In The Spotlight
New satellite broadband venture targets South Africa's hardest-to-reach communities. (Image source: Amazon)
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.
EBRD commits €270m (approx. US$308.7mn) to expand Yas' 4G, 5G and fibre infrastructure across Senegal and Kenya. (Image source: AXIAN Telecom)
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.
Liberia expands digital access in higher education
The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has unveiled plans to strengthen internet connectivity at William V. S. Tubman University, a move aimed at supporting digital learning and expanding access to technology in higher education
The announcement was made by LTA chairperson Clarence K. Massaquoi during the Authority's Cybersecurity Marathon held in Harper, Maryland County, on 7 July under the theme, "Secure Your Digital Future."
The planned upgrade forms part of the government's broader digital transformation programme led by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. and is intended to provide the university with enhanced internet services to improve teaching, research, innovation and administrative operations.
Chairperson Massaquoi said expanding digital infrastructure across higher education institutions is critical to preparing students for an increasingly technology-driven future.
"Improving internet access at our institutions of higher learning is essential to preparing the next generation for the digital economy. This initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring that students and educators have the connectivity needed to succeed in today's technology-driven world."
He added that the initiative was announced following an appeal from former Chief Justice Gloria Musu Scott, highlighting the growing need for dependable digital infrastructure to support quality education.
Tubman University president Dr Olu Q. Menjay welcomed the initiative, saying improved connectivity would significantly strengthen the institution's digital capabilities and academic environment.
"This support will significantly enhance our teaching and learning environment while helping us address longstanding connectivity challenges. It will also expand opportunities for research, innovation, and digital education across our campus."
The planned investment is part of the LTA's ongoing efforts to reduce the digital divide by extending reliable internet access to educational institutions, enabling greater digital inclusion while supporting Liberia's long-term vision of a connected, technology-enabled society.
Zimbabwe launches high-capacity cross-border fibre corridor with Paratus. (Image source: Paratus)
Powertel Communications and Paratus Zimbabwe have activated the first operational segment of their cross-border fibre infrastructure project, marking a significant step towards establishing a high-capacity digital corridor linking Zimbabwe with Botswana, Zambia, South Africa and the wider Paratus network across Southern Africa
The live section, stretching between Plumtree and Bulawayo, represents the first phase of a broader initiative launched under the public-private partnership (PPP) signed by the two companies in June 2025. The agreement combines Powertel's nationwide fibre backbone with Paratus' regional network, technical expertise and infrastructure development experience to expand long-distance connectivity across Zimbabwe.
As the first Paratus-connected fibre route into Zimbabwe, the newly commissioned link enhances regional interconnection while strengthening cross-border communications. The project is designed to improve digital inclusion, increase network resilience and support long-term economic development by integrating Zimbabwe into the wider Southern African telecommunications ecosystem.
Built using advanced Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) technology, the route is capable of supporting more than 10Tbps of capacity. It is currently operational with an equipped capacity of 800Gbps, providing immediate bandwidth while allowing for future expansion as demand increases. The second phase, extending from Bulawayo to Livingstone, is scheduled to go live in September 2026, completing the strategic three-country corridor.
Managing Director of Powertel Communications, Willard Nyagwande says the achievement demonstrates the impact of strong collaboration in delivering national and regional connectivity goals.
"This is a defining moment for Powertel as the project is planned, built, owned and operated by Powertel, as the licensed national carrier under POTRAZ and the telecommunications arm of ZESA. The IRU with our partner Paratus is the commercial vehicle that this project's success rides on; that allows us to lead this corridor with the financial backing of a renowned and reputable continental partner, whilst retaining the operational primacy over the asset, the regulator-facing relationship, and accountability to ZESA and the people of Zimbabwe. This IRU converts a national infrastructure ambition into a bankable, investable, replicable commercial reality. It aligns the incentives of both parties over the full economic life of the asset. That is precisely why this model is significant. It is the structure that has made the Plumtree–Victoria Falls corridor financeable today, and it is the same structure that will carry the Bulawayo–Livingstone, and the wider Botswana–Zimbabwe–Zambia digital spine, tomorrow!"
