In The Spotlight
MTN MoMo modernises infrastructure to scale digital finance
Ericsson and MTN Group Fintech have completed the MoMo Evolved Migration in key African markets, including Eswatini, Ghana, Rwanda and Uganda
Following these deployments, the companies are progressing with similar transformation initiatives in other markets, with an ongoing project in Cameroon and discussions underway to extend the programme to Benin, the Republic of the Congo and Zambia. Selected OpCos are also assessing migration to public cloud environments.
Powered by the Ericsson Fintech Platform, the initiatives are moving MTN MoMo from a legacy virtualised infrastructure to a standardised cloud-native architecture. The transformation is designed to enhance platform performance and operational efficiency while creating a scalable foundation for MTN Group’s Ambition 2030 strategy and the continued growth of digital financial services across Africa.
With digital financial services expanding rapidly across the continent, mobile money platforms need robust and scalable infrastructure capable of handling rising transaction volumes while ensuring service availability. Since adopting the cloud-native architecture, MTN has recorded reductions of up to 86% in CPU processing overhead and database load. The deployment provides a high-availability platform designed to accommodate future growth while delivering a consistent experience for consumers, merchants and ecosystem partners.
The modernised platform also streamlines operations and enhances performance. Lower infrastructure overhead and improved API responsiveness support faster integration for developers, merchants and ecosystem partners. Across the markets already migrated, the deployment has generated measurable gains, including lower application and database resource utilisation and API response times improved by up to 80%.
Artemij Demidczyk, acting chief technology and information officer at MTN Group Fintech, stated, "The MoMo Evolved Migration advances our vision of building Africa's leading digital financial platform. Through a cloud-native foundation, we are enhancing performance, strengthening resilience, and accelerating the delivery of innovative digital financial services for consumers, merchants, and partners across our markets."
Hossam Kandeel head of Mobile Money and business development, Ericsson West and Southern Africa, commented, "Modernizing mobile financial services infrastructure is essential to supporting the continued growth of digital financial ecosystems. Through the Ericsson Fintech Platform, we have helped MTN Group Fintech establish a cloud native foundation that improves operational efficiency, strengthens platform performance and enables the scalability needed to support future innovation and financial inclusion."
Ericsson and MTN Group Fintech have worked together for more than 10 years to develop mobile financial services across Africa. The Ericsson Fintech Platform builds on this partnership by providing an infrastructure foundation for expanding digital financial services, deepening engagement with developers and ecosystem partners, and supporting the continued growth of MTN’s fintech operations.
Comsol launches wholesale 5G infrastructure for home broadband. (Image source: Comsol)
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.
AI drives growing cybercrime threats across Africa. (Image source: INTERPOL)
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
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
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.
New partnership strengthens African SMEs’ access to global markets
African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are set to receive expanded assistance to help them participate more effectively in regional and international trade following a new multi-sector partnership
The initiative brings together the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), DHL, Standard Bank and MTN under DHL’s GoTrade programme. By combining expertise in government policy, logistics, financial services and telecommunications, the partners aim to address some of the challenges that prevent smaller businesses from entering overseas markets.
The programme will provide support covering export preparedness, access to finance, digital adoption and market connectivity, giving SMEs practical resources to develop their international trading capabilities.
Building export capacity
The dtic and DHL partnership will place particular emphasis on improving businesses’ understanding of trade and strengthening their ability to export.
Planned activities include trade education, capacity-building programmes, business clinics, trade missions and corridor activation initiatives. Businesses will also receive greater exposure to trade frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), alongside other agreements that could open additional opportunities across African markets.
The programme aligns with the dtic’s wider priorities of industrialisation, export expansion and the development of emerging exporters.
Acting deputy director-general Willem van der Spuy said the partnership demonstrates the role that collaboration can play in strengthening trade and economic development.
“This partnership between the dtic and DHL demonstrates the power of collaboration in advancing trade and economic development,” said van der Spuy.
