Africa is experiencing a rapid surge in mobile usage. This growth brings several mobile security challenges that threaten both users and businesses.

Gabon's Ministry of Digital Economy and New Information Technologies announced a key partnership with Turkish group iF Elektronik Ltd. on Monday, June 3rd. The agreement, reached after extensive negotiations, paves the way for the implementation of the Central Equipment Identity Register (EIR) technology in Gabon. 

The project includes enhancing the security of mobile devices such as phones and establishing a competency center. It aims to increase government revenue through additional taxes, combat phone theft and cloning by reducing the illegal market, create 30 jobs for Gabonese engineers with skill transfer at the project's inception, and eliminate smuggling and counterfeiting of mobile equipment.

The EIR will be fully funded by iF Elektronik Ltd., with no cost to the Gabonese government. It is expected to generate $38 million annually, with $26 million in tax revenue and $12 million in service fees. This initiative aligns with the Gabonese government's goal of promoting the development of the digital economy and strengthening the security of electronic communications.

The project's implementation is scheduled to begin within three months of signing the memorandum of understanding. This strategic partnership will enable Gabon to enhance the security of electronic communications, protect users from fraud and theft, improve the quality of telecommunications services, and offer a better user experience while stimulating innovation and economic growth in the information and communication technology sector.

Samira Njoya