leading telecom operator

Under the deal, Vodacom will purchase 15% from the Government of Kenya for a cash consideration of €1.36 billion, (approx. US$1.48bn), and 5% from Vodafone for €0.45 billion, (approx. US$0.49bn). The total 20% acquisition is valued at roughly €1.81 billion, or US$1.97bn.

After completion, Safaricom’s ownership will be 55% by Vodacom, 20% by the Government of Kenya, and 25% by public investors, with the company consolidated by both Vodacom and Vodafone.

Strategic rationale

The acquisition allows Vodafone and Vodacom to gain controlling ownership of one of Africa’s most successful telecom and financial services businesses.

Listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Safaricom is Kenya’s largest telecom company, with a market capitalisation of €7.7 billion. It owns a tower and spectrum portfolio in Kenya, along with M-Pesa, a world-leading fintech platform processing over 100 million daily transactions and serving 38 million customers in Kenya. Safaricom also holds a majority stake in Safaricom Ethiopia.

In the six months ending 30 September 2025, Safaricom’s service revenue in Kenya grew 9.3% year-on-year, supported by strong M-Pesa revenue growth of 14%.

Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group CEO, said, “In line with our focus on growth, this is an opportunity to gain a controlling shareholding in a highly successful African business in an attractive market. We have enjoyed a successful partnership with Safaricom since 2000, including the co-development of M-Pesa, which has brought wide-ranging financial inclusion to millions of customers.”

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

Power

Mozambique’s energy sector is to receive a boost from the African Development Bank (AfDB) following the institution’s participation in Maputo at the Africa50 shareholders meeting

Africa50 is an investment platform established by African governments with the AfDB, which has now surpassed US$1.4bn in managed assets directed at infrastructure provision.

At the 2025 summit, a memorandum of understanding was signed with Electricidade de Mozambique (EDM) for the development of three transmission lines under an Independent Power Transmission (IPT) framework.

“This will help support the government’s ambition to achieve universal electricity access by 2030 and become a significant exporter of power across the Southern African Development Community,” a statement released by AfDB noted.

Finalisation of the project development agreements is now underway for three lines under an IPT framework, partnering with Power Grid and EDM, it added.

A separate MoU was also signed with the Ministry of Communications and Digital Transformation to build a new data centre facility in Maputo and to modernise the existing one.

Africa50’s Mozambique portfolio already includes equity investment in the 175MW Central Termica de Ressano Garcia (CTRG) gas-fired power plant.

According to Dr Akinwumi Adesina, president of the AfDB Group, investments by Africa50 complement broader support from the bank itself that have delivered some US$1.6bn to Mozambique over the past decade.

This investment includes US$400mn in senior debt financing for the country's flagship US$20bn liquified natural gas (LNG) project in Cabo Delgado, as well as the US$34mn Mozambique Energy for All Project, which has connected more than 45,500 households to electricity.

The bank claims its energy sector investments have helped to double Mozambique's national energy access rate from 30% in 2018 to 60% in 2024.

The AfDB has also supported agricultural transformation through special agro-industrial processing zones, including the Pemba-Lichinga corridor, while financing critical transport infrastructure along the Nacala and Beira corridors that enhance regional trade connectivity for the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Earlier this year, the AfDB approved US$43.6mn in funding for the construction of the Namaacha-Boane transmission line and related electricity infrastructure

EDM will implement the project in partnership with Central Eléctrica da Namaacha (CEN), a private sector-led development group involving Globeleq Africa Limited and Source Energia that is building the 120 MW Namaacha wind farm in the southwestern part of the country. 

ASM strategies to protect digital assets

Security

Attack surface management (ASM) has seen significant growth in recent years, evolving into a recognised market category that provides businesses with the visibility and strategies needed to safeguard their digital assets, reports Kyle Pillay, security as a service manager at Datacentrix

As Forrester’s Attack Surface Management Solutions Landscape, Q2 2024 notes, ASM “delivers insights on assets that ultimately support business objectives, keep the lights on, generate revenue, and delight customers.”

At its essence, ASM involves continuously discovering, identifying, inventorying, and assessing the exposures of an organisation’s IT asset estate, a foundational step in maintaining a strong security posture.

Knowing your environment

Fundamentally, ASM helps organisations ‘know your environment’, highlighting gaps in defenses before attackers can exploit them.

Every threat actor or hacker begins with reconnaissance, mapping out your external-facing assets. This is why External Attack Surface Management (EASM) exists: it concentrates on what attackers can see. Without viewing your environment through this external lens, organisations cannot know which access points are visible or exploitable, leaving them unable to proactively detect or prevent threats before incidents occur.

First steps in protecting your attack surface

The first step in ASM is identifying external-facing touchpoints such as public IPs and domains. For instance, you might recognise your primary domain (e.g., mydomain.co.za), but visibility into similar domains, like mydomain.com, mydomain.net, mydomain.tech, or mydomain.ac.za, is also crucial. These can be targeted for domain squatting or cybersquatting, where attackers exploit similar names to mislead users and enable phishing attacks.

A strong ASM solution not only maps your current footprint but also identifies domains worth securing before malicious actors register them.

If a deceptive domain is registered, like mydomain-tech.co.za, you need an effective takedown process. International domain takedowns can be complex, requiring a partner capable of legally liaising with registrars across jurisdictions. With the right procedures and partnerships, such domains can often be removed within four to eight hours, limiting potential damage.

Keeping pace with today’s infrastructure

One of ASM’s biggest challenges is keeping up with the rapid growth and sprawl of modern IT environments. While multiple tools exist, none fully match the speed of change, even as vendors iterate frequently, often in weekly development sprints, to maintain relevant detection capabilities.

Beyond speed, perspective matters. While an organisation may have visibility from one viewpoint, attackers do not limit themselves to a single angle. To defend effectively against modern threats, you need to view your environment as attackers do and understand vulnerabilities exploitable from within. This is where distinguishing between external and internal ASM becomes crucial.

External ASM (EASM) focuses on publicly exposed digital assets, whereas internal ASM addresses vulnerabilities inside the network. Internal ASM uses network exposure activity tools to simulate real-world attack techniques, often following frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK, to identify weaknesses from the inside. These simulations test whether known attack methods bypass security controls, whether sensitive data can be exfiltrated, whether passwords are weak or compromised, and if lateral movement within the network is possible.

Combining internal and external ASM provides a more accurate view of your security posture, allowing organisations to close gaps before exploitation.

Making the business case for ASM

Cost is often a concern with ASM investments, but when weighed against the reputational and financial impact of a breach, or the risk of sensitive data appearing on the dark web, the case for prevention is clear.

The reality is simple. Without a combination of internal and external ASM, organisations remain essentially blind to vulnerabilities. The ability to identify, monitor, and remediate gaps before adversaries exploit them has become a business imperative.