“By working together with private-sector partners, we can provide businesses with practical support that enhances competitiveness, drives export participation and enables more emerging exporters (especially SMEs) to benefit from regional and global trade opportunities.
"Government's role is to convene the right partners around a common framework, and this initiative reflects exactly that: the dtic setting the direction, with DHL and its partners Standard Bank and MTN strengthening delivery on the ground.”
Improving access to finance
Standard Bank will contribute its African network and experience in trade finance to help businesses prepare for and enter new markets.
Its role will include financial and advisory support, alongside access to trade networks and other resources. The bank’s Export Readiness Programme is designed to equip entrepreneurs with practical knowledge and guidance for conducting business internationally.
First introduced in KwaZulu-Natal in 2025, the programme has subsequently been extended to Gauteng and the Western Cape.
Standard Bank is also working with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) to create connections between African and Chinese businesses. The collaboration provides opportunities for business matchmaking, trade relationships and access to new markets.
During 2025, the bank connected clients from four African countries with Chinese importers interested in products such as rooibos tea, coffee, cocoa, nuts and wine.
Bill Blackie, chief executive of business and commercial banking at Standard Bank Group, said finance needs to be combined with market access and trade expertise.
“Access to finance alone is not enough. SMEs also need access to buyers, markets, trade knowledge and trusted networks. Through our Export Readiness Programme, our international partnerships and our collaboration with DHL, Standard Bank is helping African businesses build the practical capabilities and connections they need to trade beyond their domestic markets.
"This partnership strengthens our ability to support SMEs across key trade corridors, including within Africa, and to help them grow with greater confidence,” said Blackie.
Digital tools for business growth
MTN will complement the programme with digital services and skills designed to help SMEs strengthen their operations.
Support will include digital training, connectivity and cloud-based solutions for secure data storage, collaboration and remote working. SMEs will also have access to digital payment tools, online marketing assistance, mentorship and guidance on using exports to enter new markets.
“Digital transformation is a critical enabler of business growth and competitiveness,” said David Behr, MTN Group chief enterprise business officer. “By combining MTN's reach and digital capabilities with DHL's international trade expertise, we can help SMEs embrace technology, improve business performance and access new opportunities across Africa and beyond.”
Expanding DHL GoTrade across Africa
The partnership forms part of DHL’s GoTrade programme, which has been introduced in more than 50 countries since 2021. The initiative has supported more than 24,000 SMEs globally, including over 8,000 women-owned enterprises.
In sub-Saharan Africa, more than 8,000 SMEs have participated in GoTrade programmes and related capacity-building activities.
DHL has also pledged €300m in investment across Africa by 2030, with the company continuing to support initiatives intended to increase participation in international trade and encourage sustainable economic growth.
Hennie Heymans, CEO of DHL Express sub-Saharan Africa, said SMEs remain a significant part of the continent's economy but face barriers to participating in international trade.
“Across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), SMEs represent more than 90% of businesses and provide approximately 70% of employment, making them one of the continent's most important engines of economic opportunity and inclusive growth.
"Despite their significance, many of our entrepreneurs continue to face barriers related to financing, digital adoption, trade knowledge and market access, limiting their ability to participate fully in regional and global trade.
“We are excited to work with our partners to create a collaborative ecosystem aimed at addressing these challenges through practical interventions that support businesses at every stage of their export journey,” said Heymans.
The partners expect the initiative to strengthen the pipeline of businesses prepared to export and compete in increasingly connected markets. The programme is also intended to contribute to entrepreneurship, employment and broader economic inclusion across the continent.
Heymans added: “African SMEs have the ambition and innovation needed to compete globally, but they cannot do it alone. Success in international trade requires access to the right combination of knowledge, finance, technology, policy support and logistics capability.
"By bringing together the strengths of the public and private sectors, we are creating an ecosystem that will help more businesses become export-ready, connect to international markets and contribute meaningfully to Africa's economic growth agenda.
