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The ViaTunisia subsea cable segment between Marseille in France, and Bizerte in Tunisia, has reached Ready for Service (RFS) marking the transition from construction to full operational availability on a direct and resilient new route between southern Europe and North Africa  

From infrastructure design to live connectivity 

The journey to RFS began long before the cable touched the seabed. Designed as an open, point-to-point system with a 25-year design life, ViaTunisia moved through each phase: marine surveys, factory acceptance tests, cable loading, laying, shore landings and final splicing. Marine operations were carried out by Orange Marine’s Sophie Germain and Elettra TLC’s Teliri cableships, under the coordination of Elettra TLC, with system design and equipment delivered by Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN). 

A European-supported infrastructure

ViaTunisia was co-financed by the European Union under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF Digital) program.

The Grant Agreement, signed in December 2022, provided funding covering 30% of the construction and management costs. This demonstrates the EU’s commitment to reinforcing digital connectivity, supporting the rapid growth of data traffic driven by digital transformation and AI, and enabling new opportunities for digital services, investments, and innovation. 

Creating a new digital bridge between Europe and Africa

ViaTunisia extends directly into Orange’s global infrastructure in Marseille, through a fully redundant urban fiber ring connecting all the Data Centers in the city. This set up enables seamless interconnexion and distribution of international capacity across Europe.

By combining the resilience, security and performance of a global backbone with Marseille’s role as a leading interconnection hub, ViaTunisia provides direct, high-capacity connectivity between North Africa and the wider digital world. It also multiplies route options in this area, especially in natural disaster-prone areas, minimising outages caused by cable failures, thus improving overall network resilience.

The mobile telecommunications sector across the African continent is currently undergoing a profound transition.

According to the Mobile Economy Africa 2026 report, published by the GSMA, the industry has entered a highly anticipated phase of development. Operators are now shifting their strategic focus following a decade defined by the extensive expansion of physical network coverage. The primary objective is no longer merely connecting populations, but unlocking substantially greater economic value through advanced digital networks. This fundamental evolution is expected to drive continuous growth, technological innovation, and digital transformation across the region.

The economic impact of this digital foundation is already immense. The GSMA report indicates that Africa’s mobile industry contributed a staggering US$240bn to the continent's economy in 2025, a figure equivalent to 7.8% of total GDP. Also, the ecosystem actively supported approximately thirteen million jobs whilst simultaneously generating US$45bn in essential public revenues. By the year 2030, mobile technologies and services are projected to contribute a record US$290bn to the African economy.

Telecommunications operators are evolving far beyond their traditional roles to achieve these ambitious targets,. According to GSMA Intelligence research, 79% of operators in Africa now identify becoming a digital transformation partner as a primary enterprise objective. This critical transition involves deploying artificial intelligence, expanding consumer digital services, and opening core network capabilities directly to developers through standardised APIs.

Artificial intelligence is increasingly deployed to optimise network performance and support novel digital services. But, a significant localisation challenge persists. Africa is home to more than 30% of the world's spoken languages, yet prominent AI models remain predominantly trained on English. To rectify this imbalance, industry stakeholders are championing initiatives such as the GSMA's “AI language models in Africa, by Africa, for Africa” programme. Concurrently, momentum is growing behind the GSMA Open Gateway initiative. This framework enables operators to provide standardised network APIs to developers, facilitating new services whilst supporting fraud prevention, identity verification, and digital trust across the financial and e-commerce sectors.

Addressing this critical turning point for the industry, Vivek Badrinath, director general of the GSMA, outlined the strategic imperatives required to maintain this momentum.

He stated, "Africa's mobile industry is entering a new phase of development. Having connected millions of people and businesses over the last decade, the focus is increasingly shifting towards unlocking greater value through AI, digital services and new forms of innovation."

Highlighting the collaborative effort required from stakeholders, Badrinath continued: "Realising this opportunity will require continued investment, policies that encourage innovation, and a shared commitment to ensuring that everyone can benefit from the opportunities digital technologies create."

He further stressed the inherent responsibility of the wider technology ecosystem, adding: "We also call on the broader technology supply chain – including those who manufacture the components that make devices possible – to reflect on how their own success is tied to a connected world, and to join us in closing the usage gap and making that world more accessible and affordable for all."

The core challenge has decisively shifted from expanding network coverage to ensuring citizens and businesses fully utilise the connectivity already in place. While networks now cover the vast majority of the population, a glaring usage gap remains. Approximately 63 per cent of Africans live within broadband coverage but are not using the mobile internet. By stark comparison, only 9 per cent remain entirely outside mobile broadband coverage zones.

Affordability remains the single largest barrier to mobile internet adoption, heavily compounded by digital skills gaps and complex social barriers. To support the next phase of digital growth, the GSMA is calling for structural policy reforms that encourage private investment and dramatically improve affordability. Regulatory certainty, spectrum availability, and investment incentives will heavily influence future infrastructure deployment. Operators across Africa are expected to invest over US$76bn in vital network infrastructure between 2024 and 2030, a period during which 5G adoption is forecasted to reach 21% of all mobile connections. Ultimately, the GSMA notes that reducing systemic taxes on devices and digital services can rapidly accelerate adoption and expand equitable access to the modern digital economy.

Starlink has received official approval to commence operations in Uganda after signing a Memorandum of Understanding and operational licensing agreement with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) at State House in Entebbe on 15 May 2026

The agreement represents a significant development in Uganda’s efforts to improve internet accessibility and accelerate national digital transformation initiatives.

Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni attended the signing ceremony and acknowledged Starlink’s commitment to operating within Uganda’s legal and regulatory requirements. “Our interest is security, revenue assurance, and proper accountability within the telecommunications sector so that we know who is operating and who the customers are,” president Museveni said.

He further expressed satisfaction with the company’s readiness to meet Uganda’s operational conditions ahead of launching services in the country.

Following the signing, the Uganda Communications Commission issued the necessary operational certification required for Starlink’s deployment within the country. Under the licensing terms, the company must establish a national gateway, maintain a physical presence in Uganda and operate a local office staffed with technical and legal personnel.

The rollout is expected to enhance internet access across the country, particularly in rural and underserved regions where connectivity challenges remain significant.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ryan Goodnight described the agreement as an important development for both Uganda and Starlink.

“It is a great honor to be here in this beautiful country. We are incredibly excited that we are forging this cooperation and bringing this network here,” he said.

He added that Starlink intends to support wider digital participation by reducing internet costs and expanding access to reliable connectivity services.

Goodnight also announced plans for the company to support sectors including healthcare and education through the donation of internet connectivity devices to selected facilities across Uganda.

Uganda’s Ministry of ICT and National Guidance welcomed the partnership, noting that it could strengthen innovation, improve digital inclusion and create new opportunities across sectors such as business, education, healthcare and communications.

The introduction of Starlink services is expected to play a key role in Uganda’s broader digital transformation agenda by expanding connectivity access nationwide.

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.

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.