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In The Spotlight

AI drives growing cybercrime threats across Africa. (Image source: INTERPOL)

Security

Artificial intelligence (AI) is now linked to 55% of reported cybercrimes across Africa, enabling criminals to launch attacks more rapidly, operate at greater scale and evade detection more effectively, according to INTERPOL’s African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2026

Africa’s digital economy continues to expand, with more than 1.1 billion mobile subscribers recorded in 2025. However, this rapid growth is accompanied by significant cybersecurity challenges, including fragmented cybercrime legislation and limited AI preparedness among law enforcement agencies.

Based on survey responses from 36 African member countries, the 40-page assessment identifies a major transformation in the region’s cybercrime environment. Criminal activity has developed from individual attacks into an increasingly organised, industrialised and borderless ecosystem.

Regional cyberthreats

Cybercrime patterns vary across the continent. East Africa has become a major centre for mobile money fraud and ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure, while business email compromise and romance scams have been widespread across Central and West Africa.

Southern Africa’s exceptionally high levels of connectivity have also increased its attractiveness to international threat actors seeking opportunities to cause widespread disruption.

The economic impact is growing rapidly. Cybercrime-related losses have more than doubled since 2024, rising from US$192mn to US$484mn. AI-enabled scams, credential theft and automated social engineering campaigns have been key contributors to this increase.

Online scams remained the most frequently reported form of cybercrime in 2025, with criminals exploiting mobile money services, social media platforms and AI-powered tools to target victims.

Scam centres are also widespread, with 72% of surveyed countries reporting their presence. Southern and West Africa recorded the highest concentrations.

AI raises the sophistication of attacks

AI-generated deepfakes and synthetic media continue to facilitate digital sextortion and online harassment. TrendAI, one of INTERPOL’s partners, recorded approximately 600,000 sextortion detections.

Business E-Mail Compromise (BEC) attacks have similarly become more sophisticated. Criminals are using AI to create highly credible email exchanges, while Africa-based threat actors have targeted victims in Europe and North America through infrastructure spread across several jurisdictions.

The report also highlights weaknesses caused by limited real-time information sharing between financial institutions, telecommunications operators and law enforcement agencies. These gaps create opportunities for criminals to conduct financial fraud with reduced risk of detection.

Criminal networks are increasingly moving beyond the theft of genuine credentials and creating synthetic identities. By combining authentic personal information with fabricated details, AI-generated personas can potentially circumvent sophisticated biometric verification systems. Such identities have reportedly been used to establish bank accounts, obtain mobile loans and register SIM cards using false identities.

Strengthening the response

Neal Jetton, director of INTERPOL’s Cybercrime unit said, “Cybercrime has emerged as one of the most significant criminal threats to the region. AI is automating every stage of a cyberattack from reconnaissance and phishing to extortion and evasion.

“However, we see that when countries work together, cybercriminal infrastructure can be identified, disrupted and dismantled.”

Progress is nevertheless being made across the continent. During 2025, 17 countries introduced or amended cybercrime legislation. Among these developments was the launch of an online reporting platform in Senegal designed to strengthen responses to online offences affecting children.

Regional capacity-building programmes are also supporting efforts to develop stronger and more sustainable cyber resilience.

Greater operational cooperation is producing results as well. Four major INTERPOL-coordinated operations – Operation Serengeti 2.0, Operation Contender 3.0, Operation Sentinel and Operation Red Card 2.0 – resulted collectively in more than 1,500 arrests, the seizure of hundreds of devices and the recovery of more than USD 100 million.

The assessment recommends standardising digital forensic capabilities, strengthening cross-border collaboration, increasing AI literacy among law enforcement personnel and establishing formal public-private partnerships to improve cybercrime prevention, detection and response.

INTERPOL’s Africa Cyberthreat Assessment forms part of the organisation’s African Joint Operation against Cybercrime initiative, which is funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The assessment incorporates data provided by Fortinet, Mastercard, the Shadowserver Foundation, S2W and TrendAI.

Airtel, Starlink bring satellite connectivity to DRC customers

Satellite

Airtel Africa and Starlink have launched a satellite-to-mobile connectivity service in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), making the country the first market in Africa to move the technology into commercial deployment

The service allows Airtel customers using compatible smartphones to stay connected in areas outside terrestrial network coverage, provided they have a clear view of the sky.