Chief Commercial Officer of Paratus Group, Martin Cox says the first live deployment delivers on the vision announced when the partnership was formed."When we announced the PPP and this project last year, we set out a clear vision to create the first high-capacity digital corridor linking Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Today, we are delighted that the first phase is live, carrying traffic and already delivering real, measurable progress towards that vision.
This is about far more than fiber infrastructure. It is about building the digital foundations that enable economic growth, regional integration and improved access to world-class connectivity. By integrating Zimbabwe into the Paratus network – Africa's quality network – we are extending the reach of our contiguous network from South Africa through Botswana and Zimbabwe into Zambia, creating resilient connectivity for businesses, service providers and communities across the region.
This is just the first of many routes that Paratus plans to develop as we continue expanding Africa's quality network."
Speaking during the launch, Head of Cluster: Energy and Trading, Tinashe Yafele, described the completion of the first phase as an important milestone in Zimbabwe's digital transformation programme.
"With an equipped capacity of 800Gbps, this project stands as a significant landmark in Zimbabwe's digital transformation journey. This project is more than the just the deployment of fiber optic infrastructure. It represents a strategic investment in Zimbabwe's digital economy, regional integration and long-term economic development. The project directly supports the aspirations of Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy and Zimbabwe's Digital Economy Strategy by strengthening the digital infrastructure required for modern commerce, education, healthcare, e-government, financial services and industrial development. It also positions Zimbabwe as a strategic regional telecommunications gateway connecting Southern Africa."
He further encouraged both companies to maintain momentum on the remaining phases of the project.
"Your unified focus remains a powerful testament that sets the pace for shared vision and operational excellence."
Construction of the next phase, which will extend the network from Bulawayo to Livingstone, is progressing and is expected to be completed during the next quarter. Once operational, the expanded corridor will provide additional network resilience, improve regional connectivity and create new opportunities for trade, innovation and digital participation across Southern Africa.
The companies say the project also demonstrates how the long-term IRU model can support investment in strategic telecommunications infrastructure, creating a scalable framework for future cross-border digital connectivity across the region.
Vodacom completes acquisition of 55% Safaricom stake
Vodacom Group has finalised the acquisition of an additional 20% effective stake in Safaricom PLC, increasing its shareholding to approximately 55% and securing majority ownership of the telecommunications, financial services and technology company
The transaction was completed after the Court of Appeal of Kenya stayed a conservatory order on 26 June 2026 and all remaining conditions precedent were satisfied.
Originally announced in December 2025, the transaction is valued at US$2.1bn (R35bn). Under the agreement, Vodacom acquired a 15% stake from the Government of Kenya and an effective additional 5% stake from Vodafone Group Plc at KES34 per share.
Following the completion of the transaction, the Government of Kenya retains a 20% shareholding in Safaricom, which continues to be listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange.
As a result of the increased ownership, Safaricom's financial results will be consolidated into Vodacom's financial statements under IFRS rather than being reported as an associate. Vodacom reported EBITDA of R63bn for FY26, while Safaricom reported EBITDA of R29bn.
Majority ownership supports Vision 2030 strategy
Shameel Joosub, Vodacom Group CEO, said, "This is a landmark moment for Vodacom, for Safaricom, and for the communities we serve across East Africa. Acquiring majority ownership in Safaricom strengthens our position as a market leader, while at the same time unlocking new opportunities to drive digital and financial inclusion at scale in Kenya and Ethiopia. Safaricom's outstanding track record and differentiated growth outlook perfectly complement our Vision 2030 ambitions, empowering us to deliver sustainable value for all stakeholders and to connect millions more people for a better future. I look forward to partnering with Governments in Kenya and Ethiopia and working even closer with the Safaricom team, leveraging the learnings from their success across the Group."
Safaricom is recognised as one of Africa's leading companies, with operations spanning telecommunications, financial technology, technology services and social impact initiatives. Its M-Pesa platform continues to play a significant role in advancing financial inclusion, with fintech contributing 44% of revenue in Kenya.
