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Orange is partnering with a consortium of telecom operators and infrastructure companies, including Telco OI, Réunicable and La Réunion Connectée, on the ReuNION submarine cable project, a major digital infrastructure initiative designed to strengthen La Réunion’s international connectivity, improve network resilience and reduce latency

The ReuNION submarine cable forms part of a broader effort to modernise the island’s undersea telecommunications infrastructure, with some existing systems approaching the end of their operational life. The next-generation cable will provide a more direct international connection to South Africa, supporting long-term network performance, resilience and growing digital traffic demands.

Orange to manage cable landing and deployment

As part of the consortium, Orange will act as the “landing party”, taking responsibility for the physical arrival of the submarine cable on La Réunion and its connection to terrestrial networks. This role includes securing permits from local authorities, managing civil engineering works at the landing site, establishing a secure landing station and connecting the submarine cable to the island’s digital infrastructure.

This critical link will transform the submarine cable into an accessible connectivity resource for operators and users across La Réunion.

For the project, Orange Marine will be responsible for cable deployment, while the design and manufacturing of the system will be entrusted to Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN), in line with the project’s technical and regulatory requirements.

The ReuNION project benefits from European financial support, notably through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) programme, which is dedicated to developing strategic digital infrastructure. It has also received funding approval from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

These initiatives demonstrate the European Union’s commitment to strengthening digital connectivity in overseas territories such as La Réunion and recognise ReuNION as strategic infrastructure at the European level.

Following the signing of agreements among consortium members, the next phases will include detailed marine surveys, permit applications and the simultaneous launch of cable manufacturing and laying operations.

“This future cable is key to La Réunion's digital development and regional growth – it will meet the rising traffic demands and the need for resilience. In line with our 'Trust the future' strategy, we are investing in this project and will leverage our expertise in its construction, including deployment and landing,” states Jean-Louis Le Roux, executive vice-president of Orange International Networks.

Orange expands global submarine cable expertise

Worldwide, Orange is involved in over 40 submarine cables totalling nearly 450,000 km of fiber. The Group combines expertise in designing, deploying and operating cutting-edge infrastructure, ranging from very high-speed terrestrial networks and subsea cables to landing stations.

With its extensive expertise in submarine infrastructure and reliable, secure international connectivity, Orange holds a strong position in the sector and is a key partner in developing digital infrastructure.

Through its subsidiary Orange Marine, Orange handles the laying and maintenance of submarine cables. In addition, Orange Wholesale operates a strategic network of cable landing points across the Group’s territories, facilitating interconnection between submarine cables and terrestrial networks.

The ReuNION submarine cable will strengthen La Réunion’s international connectivity by providing a more direct route to South Africa, while improving network resilience and supporting the island’s long-term digital development.

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.

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.

BoC Technologies Limited has partnered with Scale, Africa's card-issuing orchestration platform, to introduce virtual prepaid Mastercard cards for creators and creative businesses ahead of the launch of its platform in the third quarter of 2026

The collaboration enables BoC to integrate a card layer into its platform through Scale's infrastructure, allowing creators to access, manage and spend available funds more easily. The programme will operate on the Mastercard network, with UBA Kenya serving as the regulated sponsor bank.

The initiative is designed to address the financial challenges faced by Africa's growing creator economy, where professionals across sectors such as music, film, design, gaming, photography, fashion and digital commerce often receive income from multiple sources, currencies and payment cycles. As a result, creators frequently experience delays between earning revenue and being able to use those funds to support their businesses.

BoC aims to bridge this gap through its financial intelligence engine, SIBWE, and AI-powered copilot, MC Harvey, which are designed to help creators understand the value of their work, manage their finances and improve access to capital. The addition of virtual prepaid cards provides a practical way for users to access and spend funds once they become available.

"Africa’s creative economy is producing real commercial value, but too much of that value remains invisible to the systems that serve small businesses," said Syed Raza, founder and CEO of BoC.

"Our mission is to connect capital with creativity, helping creators see the value they are building, manage it with confidence and access capital when they need it most. This partnership with Scale gives creators a practical first touchpoint with that vision from day one."

Scale said the partnership reflects its focus on expanding modern financial infrastructure for Africa's fast-growing fintech sector.

Barbara Woollams, head of partnerships at Scale, stated, "Africa's creators are building real brands and businesses, but are underserved by a financial infrastructure built for traditional business. Scale exists to put modern card infrastructure within reach of the fintechs, solving exactly that. We're proud to power the card programme at the heart of BoC's ecosystem to give creators a fast, simple way to access and spend what they earn, and to give BoC the foundation to scale."

The collaboration is centred in Kenya, where BoC recently obtained fintech certification from the Nairobi International Financial Centre Authority (NIFCA). The certification provides the company with a regulatory foundation to launch its services in Kenya before expanding its creator-focused financial platform across other African markets.

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.” 

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.