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Vodacom has joined forces with the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and Amazon Web Services (AWS) to strengthen artificial intelligence (AI) and data science capabilities in South Africa

The collaboration is designed to equip students with practical, industry-focused experience while helping address the country's increasing need for AI professionals with workplace-ready skills.

The initiative is being delivered through UJ's School of Consumer Intelligence and Information Systems, specifically its Centre for Applied Data Science. By combining academic expertise with industry knowledge and cloud technologies, the partnership will deliver jointly developed learning programmes, postgraduate research opportunities and mentorship from industry specialists. The objective is to create a long-term pipeline of skilled AI professionals capable of developing solutions that benefit both business and society.

“This partnership reflects Vodacom’s commitment to building a future-ready AI talent ecosystem,” said Shameel Joosub, Vodacom group CEO. “We are creating a direct pathway from university research to industry impact, where students work on real AI use cases and emerge ready to practise. It is about developing the next generation of AI professionals who can drive our business forward and help shape Africa’s digital future.”

Professor Tankiso Moloi, executive dean of the college of business and economics at UJ, says the collaboration highlights the long-term value of closer links between higher education and industry.

“For UJ, the value of university-industry partnerships lies in what they make possible over time: deeper research capacity, stronger talent development and an ecosystem that connects African expertise with African opportunities. This collaboration creates a foundation for sustained capability-building and demonstrates how strategic partnerships can strengthen AI expertise at both national and continental level,” said Professor Tankiso Moloi, executive dean, College of Business and Economics at UJ.

Research activities are already underway, with Master's students at the Centre for Applied Data Science working on projects aligned with Vodacom's priorities. One of the key areas of study focuses on autonomous AI systems that can identify, assess and respond to cyber threats affecting telecommunications networks.

Additional research is examining the use of blockchain technologies to enhance digital identity management and reduce the risk of identity theft. These projects are intended to address pressing digital challenges while helping develop advanced AI expertise in high-demand fields.

AWS is supporting the programme by giving students and researchers access to advanced cloud infrastructure, data platforms and AI services, including Amazon Bedrock, Amazon Quick and Amazon Kiro, which are widely used by organisations worldwide for research and innovation. Access to these technologies enables participants to develop, test and refine AI applications in real-world environments, helping accelerate research outcomes and practical innovation.

“At AWS, we believe access to technology is key to unlocking innovation. Through this collaboration, students and researchers will have access to world-class cloud and AI capabilities, empowering them to turn research into practical solutions that can drive meaningful impact across Africa,” commented Prabashni Naidoo, AWS Telco Lead: Africa.

Although the programme is initially centred on South Africa, the partners believe it could serve as a model for AI skills development across Vodacom Group's wider African operations while demonstrating the value of collaboration between academia and industry in advancing innovation at scale.

Cell C has been recognised among South Africa's top-performing mobile network operators for customer experience and network quality in the 2026 SA Telecoms Customer Experience Index, an independent study by data science company DataEQ

The index analysed more than 652,000 public customer conversations posted on Facebook, X and HelloPeter between October 2025 and March 2026. Rather than relying on surveys or panels, the study measures customer sentiment based on publicly shared experiences with mobile network providers.

The report comes at a time when South Africa's telecommunications sector has faced growing customer frustration over network outages, billing issues and unresolved service requests. Against this backdrop, Cell C emerged as one of the strongest performers in both customer experience and network quality.

Strongest performer for network quality

Cell C achieved the highest network quality rating in the study, recording a Net Sentiment score of +45%. It was the only major mobile operator to receive a positive score in this category, while all other leading providers recorded negative results.

According to the report, positive customer sentiment was largely driven by reliable network connectivity, particularly in areas where users believed competing operators were underperforming. The findings also reflect Cell C's asset-light operating model, which prioritises investment in network performance and customer reliability.

The company's Escape the City, Not the Signal campaign also contributed to positive engagement by encouraging customers in rural and remote communities to share their connectivity experiences, highlighting dependable coverage beyond major urban centres.

Customer experience outperforms industry average

Cell C was also one of only two operators to achieve a positive Operational Customer Experience Net Sentiment score, recording +11%, compared with the industry average of -8%.

The report attributes this performance to positive customer perceptions of network coverage, data reliability and overall value for money.

In the area of mobile data services, Cell C recorded a +12% sentiment score, with customers praising the consistency and predictability of its data offerings. The report also found fewer complaints relating to data bundle depletion or missing data allocations compared with the wider industry.