The company has also expanded into Ethiopia, where it has built a customer base of approximately 14 million, while continuing to grow its cloud, Internet of Things (IoT) and enterprise service offerings.
Transaction strengthens Vodacom's East African footprint
According to Vodacom, the acquisition represents an important milestone in its Vision 2030 strategy, which focuses on strengthening its leadership across Africa's high-growth markets while expanding its portfolio of digital and financial services.
With the transaction complete, Vodacom's operations now extend across a connected footprint stretching from South Africa through East and Central Africa to Egypt, with Safaricom serving as the centre of its East African business.
FCPA John Mbadi, E.G.H., cabinet secretary, National Treasury of Kenya, said, "Twenty-five years ago, the Government of Kenya made a founding investment in a mobile telephone licence. That investment has grown into Safaricom - a company that has transformed financial inclusion across Africa, connected more than fifty million Kenyans, and contributed over one-and-a-half trillion shillings to the Exchequer. Today, we crystallise a portion of that extraordinary value to invest in the roads, the energy systems, the water infrastructure, and the airports that will power Kenya's next chapter of growth. We do so lawfully, transparently, and with the express authority of Parliament. Safaricom's best days are not behind it. They are ahead of it. And Kenya remains its home."
Vodacom intends to update the market on its medium-term targets on or around 27 July 2026, when the Group publishes its first quarter results.
IFC's US$150mn financing will help Airtel Africa expand mobile networks and advance digital inclusion across Africa
IFC has announced a US$150mn financing package for two subsidiaries of Airtel Africa to support the expansion and modernisation of mobile network infrastructure across the continent
The loan will enable Airtel Africa to strengthen and extend its mobile networks over the coming years, improving access to high-speed data services in underserved communities. The investment is expected to enhance digital connectivity, helping small businesses expand, entrepreneurs reach new customers and young people access digital services and opportunities.
The financing builds on the long-standing partnership between IFC and Airtel Africa, which is focused on increasing access to reliable internet connectivity across Africa. By improving network capacity and extending coverage, the initiative aims to support economic activity that increasingly relies on digital infrastructure, including mobile money services, online commerce and informal sector businesses.
Sunil Taldar, CEO of Airtel Africa, said, “Through our ongoing partnership with IFC, we are advancing the expansion and modernisation of our network, underpinning a core pillar of our strategy. It also reflects our ambition to accelerate digital inclusion, scale access to digital tools and services, and enable greater economic opportunity for individuals and communities.”
Supporting digital inclusion and economic growth
According to IFC, stronger digital infrastructure can contribute to broader economic development by improving access to markets, services and employment opportunities.
Dan Croft, acting regional manager for infrastructure in Eastern Africa at IFC, commented, “Expanding digital connectivity is ultimately about expanding opportunity. Stronger networks help businesses reach new customers, enable workers to access wider markets, and connect young people to skills and services that shape their future. Through IFC’s partnership with Airtel Africa, we are supporting the infrastructure that translates connectivity into jobs, inclusion, and sustained growth across Airtel Africa’s markets.”
In addition to the financing, IFC said its continued support through longer-tenor and local currency funding strengthens Airtel Africa's capacity to invest with greater confidence, support sustainable growth and deliver long-term benefits across its operating markets.
Strengthening digital infrastructure across sub-Saharan Africa
Expanding reliable digital infrastructure remains a key part of IFC's strategy for promoting inclusive economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa. The organisation said stronger telecommunications networks help create opportunities for entrepreneurship, encourage business development and support job creation at scale.
Over the past decade, IFC has committed and mobilised more than US$12bn for telecommunications, media and technology investments across emerging markets.
Thales Alenia Space and Es’hailSat develop next-generation satellite to expand broadband connectivity across global strategic markets
Thales Alenia Space has secured a contract from Es’hailSat, the Qatar Satellite Company, to develop a next-generation software-defined satellite based on its Space INSPIRE (INstant SPace In-orbit REconfiguration) platform
The agreement marks a new step in advanced satellite communications, with the Eshail-3/Türksat-Biruni satellite set to deliver high-speed broadband connectivity services across Europe, Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East. The satellite will be jointly utilised with Turkish satellite operator Türksat.