Starlink, which operates a satellite-to-mobile constellation with 650 launched satellites, supports light-data applications such as WhatsApp messaging and SMS. Users do not need specialised hardware or an additional device to access the service.

The commercial rollout follows a strategic partnership between Airtel Africa and Starlink announced in December 2025. It also builds on successful testing of Starlink Mobile data and messaging services in Kenya in March 2026.

The DRC is the first Airtel Africa market, and the first country on the continent, where Starlink Mobile has moved from testing to commercial availability.

Customers seeking to use the service must have a compatible LTE Android smartphone, together with an active Airtel DRC data bundle or data roaming enabled. Support for Apple devices is planned for the future.

“The first-ever commercial launch of Starlink Mobile in Africa is a significant milestone for Airtel Africa through our partnership with SpaceX. By combining Airtel’s terrestrial network with Starlink’s satellite technology, we are extending essential connectivity beyond the limits of conventional mobile infrastructure. The DRC is leading this important development, and the experience gained here will support the progressive expansion of the service across our markets, subject to country-specific regulatory approvals.”

Airtel DRC managing director Theirry Diasnoma said the deployment would help address connectivity challenges created by the country’s size and geography.

“The commercial launch of Starlink Mobile is an important step in extending essential connectivity across the DRC. Our country’s size and geography mean that many people live, work and travel beyond the reach of conventional mobile infrastructure. This service provides an additional layer of connectivity, helping customers remain reachable, informed and connected even in areas where terrestrial coverage is unavailable.”

Extending connectivity to remote areas

The satellite-to-mobile service is expected to provide an additional communications option for people and organisations operating in locations beyond the reach of conventional networks.

Potential users include transport and logistics operators, humanitarian organisations, healthcare workers, farmers, mining operations and communities in remote areas. The service could also provide communications support during emergencies, natural disasters and temporary interruptions to terrestrial networks.

Eligible Airtel customers can register through the MyAirtel App for a free 30-day introductory trial. Customers travelling to the DRC and joining Airtel DRC can also access the trial after activating an eligible service and downloading the application.

Once the introductory period ends, access to Starlink Mobile will continue through eligible Airtel data bundles.

Airtel Africa and Starlink are continuing to develop the service, with further capabilities expected as the technology advances and required regulatory approvals are obtained.

The deployment marks another step in Airtel Africa’s efforts to expand connectivity through new technologies and address coverage gaps across the continent, particularly in areas where conventional mobile infrastructure remains unavailable.

Nigeria and Burkina Faso are exploring Project BRIDGE routes aimed at making internet connectivity more affordable across the region

Internet

Nigeria and Burkina Faso are deepening cooperation on digital connectivity through Project BRIDGE, with technical teams set to assess routes that could help reduce the cost of internet connectivity in Burkina Faso by as much as 50%.

Nigeria’s minister of communications, innovation and digital economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, discussed the initiative during a visit to Ouagadougou, where he met Burkina Faso’s Minister for Digital Transition, Posts and Communication, Dr Aminata Zerbo-Sabané.

Connectivity was a central focus of the discussions, with Project BRIDGE providing a framework for exploring stronger digital links between the two countries.

Under the proposed cooperation, technical teams will model connectivity routes through Nigeria-Niger-Burkina Faso and Nigeria-Benin-Burkina Faso. The assessment aims to identify a potential pathway for lowering internet connectivity costs in Burkina Faso by up to 50%.

Project BRIDGE is also intended to support faster, more affordable and resilient internet connectivity for Nigerians, while the proposed cross-border routes could strengthen regional digital infrastructure.

Wider digital cooperation

Nigeria and Burkina Faso have agreed to establish a Technical Working Committee to develop the implementation framework for their broader digital partnership.

The cooperation will extend beyond fibre connectivity to include digital skills and talent development. As part of this effort, Nigeria plans to share its 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) model with Burkina Faso.

The two countries will also work towards stronger connections between their startup ecosystems and explore collaboration around Burkina Faso’s Innovation Campus.

Further areas of proposed cooperation include artificial intelligence, local-language technologies, shared computing infrastructure, cybersecurity and research.

