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DE-CIX, in collaboration with the NGO Internet pour tous and Kinshasa-based connectivity and web hosting provider UNITED S.A., has announced the expansion of ACIX (Africa Congo Internet Exchange) through the addition of a new presence at OADC Texaf’s FIH1 data centre in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

The development makes ACIX the first distributed Internet Exchange (IX) in the DRC and represents a significant milestone in the country’s digital infrastructure development. By extending operations into a neutral and modern colocation facility, the initiative is expected to strengthen local Internet traffic exchange, reduce latency, improve network resilience and create broader interconnection opportunities for operators and digital service providers across the region.

Launched in 2023, ACIX powered by DE-CIX was created as a neutral interconnection platform open to licensed telecom operators, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), cloud and content providers, enterprises, financial institutions, academic networks and international carriers operating within the DRC and surrounding markets.

The exchange is managed by DE-CIX on behalf of Internet pour tous under the company’s DE-CIX-as-a-Service (DaaS) programme. The NGO plays a key role in supporting and coordinating the ACIX initiative as a neutral digital ecosystem platform aimed at encouraging inclusive interconnection and wider digital growth across the country.

Through the platform, networks in equatorial Africa are able to exchange data more efficiently with lower latency, improving the performance of services and applications ranging from online education to Internet banking.

“ACIX is more than an Internet Exchange; it is foundational digital infrastructure for the future of Central Africa,” stated Hussein Ibrahim, CEO of UNITED SA. “Strong digital ecosystems are built on strong interconnection. ACIX represents an important step toward a more connected and digitally empowered region, where data can remain local, networks become more resilient, and innovation can scale across borders.”

Open Access Data Centres, one of Africa’s fastest-growing data centre operators, is providing the carrier-neutral infrastructure environment for the ACIX deployment at its Kinshasa campus through OADC Texaf. The company operates an expanding network of open-access and carrier-neutral data centres designed to support interconnected digital ecosystems across the continent.

“As a neutral infrastructure provider, our role is to enable open interconnection and support the development of the broader digital ecosystem,” said Mohammed Bouhelal, managing director and director, business development of OADC Texaf DC. “Hosting ACIX within a carrier-neutral environment contributes to creating a trusted platform where all ecosystem participants can interconnect on equal terms.”

DE-CIX said the addition of the new facility will allow more regional and international networks to connect to the exchange while benefiting from improved connectivity and localised traffic exchange.

“DE-CIX is proud to support ‘Internet pour tous’ and UNITED S.A. in the expansion of ACIX and the development of a distributed, data center and carrier neutral Internet Exchange for the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” commented Marco Brandstaetter, global program manager for DE-CIX as a Service at DE-CIX. “The integration of OADC Texaf’s newly-built Kinshasa facility will enable additional networks to connect to the exchange and benefit from improved connectivity. ACIX is creating digital opportunities for the DRC and equatorial Africa by aggregating networks and enabling low latency and resilient local data exchange.”

Kinshasa’s strategic location between two of Africa’s most densely populated regions positions the city as an important connectivity gateway linking countries from the Atlantic coast to the Indian Ocean. ACIX is expected to strengthen this role by serving as an interconnection hub for equatorial Africa, enabling networks to exchange data and host digital content with improved performance and reliability.

DE-CIX’s DaaS programme provides a range of managed services for partners seeking to establish Internet Exchanges and interconnection platforms, including installation, maintenance, provisioning, marketing and sales support, while the operational management remains fully handled by DE-CIX.

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.

Vertiv has launched the Vertiv PowerDirect 7100 Energy, a hybrid-ready DC power system designed to help telecom and edge operators enhance network reliability and advance their energy transition goals

The system offers scalable power and intelligent controls suited for a wide range of operating environments, from stable utility grids to remote or off-grid locations, giving operators the adaptability needed to manage emerging energy sources and increasing digital demand.

Now available across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), the Vertiv PowerDirect 7100 Energy supplies up to 52 kW of scalable 48 V DC power and delivers efficiency levels of up to 98%. Built on Vertiv’s fourth-generation hybrid architecture, it smoothly incorporates grid, generator, and alternative energy inputs such as solar, wind, or fuel cell systems to ensure continuous power in areas with limited grid dependability.

The system features Vertiv solar converters and Vertiv modular rectifiers, overseen by the Vertiv NetSure Control Unit (NCU). These elements work together to provide advanced load management, remote monitoring, and energy scheduling to boost performance and prolong the life of critical equipment.

“The world expects energy efficiency and flexibility with the growth of communications, such as 5G and edge connectivity”, said Dave Wilson, director of global hybrid solutions at Vertiv. “The Vertiv PowerDirect 7100 Energy gives operators a single, intelligent platform capable of adapting to any grid condition, delivering reliable power while supporting the transition to cleaner, more efficient energy strategies.”

Engineered for compact and demanding environments, the Vertiv PowerDirect 7100 Energy is offered in 500 A, 750 A, and 1000 A options for telecom and edge data racks. Its front-access layout makes installation and maintenance straightforward, while its operating range from minus 40 C to plus 65 C ensures dependable performance in remote or outdoor settings.

The Vertiv PowerDirect 7100 Energy enhances Vertiv’s global portfolio of Vertiv NetSure DC power solutions and hybrid energy systems within its broad power train architecture. When combined with Vertiv’s thermal management, IT management, and lifecycle services, it delivers a strong platform for efficient, reliable, and future-ready digital infrastructure.

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.