Built on the Space INSPIRE platform, Eshail-3/Türksat-Biruni will feature advanced flexibility through a fully software-defined architecture, allowing in-orbit adjustments to respond quickly to changing broadband connectivity requirements. The technology will enable Es’hailSat to optimise satellite resources and provide enhanced communications services throughout the satellite’s operational lifetime.
As the prime contractor, Thales Alenia Space will oversee the complete satellite programme, including design, manufacturing, testing and delivery of the spacecraft. The company will also provide the ground segment and related services required to support satellite operations.
The partnership highlights Qatar’s efforts to strengthen its satellite communications capabilities while expanding connectivity services across strategic global markets.
“The signing of this contract with Thales Alenia Space marks a defining moment for Es’hailSat and for Qatar’s ambitions as a leading satellite service provider. Eshail-3/Türksat-Biruni will not only expand our coverage and capabilities into new strategic markets, but also strengthen the resilience and independence of Qatar’s communications infrastructure. We look forward to working closely with our industrial partner, Thales Alenia Space, to deliver high-performing communications services to our customers,” said Ali Ahmed Al-Kuwari, president and CEO at Es’hailSat.
“I would like to express my gratitude to Es’hailSat for putting its trust in our company,” said Hervé Derrey, President and CEO of Thales Alenia Space. “Today’s contract is significant for Thales Alenia Space as it recognizes our ability to offer an innovative, fully digitalized telecommunications satellite that can be reprogrammed in orbit, along with the capability to integrate hosted payloads serving both commercial and governmental requirements.”
Vodacom completes acquisition of 55% Safaricom stake
Vodacom Group has finalised the acquisition of an additional 20% effective stake in Safaricom PLC, increasing its shareholding to approximately 55% and securing majority ownership of the telecommunications, financial services and technology company
The transaction was completed after the Court of Appeal of Kenya stayed a conservatory order on 26 June 2026 and all remaining conditions precedent were satisfied.
Originally announced in December 2025, the transaction is valued at US$2.1bn (R35bn). Under the agreement, Vodacom acquired a 15% stake from the Government of Kenya and an effective additional 5% stake from Vodafone Group Plc at KES34 per share.
Following the completion of the transaction, the Government of Kenya retains a 20% shareholding in Safaricom, which continues to be listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange.
As a result of the increased ownership, Safaricom's financial results will be consolidated into Vodacom's financial statements under IFRS rather than being reported as an associate. Vodacom reported EBITDA of R63bn for FY26, while Safaricom reported EBITDA of R29bn.
Majority ownership supports Vision 2030 strategy
Shameel Joosub, Vodacom Group CEO, said, "This is a landmark moment for Vodacom, for Safaricom, and for the communities we serve across East Africa. Acquiring majority ownership in Safaricom strengthens our position as a market leader, while at the same time unlocking new opportunities to drive digital and financial inclusion at scale in Kenya and Ethiopia. Safaricom's outstanding track record and differentiated growth outlook perfectly complement our Vision 2030 ambitions, empowering us to deliver sustainable value for all stakeholders and to connect millions more people for a better future. I look forward to partnering with Governments in Kenya and Ethiopia and working even closer with the Safaricom team, leveraging the learnings from their success across the Group."
Safaricom is recognised as one of Africa's leading companies, with operations spanning telecommunications, financial technology, technology services and social impact initiatives. Its M-Pesa platform continues to play a significant role in advancing financial inclusion, with fintech contributing 44% of revenue in Kenya.
The company has also expanded into Ethiopia, where it has built a customer base of approximately 14 million, while continuing to grow its cloud, Internet of Things (IoT) and enterprise service offerings.
Transaction strengthens Vodacom's East African footprint
According to Vodacom, the acquisition represents an important milestone in its Vision 2030 strategy, which focuses on strengthening its leadership across Africa's high-growth markets while expanding its portfolio of digital and financial services.