The partnership therefore covers both physical connectivity and wider digital capabilities, with the two countries seeking to strengthen collaboration across several areas of the digital economy.

Strengthening regional connectivity

The engagement forms part of Nigeria’s broader outreach to neighbouring countries. It follows a recent visit to Benin Republic, while further engagements with Niger and Chad are planned as part of the four-country regional initiative.

The wider objective is to use Nigeria’s expanding digital infrastructure and capabilities to support shared economic opportunities across national borders and deepen regional economic integration.

The initiative also forms part of Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its position as a digital gateway connecting West Africa and the Sahel.

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Internet

Comsol launches wholesale 5G infrastructure for home broadband. (Image source: Comsol)

Internet

Comsol, a South African fixed wireless connectivity and private network operator with almost 30 years of industry experience, is expanding into the residential broadband market as a wholesale 5G infrastructure provider

The expansion is supported by two new shareholders: Platform Investment Partners, which has invested in 10 founder-stage fibre businesses across four markets during the past decade, and privately owned investment firm Wimsey Capital.

The revised shareholder structure follows the departure of Nedbank Private Equity, part of Nedbank CIB, from its investment in Comsol. Convergence Partners, a significant and established investor in the company, is providing further growth funding alongside Solcon Capital. Comsol founder and CEO Iain Stevenson, through Mactavish Investments, continues to hold an interest and is contributing additional capital. RMB structured and provided a comprehensive funding package that facilitated the shareholder transaction and will finance Comsol’s planned strategic capital expenditure programme.

Through the new offering, South African internet service providers (ISPs), mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) and other prospective partners can access a standalone 5G-Advanced* network designed specifically for fixed wireless access (FWA). Comsol owns and manages the infrastructure and provides it as a complete wholesale service, leaving partners responsible for their customer relationships and market strategies, including branding, pricing, product positioning and customer support.

More than one million Gauteng households covered

Comsol began deploying its network six months ago and has already reached more than one million households across Gauteng. The company plans to achieve comprehensive Gauteng coverage by March 2027, before extending the rollout into the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and major regional centres during 2027 and 2028.

The operator plans to deploy approximately 2,000 base stations nationwide, creating one of South Africa’s largest standards-based and high-capacity 5G networks. The infrastructure will provide service providers with an additional wholesale connectivity option and greater access to network capacity. By introducing new infrastructure into the market, Comsol expects to strengthen competition and expand consumer choice.

"Comsol anticipates where the market is heading and builds ahead of demand,” said Stevenson. “This is why we were investing in licensed spectrum years before its strategic value was widely understood and building private 5G before the market had grasped what it would enable. We see 5G-Advanced for the home as a big growth opportunity.

"ICASA has allocated spectrum to network providers to expand broadband access and increase competition in the market. We believe the way to honour that mandate is to build wholesale infrastructure that extends high-speed broadband to new customer segments and creates a platform for more competition at the well-established service provider layer.”

Experienced investors support infrastructure expansion

Comsol anticipates where the market is heading and builds ahead of demand

Shaun Clark, CEO of Platform Investment Partners, said, “We have spent years investing in the construction of open-access digital infrastructure in South Africa, and were founding investors in assets such as DFA, Conduct, Vumatel and N99. Our approach has always been to identify trends in technology adoption and invest behind them. We see fixed wireless as an important part of the connectivity market. Comsol is a natural fit with our portfolio of digital infrastructure businesses, which are all centred around a neutral host model.”

“We see a significant opportunity in 5G fixed wireless access to bring high-quality connectivity to more South African households. Comsol has a multi-decade track record of successfully building and delivering advanced wireless networks in diverse contexts. We are excited to back the business and partner with the world-class Comsol team as they build and scale this next phase of growth,” stated Richard Ladbrook, director of Wimsey Capital. 

Andile Ngcaba, executive chairman of Convergence Partners and chairman of the Comsol board, said, “Comsol is well positioned as the world transitions from 5G to 6G. The depth of its spectrum and nationwide network presence across all provinces creates a significant opportunity to serve South Africa’s enterprise, private and public sectors. Comsol’s platform is equally relevant to urban and rural markets, and to companies of all sizes.”