The company additionally received positive feedback for its digital customer channels, including self-service options and promotions available through the Cell C App. Continued investment in digital platforms forms part of Cell C's broader strategy to improve customer experience.

Areas for further improvement

While recognising Cell C's strengths, the report also identified opportunities for improvement, particularly around customer service resolution times and account administration. The company said these findings will help shape future investment priorities alongside its continued focus on network reliability and customer value.

"Our customers have always been our greatest source of insight and accountability," said Melanie Forbes, chief marketing officer of Cell C. "This recognition is meaningful because it reflects the voices and experiences of the people we serve. Being recognised for both customer experience and network quality tells us that customers are seeing the impact of the work being done to consistently improve reliability, consistency and value.

"We also take seriously what this data tells us about where customers still expect more from us, particularly in how quickly and effectively we resolve their queries. That is where our focus turns next.

"Connectivity is not simply about staying online. It is about helping people access opportunities, building businesses, learning new skills and staying connected to their communities. As a brand that strives to be an ally to our customers, we remain focused on delivering the experiences that help South Africans connect to what matters most."

The recognition reinforces Cell C's ongoing efforts to enhance network reliability, strengthen customer trust and improve digital services. The company says the findings will guide future improvements across the customer journey while building on the progress already achieved in network performance and service quality.

Amazon Leo has signed an agreement with Herotel to introduce satellite broadband services in South Africa through a new offering, evry, marking the first partnership of its kind for Amazon Leo on the African continent

Expected to launch commercially in 2027, evry will combine Amazon Leo's low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network with Herotel's nationwide service infrastructure to extend high-speed internet to residential customers in areas where fibre and fixed wireless networks remain difficult or uneconomical to deploy.

The initiative targets South Africa's underserved rural communities, farms and small towns, where challenging terrain, long distances and low population density have limited the expansion of conventional broadband infrastructure.

Amazon Leo's satellites operate at an altitude of approximately 590 km, significantly closer to Earth than traditional geostationary satellites positioned more than 35,000 km away. This lower orbit enables reduced latency, supporting applications such as video conferencing, online learning, streaming and remote working. Customers will access the service using compact satellite antennas without requiring fibre or fixed wireless infrastructure at their premises.

Herotel, South Africa's largest fixed internet service provider, currently serves more than 350,000 active customers across over 550 towns through its fibre and fixed wireless networks. Its network of 120 local offices will provide installation, field support and customer service for the new satellite offering.

"Amazon Leo and Herotel share the same mission to empower all South Africans through access to high-speed internet. Herotel has spent years building connectivity across South Africa's farming towns, small businesses, and communities on the outskirts, and with Amazon Leo they can now reach even more people," said David Zapolsky, Amazon's chief global affairs and legal officer. "This collaboration is about breaking down barriers and unlocking opportunity for millions of people who don't yet have reliable access for work, education, or the services they depend on."

"We have always believed that South Africans outside the major metros deserve reliable, affordable internet," said Van Zyl Botha, CEO of Herotel. "With evry, powered by Amazon Leo, we will reach the customers that even fiber and fixed wireless cannot serve. It no longer matters where you live."

The announcement builds on Amazon's expanding connectivity initiatives across Africa. In addition to the Herotel partnership, Amazon Leo is working with Vanu to extend cellular connectivity to rural communities, beginning in South Africa. These efforts aim to improve digital inclusion across southern Africa, where nearly a quarter of the population remains outside mobile network coverage. According to Access Partnership, wider adoption of non-geostationary satellite systems could generate up to US$16.9bn in annual economic benefits for the region.

Amazon Leo has deployed more than 390 satellites and expects to begin providing initial services across selected regions this year before progressively expanding coverage and network capacity.

Pan-African telecommunications provider Paratus has named Neill Nortje as the new Country Manager for Paratus Zambia, following the promotion of Marius van Vuuren to the role of Chief Operating Officer for the Paratus Group

Nortje has been part of Paratus Zambia for the past two years, initially establishing the company's consumer business before advancing to Operations Manager. During his time with the company, he has played a key role in strengthening operations and expanding services. His promotion provides leadership continuity as Paratus Zambia continues to build on its market presence and pursue its next phase of growth.

He brings broad telecommunications expertise gained across Africa, with experience covering wholesale voice and data services, enterprise connectivity, cloud solutions, data centre operations and network management.

Prior to joining Paratus, Nortje held senior leadership roles at Wingu Africa, Telecom Italia and NeoTel, where he developed extensive expertise in wholesale telecommunications, pan-African data centre infrastructure and regional connectivity.