With the transaction complete, Vodacom's operations now extend across a connected footprint stretching from South Africa through East and Central Africa to Egypt, with Safaricom serving as the centre of its East African business.
FCPA John Mbadi, E.G.H., cabinet secretary, National Treasury of Kenya, said, "Twenty-five years ago, the Government of Kenya made a founding investment in a mobile telephone licence. That investment has grown into Safaricom - a company that has transformed financial inclusion across Africa, connected more than fifty million Kenyans, and contributed over one-and-a-half trillion shillings to the Exchequer. Today, we crystallise a portion of that extraordinary value to invest in the roads, the energy systems, the water infrastructure, and the airports that will power Kenya's next chapter of growth. We do so lawfully, transparently, and with the express authority of Parliament. Safaricom's best days are not behind it. They are ahead of it. And Kenya remains its home."
Vodacom intends to update the market on its medium-term targets on or around 27 July 2026, when the Group publishes its first quarter results.
Liberia expands digital access in higher education
Zimbabwe launches high-capacity cross-border fibre corridor with Paratus. (Image source: Paratus)
Yas Tanzania deploys Ericsson’s first AIR 3285 Radio in Africa. (Image source: Ericsson)
EBRD commits €270m (approx. US$308.7mn) to expand Yas' 4G, 5G and fibre infrastructure across Senegal and Kenya. (Image source: AXIAN Telecom)
IFC's US$150mn financing will help Airtel Africa expand mobile networks and advance digital inclusion across Africa
Mercury strengthens satellite connectivity network
Eutelsat and Mercury, a subsidiary of Sonangol Group and a leading telecommunications services provider in Angola, have entered into a new multi-year, multi-million agreement to deliver Eutelsat’s LEO connectivity services
Building on the longstanding partnership between the two companies, Mercury, formerly known as MSTelcom, will continue expanding the availability of Eutelsat’s LEO services for enterprise, public sector, offshore and telecom customers across Angola.
Eutelsat remains the only licensed LEO operator currently operating in Angola and has established a significant presence in the country through its local partners. With investments in local infrastructure, including a ground station and local point of presence (PoP), alongside its continued commitment to Angola, Eutelsat has strengthened its position as a leading satellite connectivity provider in the country.
Through these capabilities, Eutelsat supports the delivery of low-latency connectivity services across Angola and the wider region, enabling organisations to access reliable communications beyond the reach of traditional infrastructure.
Philippe Baudrier, VP Africa at Eutelsat, said, “This new commitment from Mercury reflects the growing demand for Eutelsat’s LEO services in Angola and the continued success of our longstanding partnership. Together, we are expanding access to secure, low-latency connectivity across the country, helping enterprise, public sector, offshore, and telecom customers strengthen network resilience and reach locations beyond the coverage of traditional infrastructure.”
Francisco Pinto Leite, CEO, Mercury, added, “This new agreement reflects the strength of our partnership with Eutelsat and the value that LEO connectivity brings to our customers. Together, we are expanding the range of connectivity solutions available across Angola and helping organizations meet evolving communications requirements.”
New satellite broadband venture targets South Africa's hardest-to-reach communities. (Image source: Amazon)
Thales Alenia Space and Es’hailSat develop next-generation satellite to expand broadband connectivity across global strategic markets
Yas, owned by AXIAN Telecom, advanced eleven places in the Financial Times Africa’s Fastest-Growing Companies 2026 ranking.
Yas, owned by AXIAN Telecom, has strengthened its position among Africa’s fastest-growing companies after securing the 63rd spot in the Financial Times Africa’s Fastest-Growing Companies 2026 ranking, compiled in partnership with Statista
The latest result represents an improvement of eleven places from the company’s debut ranking of 74th in 2025. Now in its fifth edition, the FT-Statista ranking evaluates 130 African companies based on compound annual revenue growth recorded between 2021 and 2024. Revenue submissions are certified at executive level, providing a stringent benchmark of high-growth businesses across the continent.