For Nedbank Private Equity, the transaction marks the end of a nine-year investment in Comsol. Yougan Moodley of Nedbank Private Equity said: “We are proud to have supported the company's growth, network rollout and value creation journey alongside management and our co-shareholders. The transaction positions Comsol strongly for its next phase of growth.”

The case for 5G-Advanced residential broadband

Comsol’s wholesale 5G-Advanced service is intended to complement fibre infrastructure while extending the availability and choice of residential broadband. Around 15% of South African households currently have fibre connections, with deployments concentrated mainly in densely populated metropolitan areas where trenching economics are more favourable. A sizeable opportunity therefore remains in suburban and adjacent markets where 5G FWA can be deployed faster and at significantly lower infrastructure costs.

Comsol’s 5G-Advanced FWA network is designed to deliver the capacity needed for large-scale residential broadband deployments, potentially allowing entire towns to receive coverage within weeks.

Developments in regulation and technology have also improved the economics of 5G-Advanced FWA. Comsol secured its C-band spectrum licence from ICASA in 2022, giving investors greater certainty around network development. The spectrum allocation supports differentiated speed tiers and competitive consumer pricing. At the same time, falling costs for 5G chipsets and customer-premises equipment (CPE) are reducing entry costs for consumers and ISPs.

As a new wholesale 5G market participant, Comsol is also deploying a modern standalone 5G core without the constraints associated with legacy network technologies.

The company expects these characteristics to contribute to strong FWA growth over the next five years. ICASA figures indicate that FWA subscriptions increased by approximately 39% year on year in 2025.** BMIT forecasts that 5G could represent as much as 67% of residential FWA connections by 2029, compared with 35% in 2024.***

A purpose-built network architecture

Comsol’s infrastructure is among only two production standalone 5G cores currently operating in South Africa. Its architecture provides ultra-low latency and dedicated capacity management capabilities that are not available to the same extent in hybrid 4G/5G deployments. The network also offers approximately twice the uplink performance of conventional 5G mobile operator networks.

The company’s 5G-Advanced implementation is IMT-conformant and incorporates standards-based technologies designed to increase network capacity while reducing the cost per bit. The infrastructure has been engineered specifically for high-capacity residential 5G connectivity at scale.

Greater flexibility for wholesale partners

Comsol’s wholesale model is designed to keep the operator separate from its partners’ consumer-facing businesses. ISPs and other customers maintain control over their market strategies, including pricing, packaging, billing, branding and customer relationships.

Through its API-enabled platform, Comsol allows partners to launch branded 5G-Advanced FWA services within weeks while maintaining significant control over product development and customer engagement.

The network is also designed to help ISPs reach additional customer groups whose broadband requirements centre on applications such as streaming, video conferencing and smart-home services. Its API-driven architecture allows partners to create tailored packages for different segments and modify or introduce products within hours, giving them greater flexibility to respond to shifts in customer demand.

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Mobile

EBRD commits €270m (approx. US$308.7mn) to expand Yas' 4G, 5G and fibre infrastructure across Senegal and Kenya. (Image source: AXIAN Telecom)

Mobile

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a senior financing package of up to €270 million (approx. US$308.7mn) for Yas, the pan-African telecommunications operator owned by AXIAN Telecom, to accelerate digital infrastructure investment and strengthen connectivity across Africa

The transaction marks the EBRD's first investment in Senegal and represents a landmark deal for the Bank in sub-Saharan Africa, combining long-term financing, local-currency lending and institutional capital mobilisation to support the region's growing digital economy.

The financing package includes a committed facility of up to €170 million (approx. US$194.4mn) to fund Yas' capital expenditure programme in Senegal and Kenya. This comprises a €100 million (approx. US$114.3mn) EBRD A-loan, a B-loan of up to €50 million (approx. US$57.2mn) to be syndicated to institutional investors under the Bank's A/B loan structure, and a local-currency facility equivalent to up to €20 million (approx. US$22.9mn) in Kenyan shillings. The transaction is the EBRD's first local-currency financing in sub-Saharan Africa and also its first A/B loan in the region. As part of the syndication, ILX Fund, an Amsterdam-based impact private credit fund specialising in emerging markets, will provide a significant investment in the B-loan.