"Paratus has always stood out to me as a wonderful company with strong brand reputation in Zambia," says Nortje. "Not only is it a company that gets things done – and done right – but it has also built an outstanding reputation in Zambia, supported by an exceptional team and a strong customer-first culture. Marius leaves behind a fantastic foundation and I relish the challenge of building on the company’s success as we continue to grow and strengthen our market position."

Looking ahead, Nortje believes Zambia's digital economy is well positioned for continued expansion, supported by a stable economic environment, increased investment and rising demand for dependable digital infrastructure and connectivity services. He says the company's immediate priorities include expanding network capacity within Zambia and across neighbouring markets, strengthening its enterprise portfolio and reinforcing the country's position as a regional connectivity hub while continuing to deliver the high levels of reliability and customer service associated with the Paratus brand.

"Our immediate priorities are to continue expanding network capacity into Zambia and beyond, strengthening our enterprise offering and further developing Zambia's role as a regional connectivity hub. We also want to continue enhancing the customer experience by delivering the reliability, resilience and service excellence for which Paratus is credited."

Enterprise solutions will remain central to the company's strategy as more organisations migrate to cloud platforms and adapt to evolving data localisation requirements. Nortje says Paratus Zambia is well placed to meet these needs through its advanced infrastructure, locally hosted cloud services, Tier III data centre in Lusaka and the group's high-quality African network.

He also believes there is considerable scope to strengthen Zambia's digital landscape by improving local internet peering and encouraging closer cooperation among network operators.

"Too much internet traffic still travels outside Zambia before returning to local users. By improving local connectivity and keeping more content closer to the users here in Zambia, we can deliver a faster, more resilient and more affordable internet service for businesses and communities alike."

Beyond business growth, Nortje is committed to ensuring technology delivers wider social benefits. He points to initiatives such as providing Starlink connectivity to a previously unconnected rural school in Zambia as examples of how internet access can improve educational opportunities and support community development.

"Connectivity has the power to change lives," he says. "Whether it's enabling businesses to compete globally or giving children access to educational resources they never had before, technology creates opportunities that have a lasting and positive impact."

Commenting on the appointment, Chief Executive Officer of Paratus Group, Schalk Erasmus says: "Neill combines deep industry expertise with an excellent understanding of the Zambian market and our business. Having already played an important role in Paratus Zambia's recent success, we are confident he will lead the company to yet more growth and new horizons."

TowerCo of Africa (TOA) Uganda hosted MTN Uganda at its Abira site in Arua District on 14 May 2026 as part of MTN Uganda’s FreeYOFire activities in the West Nile region

The engagement marked the official launch of MTN Uganda’s network on infrastructure operated by TOA, highlighting the role of TowerCos in supporting connectivity expansion and digital inclusion.

Connectivity has become an important foundation for modern economies, enabling access to essential services, information, and economic opportunities. In Uganda, this is particularly evident in the West Nile region, where digital adoption is increasing through mobile money, online education, public e-services, digital commerce, and instant communication.

Located in north-western Uganda, the West Nile region is strategically positioned between the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. The region serves as an important centre for trade flows, human mobility, and cross-border economic activity, with Arua acting as a growing regional hub.

The increasing use of digital services has created greater demand for reliable telecommunications networks. However, challenges remain in expanding network coverage and improving service quality, particularly between urban and rural areas. Telecommunications infrastructure therefore plays an important role in supporting digital access and reducing connectivity gaps.

MTN Uganda’s FreeYOFire initiative focuses on connecting technology with community needs by promoting awareness, encouraging digital service adoption, and highlighting the opportunities created by digitalisation. The Abira event brought together operators, partners, and communities to demonstrate the role of connectivity in everyday life.

The Abira site represents a key infrastructure point in MTN Uganda’s network expansion strategy in the region. The activation of MTN’s network on TOA’s infrastructure supports the delivery of mobile services by providing the necessary foundation for signal coverage, communication continuity, and increasing network capacity.

TowerCo of Africa plays an important role in the telecommunications ecosystem through the provision and management of passive infrastructure, including telecom towers, pylons and masts, technical sites, power supply systems, and infrastructure maintenance and security.

The TowerCo model is built around infrastructure sharing, allowing mobile operators to focus on delivering services while TowerCos support infrastructure deployment, availability, and optimisation. This approach enables better utilisation of existing infrastructure, faster network deployment, and improved efficiency across the telecom sector.