Hassan Jaber, CEO of AXIAN Telecom, said, “This ranking reflects the momentum we have built across every part of our business. Strong financial results, a successful bond issuance, the launch of Yas as a unified pan-African brand, and our continued investment in networks and digital infrastructure, which are not isolated achievements. They are expressions of a single, coherent strategy: to build the connectivity and digital services that Africa needs, and to do so with the discipline and ambition this continent deserves.”
The company reported strong financial performance for the 2025 financial year, achieving revenue of US$1.691bn, representing year-on-year growth of 20%. Yas currently serves 43.8 million subscribers across 11 African markets, reflecting increasing demand for digital services and connectivity throughout the continent.
In July 2025, the company also completed a successful US$600mn bond issuance after receiving a credit rating upgrade to B+.
Alongside its financial growth, Yas has also gained international recognition for its brand positioning. Following the rollout of its unified pan-African identity across mobile operations in Madagascar, Tanzania, Togo, Senegal and Comoros, the company entered the Brand Finance Telecoms 150 2026 ranking for the first time.
The brand was ranked among the world’s top 20 strongest telecom brands and was additionally recognised as a ‘Brand to Watch’ for 2026.
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International Power Control Systems (IPCS) has been named as a distribution partner in Malawi by Vertiv, a specialist in critical digital infrastructure
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.”
TOA, MTN strengthen Uganda’s digital infrastructure. (Image source: TOA)
The Vertiv PowerDirect 7100 Energy supplies up to 52 kW of scalable 48 V DC power and delivers efficiency levels of up to 98%. (Image source: Vertiv)
Integrity360 acquires Redshift in South Africa, boosting cybersecurity services, expertise, and regional expansion
Integrity360, continuing its global growth strategy and dedication to Africa, has acquired Redshift, a respected Johannesburg-based cybersecurity services firm. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed
This move follows Integrity360’s earlier regional investments, including the 2024 and early 2025 acquisitions of the Grove Group and Nclose.
The acquisition expands Integrity360’s South African presence to a team of over 230 employees serving clients across the continent. Its Johannesburg and Cape Town operations also function as key hubs for the group’s integrated global Security Operations Centre (SOC), delivering a full suite of managed services, including EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response), XDR (Extended Detection and Response), and MDR (Managed Detection and Response) solutions to both local and international clients.
Founded in 2015, Redshift has earned a strong reputation for excellence in cybersecurity testing and other specialized services, such as cybercrime investigations, anti-fraud advisory, scammer group takedowns, cyber intelligence, and managed services. Redshift adds approximately 50 customers, including leading South African finance, banking, and telecommunications organisations, and around 40 additional employees to the Integrity360 group.
Redshift will serve as a regional centre of excellence for cybersecurity testing and integrate closely with Integrity360’s existing advisory and managed services teams. Integrity360 plans to invest in expanding the business by leveraging the group’s extensive resources.
Redshift clients will gain access to Integrity360’s comprehensive cybersecurity portfolio, encompassing cyber risk and assurance, 24/7 incident response and forensics, infrastructure and technology services, PCI compliance, operational technology consulting, and a full range of managed services, including Managed SASE (Secure Access Service Edge), Managed CTEM (Continuous Threat Exposure Management), and advanced XDR/MDR solutions. Integrity360 has been recognised five times in Gartner market guides, most recently for Incident Response and Forensic services.
Ian Brown, executive chairman at Integrity360, said, “We are very excited to be welcoming Sean, Cailan and the entire Redshift team to Integrity360. The reputation and expertise they have developed since their formation in 2015 is highly impressive and we are looking forward to helping them provide an enhanced set of services to their customers and expanding further in the African market over the coming years.”
Sean Howell and Cailan Sacks, directors of Redshift, added, “This is a significant moment for us, and we could not be more delighted that Redshift is joining Integrity360 and continuing the growth and development of the business that was initially started by Sean a decade ago. Thanks to the support of our customers and employees, Redshift has grown enormously during that time, and having spent considerable time with Ian, and the wider Integrity360 leadership team, we are confident will continue to do so being part of the Integrity360 group. We are excited about the future for us as an organisation, for our people and in particular for what the enhanced group can provide our customers moving forward.”
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