The agreement also includes an uncommitted facility of up to €100 million (approx. US$114.3mn) to finance eligible future acquisitions by Yas and support additional capital expenditure across selected EBRD countries of operation in sub-Saharan Africa.

In Senegal, the investment will fund the expansion and modernisation of Yas Senegal's 4G and 5G mobile networks, reinforce core telecommunications infrastructure and accelerate fibre deployment. In Kenya, the financing will support the expansion and modernisation of fibre infrastructure following Yas' acquisition of Wananchi in 2025, enhancing broadband availability, network performance and service quality in one of East Africa's most dynamic telecommunications markets.

The investment is expected to strengthen competition in both countries by enabling local operators to expand their capabilities while improving access to reliable, affordable digital services for businesses and consumers.

Alongside the infrastructure investment, Yas has also committed to increasing female representation across its workforce and leadership teams, while introducing targeted programmes to promote women's participation in the digital economy through skills development and inclusive employment initiatives.

EBRD president Odile Renaud-Basso said: "I am very pleased to sign this first investment agreement with Yas, which reflects the EBRD's commitment to strengthening digital connectivity. By supporting long-term investment in critical digital infrastructure, we will help to build more resilient and competitive markets while mobilising additional capital from institutional investors to accelerate sustainable development and innovation."

Hassan Jaber, group CEO of Yas, stated, "Nearly one in ten people across Africa still live outside mobile network coverage. Closing that gap has been central to Yas' growth and is at the heart of this agreement. This is the largest financing our group has ever raised, and it will accelerate our 4G, 5G and fibre investments in Senegal and Kenya. It also marks the start of an important new partnership for Yas and the EBRD."

Kirstine Damkjaer, chief investment officer at ILX Fund, commented, "Africa is one of the fastest-growing digital markets in the world, with connectivity playing an important role in economic development, financial inclusion and job creation. We are pleased to support Yas' expansion alongside the EBRD, helping to strengthen essential digital infrastructure in the region and further increasing ILX's investment support across Africa."

Originating in Madagascar, Yas has grown into one of Africa's fastest-expanding telecommunications companies, operating across 11 markets in Africa and the Indian Ocean. Its portfolio spans three core business areas: mobile and fixed telecommunications services, fintech solutions, and digital infrastructure, including telecommunications towers, backbone fibre networks and data centres.

Senegal and Kenya became EBRD shareholders and countries of operation in 2025, expanding the Bank's footprint in sub-Saharan Africa. Through investments such as this, the EBRD aims to support private sector-led growth, bridge critical infrastructure gaps, promote economic diversification and advance climate-resilient development across the region.

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Satellite

New satellite broadband venture targets South Africa's hardest-to-reach communities. (Image source: Amazon)

Satellite

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.

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Commerce

BNB Liberia and Orange Money launch cross-border remittance services to enhance digital financial inclusion across Africa.

Commerce

BNB Liberia, a prominent fintech and digital payments provider in Liberia, has joined forces with Orange Money Liberia to introduce an International Remittance Outbound Service, enhancing opportunities for customers to conduct convenient and efficient cross-border financial transactions

The newly launched service allows Orange Money users in Liberia to transfer funds directly from their mobile wallets to recipients across several African markets, including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Mali, Uganda, and Rwanda. As part of efforts to encourage adoption and improve access to digital financial services, the service will be available at no cost during its initial three-month rollout period.

The partnership marks another significant step in BNB’s efforts to reshape Liberia’s digital finance sector through innovation, collaboration, and the delivery of inclusive financial technology solutions.

BNB has established itself as a key player in financial innovation across Liberia and the wider region, introducing several pioneering digital payment initiatives. These include direct remittance transfers into Liberian mobile wallets, digital foreign exchange services connected with mobile money platforms, expanded outbound mobile money capabilities, and digital payment solutions through BNB CashApp. The company has also developed a broad agent network that continues to improve access to financial services nationwide.

Through these initiatives, BNB has continued to support individuals, enterprises, and communities with secure, accessible, and convenient financial solutions designed to promote wider participation in the digital economy.

The Orange Outbound Service further enhances regional financial connectivity by enabling customers to send money quickly and securely from their Orange Money wallets by dialling 144113#. The launch event took place at The Icon 16, Orange Liberia’s headquarters in Monrovia, and was attended by representatives from the financial services, telecommunications, and fintech industries.