The partnership between TOA Uganda and MTN Uganda demonstrates how collaboration between telecom operators and infrastructure providers can support the continued growth of digital connectivity in Uganda. Through initiatives such as the Abira site launch, the companies are contributing to efforts aimed at expanding access to reliable digital services and supporting the country’s digital transformation.

Mastercard has launched its Africa Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, a pan-African initiative aimed at improving cyber resilience, strengthening collaboration and protecting the trust that supports Africa’s rapidly expanding digital economy

The announcement was made during Mastercard CEO Michael Miebach’s visit to South Africa and Nigeria, highlighting the company’s continued commitment to supporting Africa’s digital transformation. Through the new initiative, Mastercard will bring its global cybersecurity expertise and intelligence capabilities to help organisations across the continent prepare for, respond to and recover from increasingly complex cyber threats.

The launch follows commitments made during recent engagements with the Nigerian government in Abuja and the South African government during the G20 meetings held in Johannesburg, with both discussions focused on advancing cybersecurity efforts across Africa.

Cyril Ramaphosa, president of South Africa, said, “We recognise that for digitisation to be inclusive, it must be trusted and secure. Mastercard has long been a trusted partner to South Africa, and its Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence is a welcome step to build on that foundation, drawing on the country’s best and brightest to meet a challenge no government or company can solve alone."

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, president of Nigeria, commented, “As Nigeria deepens its digital transformation, secure and trusted systems will be critical to inclusion and growth. We welcome collaborations that strengthen our digital economy and build resilience for the future.”

As digital adoption continues to grow across Africa, cybersecurity has become increasingly important to economic development. The Africa Cybersecurity Center of Excellence has been established to support stronger collective defence by connecting financial institutions, public sector organisations and businesses to share intelligence, improve preparedness, identify threats earlier and strengthen long-term resilience.

Michael Miebach, CEO, Mastercard, said, "Africa is dynamic, fast-growing, and ready to scale its digital future. That won't happen without trust. People don't use what they don't trust. That makes cybersecurity foundational to driving economic resilience and growth across the continent. By doing more to connect public and private sector efforts and share best practices, we can strengthen collective defense and secure a more confident and inclusive digital economy."

Africa’s digital economy is expected to reach US$1.5 trillion by 2030, increasing the need for stronger cybersecurity cooperation. At the same time, cybercrime continues to rise across the continent, causing significant economic losses annually. However, only around 35% of cyber incidents are officially reported, with limited detection capabilities, cyber maturity gaps and reputational concerns contributing to underreporting.

South Africa remains one of Africa’s most targeted markets, accounting for approximately 29% of ransomware attacks and 40% of phishing incidents across the continent. Nigeria also continues to rank among the markets most affected by ransomware and dark-web-related cyber threats.

Led by Mastercard, the multi-year initiative will begin a phased rollout in 2026, starting with South Africa and Nigeria. Through a collaborative model, the Center aims to strengthen cyber preparedness, improve resilience and support safer digital growth across Africa.

Operating as a pan-African platform supported by connected digital capabilities, the Center will provide participating organisations with improved visibility into emerging cyber risks. The initiative will include a first-year ecosystem cyber risk analysis covering up to 50 organisations, as well as access to an Africa-focused threat intelligence feed developed by Recorded Future, a Mastercard company.

By enabling collaboration among chief information security officers (CISOs), business leaders and cybersecurity professionals, the Center will support secure information sharing, joint exercises and coordinated responses to help create a stronger cybersecurity ecosystem across Africa.

The initiative will continue evolving as cybersecurity requirements change, with its activities centred around three key pillars:

Threat intelligence and strategic insights: Providing participating organisations with Africa-focused cybersecurity intelligence, risk assessments and a shared understanding of emerging threats.

Collaboration and knowledge sharing: Connecting CISOs, senior business executives and security teams to improve collective response capabilities and promote cybersecurity best practices across industries.

Readiness and resilience: Helping organisations prepare for future threats through continuous risk monitoring, resilience evaluations and scenario-based exercises designed to improve response and recovery.

The launch of the Africa Cybersecurity Center of Excellence represents another step in Mastercard’s broader commitment to building trust in the digital economy. Since 2018, the company has invested more than US$12.6bn in cybersecurity innovation and supported the launch of more than 20 cybersecurity-focused startups.

The initiative further reflects Mastercard’s transition from a payments network into a technology and cyber intelligence partner, supporting stronger cyber resilience and enabling secure, inclusive and sustainable digital growth across Africa.

By collaborating with governments, financial institutions, businesses and SMEs, Mastercard aims to strengthen the digital foundations required for inclusive economic development and support a more secure and resilient digital future across the continent.