"Our ambition is not only to help SMEs trade more, but to help them grow sustainably, create jobs and unlock new opportunities across the continent.”
Taara, Liquid expand high-speed connectivity across Nigeria
Taara, a graduate of X, Google’s Moonshot Factory and a provider of high-speed, high-capacity wireless optical communication, is continuing its collaboration with Liquid Intelligent Technologies, part of Cassava Technologies, to strengthen enterprise connectivity in Nigeria
The partnership is helping Liquid extend high-capacity bandwidth from its points of presence at Africa Data Centres and other leading data centres in Nigeria to large enterprises located both within and beyond existing fibre networks.
The approach provides an alternative in locations where traditional fibre deployments can be expensive, time-consuming or difficult to implement. It also supports network resilience in areas where fibre cuts can result in outages lasting several days before services are restored.
Over the past two years, Liquid has deployed nearly a dozen Taara links across Lagos. The links are being used to provide high-speed connectivity to large local enterprises while improving network resilience across key commercial areas serving internet service providers, banks, hotels and a utility company.
Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest economies, with some analysts reporting faster economic growth in 2026 than in the previous five years. Lagos, as the country’s largest and fastest-growing commercial hub, presents particular challenges for network expansion because of its dense urban environment.
As enterprise demand for connectivity increases, operators are turning to a combination of technologies to extend network coverage and strengthen redundancy. Liquid is using Taara’s wireless optical technology to expand connectivity in some of the country’s more challenging environments.
The technology uses highly focused beams of light to transmit data wirelessly, allowing operators to establish links within days rather than weeks. This can help accelerate customer deployments while working alongside existing fibre infrastructure.
Liquid is also assessing opportunities to extend wireless optical communication to additional Nigerian locations, including Abuja, Ibadan and Kano.
“For Liquid, deployment speed has been one of the most significant advantages. Traditional fiber deployments aren’t always a possibility, especially across difficult terrains. Taara links can often be installed and activated within hours, allowing Liquid to ensure it is remaining true to its mission to create a digitally connected future that leaves no African behind,” said Eugene Uka, Acting Chief Executive Officer at Liquid Intelligent Technologies Nigeria.
“As demand for connectivity continues to grow, operators need more flexibility in how they expand and reinforce their networks,” said Bhavesh Mistry, Regional Lead for Taara in Africa. “Fiber remains an essential part of modern communications infrastructure, and will for some time, but there are many situations where deploying fiber quickly or cost-effectively can be difficult. Wireless optical communication gives operators another tool to extend capacity, reach customers faster, and build more resilient networks without compromising performance.”
Taara Lightbridge provides a connectivity option positioned between fibre and conventional radio-frequency technologies. It can deliver up to 20 Gbps of capacity over distances of up to 20 kilometres using narrow, invisible beams of light.
The platform allows operators to deploy high-capacity links without trenching, spectrum licensing or extensive civil works. This can help address connectivity gaps in locations where conventional infrastructure deployment may otherwise be impractical.
Taara Lightbridge is currently deployed in more than 20 countries by operators including T-Mobile, Airtel, Digicel, Liquid and SoftBank. The technology is being used to extend and reinforce network capacity across urban, rural, remote and hard-to-reach environments.
Nigeria and Burkina Faso are exploring Project BRIDGE routes aimed at making internet connectivity more affordable across the region
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.
MTN MoMo modernises infrastructure to scale digital finance
Comsol launches wholesale 5G infrastructure for home broadband. (Image source: Comsol)
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.
Dimension Data Secures N4.05bn Fibre Expansion Bond
Cell C earns top recognition in DataEQ's 2026 index for network quality and customer experience in South Africa
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.”
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BNB Liberia and Orange Money launch cross-border remittance services to enhance digital financial inclusion across Africa.
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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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.”
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African regulators in Kenya and Ghana are leading the way, strengthening digital asset safety and trust
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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