Speaking at the launch, David Ojo, Managing Director of BNB Liberia, highlighted the importance of innovation and partnerships in advancing Liberia’s digital economy:

“At BNB, we believe innovation and collaboration are essential to building an inclusive digital economy for Liberia and Africa. Our partnership with Orange Liberia reflects our continued commitment to providing fast, secure, affordable, and accessible financial solutions that improve lives and connect people across borders. We remain committed to working with regulators, mobile network operators, banks, and other strategic stakeholders to continue driving Liberia’s digital transformation forward.”

BNB noted that the collaboration supports its wider objective of expanding financial inclusion, simplifying international money transfers, and enabling regional commerce through technology-led financial services.

With Liberia’s fintech sector continuing to develop, BNB remains focused on launching innovative solutions and building strategic partnerships that empower customers while strengthening the country’s position as an emerging centre for digital financial services in Africa.

 
 

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Power

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

Power

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

The new agreement marks a major step in expanding Vertiv’s reach in the Malawian market, leveraging IPCS’s established experience in power control and alternative energy solutions.

“This collaboration will enhance IPCS’s product portfolio, reinforcing our position as a trusted leader in the Malawian market,” said Rumbidzai Bere, business development and marketing director at IPCS.

“The combination of IPCS’s experience in power control and renewable energy and Vertiv’s innovative solutions, such as lithium-ion compatible UPS systems and IT infrastructure products, will bring a new layer of reliability and efficiency to organisations in Malawi, enabling them to equip their critical infrastructure with the resilient, scalable infrastructure needed to support them over time.”

The agreement includes the distribution of Vertiv's comprehensive critical digital infrastructure portfolio, including single-phase and three-phase AC power solutions, surge protection, integrated racks and cabinets and IT infrastructure management solutions, to support the growing demands for computing and AI infrastructure in the region.

The Malawi government’s National Compact for Energy sets out the country’s vision and commitment to increasing access to electricity and alternative energy by 2030, with the aim of providing electricity to 70% of the population.

“Our collaboration with IPCS is a step toward reinforcing Vertiv’s local footprint and a strategic move to align with a well-established, respected partner,” said Gary Chomse, Vertiv’s regional director for central and southern Africa.

“This is proof of our presence, commitment and investment in the Malawian power control, data centre infrastructure, and alternative energy sectors.

“Through this partnership, Vertiv and IPCS are committed to contributing to Malawi’s technological evolution, providing businesses with the power and infrastructure solutions needed to support the country’s digital future.”

IPCS, a wholly Malawian-owned company, has built its reputation as a leader in power solutions since its foundation in 1998.

With a strong track record in supplying, installing and maintaining critical power infrastructure, including uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), data centre solutions, automatic voltage regulators, surge protectors, and alternative energy systems, IPCS is well-positioned to supply, install, and support Vertiv solutions in Malawi.

“This means that, as digital transformation accelerates and electrification efforts continue, there is immense potential for growth in the IT and power sectors,” added Bere.

“With Malawi’s youthful population, 80% of whom are under the age of 35, we also believe that the rise in IT skills, the use of AI and cybersecurity advancements will further drive demand for sophisticated data centre solutions.” 

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Security

African regulators in Kenya and Ghana are leading the way, strengthening digital asset safety and trust

Security

Over the past decade, financial systems worldwide have become more digitally interconnected than ever. While this connectivity brings convenience and speed, it also opens the door to financial crime

From complex money-laundering networks to cyber-enabled fraud rings, criminal actors exploit gaps in regulation and oversight. As traditional finance evolves, so do opportunities for abuse—and this risk is especially pronounced in the rapidly expanding digital asset space.

Cryptocurrencies and other digital assets promised a more inclusive and efficient financial system. Yet without appropriate safeguards, innovation can inadvertently create new avenues for exploitation. Over recent years, financial crime has grown alongside the digital economy. According to Chainalysis, by July 2025, over US$2.17bn was reported stolen from cryptocurrency services. But these numbers reflect real human consequences: small businesses locked out of working capital due to crypto scams, families losing savings to impersonation schemes, and young founders forced to shutter promising ventures after a single fraud incident drained their liquidity. Financial crime in digital assets is not abstract—it is personal, and often irreversible.

Criminals increasingly leverage digital currencies via darknet markets, ransomware demands, and other schemes, exploiting weak oversight, insufficient identity verification, and gaps in enforcement. That’s why anti-money-laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) controls aren’t bureaucratic checkboxes—they are foundational infrastructure for a functioning financial system. Regulation is not a “nice-to-have”; it is the safeguard that separates legitimate innovation from systemic risk.

The Risk Landscape Sharpens as Digital Assets Grow

Without clear rules, digital assets have often been described as the Wild West of finance: a frontier of opportunity with minimal accountability. While stories of lost wallets and exchange hacks capture headlines, the deeper issue is systemic: when markets operate without enforceable standards for transparency and oversight, bad actors thrive.

Digital assets can drive economic inclusion, particularly in emerging markets across Africa. But that potential is limited if fear of fraud, theft, or criminal misuse overshadows the benefits. Regulation that prioritises financial safety protects consumers and strengthens trust—a prerequisite for widespread adoption.

Regulatory Momentum: Kenya and Ghana Take a Stand

Recognising these risks, several African countries have moved beyond debate and implemented decisive measures. Kenya and Ghana stand out as leaders, enacting comprehensive digital asset regulatory frameworks in 2025. At a time when many developed markets still struggle to balance innovation with enforcement, African regulators are showing that clarity is achievable. These frameworks are deliberate, consultative, and designed for sustainable market growth.

In Kenya, the Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill, formalised in November 2025, made the country one of the first in the region to clearly define licensing, compliance expectations, and supervisory oversight for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs). Yellow Card’s team contributed significant input to ensure the law supports innovation while enforcing robust AML and CTF safeguards.

Similarly, Ghana’s Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill, 2025, which received presidential assent in December 2025, marked a historic milestone. For years, Ghana’s digital asset market had operated in a gray area, widely used but legally uncertain. With the VASP Bill, cryptocurrency activities are now formally legalised and regulated. Oversight responsibilities are distributed across the central bank, securities regulator, and financial intelligence unit, ensuring identity verification, transaction monitoring, and illicit flow prevention. These laws do more than confer legitimacy—they protect individuals, businesses, and the broader financial system.

Why Regulation Matters: Financial Safety and Security Aren’t Optional

Financial crime is not merely a compliance concern for multinational corporations; it is a real threat affecting individuals, firms, and economies. Fraud and money laundering erode consumer confidence, divert capital from productive use, and distort markets. In the digital asset sector, unregulated exchanges and opaque operations exacerbate these risks.

Regulatory frameworks like those in Kenya and Ghana create a “safe zone,” where innovation can flourish under clear standards. Mandatory Know-Your-Customer (KYC) protocols verify identities. AML and CFT processes detect and deter illicit flows. Coordinated oversight enables regulators and operators to combine on-chain analytics with traditional compliance tools, identifying suspicious activity in real time.

A Global Operator’s Perspective: Yellow Card’s Commitment to Safety

At Yellow Card, we operate in 34 markets, with a presence in 20 African countries and strategic relationships across Europe and the US. This global footprint exposes us to some of the world’s most sophisticated regulatory regimes. We view financial safety and security not as optional, but as prerequisites for responsible, scalable operations.

We have implemented robust risk and financial crime programmes, including advanced identity verification, transaction monitoring, and real-time risk scoring. These systems are deployed daily to protect users and reinforce trust in the digital economy.

The Future Depends on Safe, Secure, Accountable Markets

As digital assets integrate further with traditional finance and everyday commerce, the stakes for financial integrity will rise. Jurisdictions that act decisively with transparent, enforceable regulations and international cooperation will unlock broader economic potential. Those that delay risk stagnation and uncertainty. Policymakers must focus not on whether to regulate digital assets, but on how swiftly and effectively. Clear rules today prevent crises tomorrow.

Regulation that confronts financial crime does not stifle innovation—it enables it by eliminating fear and building trust. For Ghana, Kenya, and other forward-thinking nations, the message is clear: the future of finance must be safe to be sustainable. When safety is non-negotiable, everyone benefits—consumers, businesses, and the economy at large.

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