Telecom (130)
With a score of 24.4 on the ICT adoption index of the International Telecommunication Union, Burundi seeks solutions to keep pace with the ongoing digital transformation across the continent. It has turned to Zambia for assistance regarding Internet access.
Burundi and Zambia are set to connect via a fiber optic submarine cable. A memorandum of understanding was signed on the sidelines of the Digital Government Africa summit, held in early October in Lusaka, Zambia. The infrastructure will link the Mpulungu district in Zambia’s Northern Province to Makamba Province in southern Burundi, crossing Lake Tanganyika.
This initiative aligns with both countries’ aim to improve Internet quality. Since 2021, Zambia has invested $58 million in digital infrastructure, which has led to a modest increase in Internet penetration—from 29.4% in January 2021 to 31.2% in January 2024, according to DataReportal. Zambian authorities plan to continue investing to meet the goals outlined in the "National Digital Transformation Strategy 2023–2027."
DataReportal figures show that Internet penetration in Burundi was 10.2% in early 2023. Last September, Burundian authorities launched a project to bridge the digital divide by 2028. Called the Digital Economy Foundations Support Project (PAFEN), it is financed by a $92 million grant from the World Bank.
Moreover, Burundi's connection to Zambia will enable it to join a network of countries already interconnected via fiber optic cables, including Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The global telecom sector is currently exploring various initiatives aimed at ensuring the profitability of investments while protecting the environment. However, achieving this balance requires several prerequisites, including recycling plants.
French telecom group Orange recently announced that it collected 479,853 units of mobile phone waste in 2023 across the Middle East and Africa, representing 24% of the devices sold in the region. This initiative is part of the company’s broader strategy to promote a circular economy tailored to the specific needs of each market.
By 2025, Orange aims to increase the use of refurbished equipment in its networks and data centers, supported by its OSCAR program. This program encourages the reuse of devices to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable electronic waste management. The company expects this approach to positively impact its equipment expenses.
Since 2010, it has partnered with Emmaüs International and Ateliers du Bocage to establish mobile waste collection workshops in Africa. In 2023, these workshops in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and Côte d'Ivoire recovered the equivalent of 264,000 mobile devices for recycling.
Last year, the company expanded its recycling efforts in Egypt by partnering with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to open a state-of-the-art facility for refurbishing electronic devices. This project supports Orange’s goal of reducing its environmental impact, promotes local job creation, and develops specialized skills.
Additionally, the facility will help promote digital inclusion by offering refurbished phones at more affordable prices to low-income populations. According to a market analysis by Custom Market Insights, the market for refurbished and used mobile phones in the Middle East and Africa was valued at $5.33 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach nearly $12.39 billion by 2030, driven by growing demand for mobile internet.
Muriel EDJO
Committed to a greener future, Orange has set ambitious goals to reduce its environmental and climate impact across its 17 markets in Africa and the Middle East. Various initiatives are underway to achieve these objectives.
Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) has converted 10,000 telecom sites and about 20 data centers to solar energy, the company said on Friday, as part of its strategy to bolster infrastructure resilience and maintain profitability.
For Jean-Michel Canto, Chief Climate Officer of OMEA, "Solarization is now a standard configuration for new sites, with an 11% increase in the number of solar sites each year."
In Liberia, where the electrification rate is 12%, the company has solarized 77% of its sites. Jabateh Dweh Charles, Power Manager Operations at Orange Liberia, said this reduced their carbon footprint and fuel consumption by 25% in 2023 compared to 2022.
OMEA's 2023 Corporate Social Responsibility report showed a more than 70% increase in renewable energy use compared to 2022, bringing the share to 32.8% of total energy consumption.
The company prioritizes site solarization and collaborates with energy partners (ESCO – Energy Service Company). In 2022, Alioune Ndiaye, Chairman of OMEA's Board of Directors, noted that solar energy supply saves up to 55 million liters of fuel annually.
These investments align with OMEA's "Lead the Future" and "Net Zero Carbon" by 2040 plans. The company aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2025 and 45% by 2030.
Dorothée Vignalou, Chief Financial Officer of OMEA, said, "We have always placed environmental and energy issues at the heart of our regional strategy. Recent crises have strengthened our determination to ensure sustainable management while addressing local community challenges."
The growing demand for connectivity, data storage, and processing in Africa highlights the rapid acceleration of digital transformation across the continent. To meet the needs of businesses and governments, significant investments in digital infrastructure are underway.
Open Access Data Centres (OADC), a subsidiary of digital infrastructure provider WIOCC, launched its first facility in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Wednesday in partnership with local company Texaf.
OADC Texaf Digital - Kinshasa is a Tier 3 open-access data center, neutral with respect to operators. It features 2 MW of computing capacity and 1,500 square meters of white space, accommodating over 550 racks.
"OADC Texaf Digital - Kinshasa is central to boosting many sectors of the DRC’s economy, creating rich and vibrant digital ecosystems, and providing content distribution networks and cloud content providers with access to a quality peering location in the country," said Mohammed Bouhelal, Managing Director of OADC Texaf DRC, said,
WIOCC and Texaf signed a shareholder agreement to build the data center in Kinshasa in July 2023. This aligns with WIOCC's plan to expand its digital infrastructure across Africa. The company operates six core data centers across the continent and more than 30 edge data centers in South Africa. It also boasts 200,000 kilometers of submarine fiber systems and 75,000 kilometers of terrestrial fiber. In June, WIOCC secured $41 million in funding to support its investments.
The new facility strengthens DRC’s digital infrastructure, meeting current and future needs of Internet exchange points, content providers, cloud operators, data carriers, telecommunications operators, and Internet service providers in the DRC. The launch comes amid high demand for digital services and high-speed connectivity from individuals, businesses, and government agencies.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
The telecommunications sector is thriving in Gabon, which aspires to become a hub for ICT. The country is supported by partners whose assistance is crucial for achieving its ambitions.
On Wednesday, July 24, Gabon’s postal operator La Poste SA, and the Equatoguinean company Inverfin signed a memorandum of understanding to expand internet access in the tri-border area, which lies at the crossroads of Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon.
Backed by the gabonese ministry of communications, the partnership is the culmination of discussions that began last May during an Inverfin visit to Libreville. Inverfin proposed to fully fund La Poste SA's digital projects in the tri-border area. They also expressed interest in supporting the Economic Interest Group (GIE) Poste Télédiffusion Services Universels, established in February, in its efforts to expand telecom network coverage in underserved areas nationwide.
"La Poste SA, known for its expertise in covering underserved areas, will leverage its know-how to assist Inverfin in connecting this strategic region, thereby reducing the digital divide," stated the Ministry of Communication.
This collaboration comes as Gabon intensifies its initiatives to improve connectivity across the country. Poste Télédiffusion Services Universels is particularly committed to enhancing access to telephony and internet services in rural areas at low cost, aiming to bridge the digital divide by providing broader network coverage.
The partnership is expected to enable La Poste SA, whose development is currently weak according to the 2023 Integrated Index for Postal Development (2IPD) by the Universal Postal Union, to move closer to its objectives. It would also allow the 30% of the population still lacking access to audiovisual, telephony, and internet services to benefit from these essential services.
Samira Njoya
Since its launch in 2015, Groupe Vivendi Africa has been expanding its footprint across the continent. Now present in seven African countries, the company continues to grow its reach and influence in the region.
Groupe Vivendi Africa (GVA), a provider of high-speed fiber optic internet, officially launched its CanalBox FTTH (fiber-to-the-home) network in Uganda on July 10th. This marks GVA's eighth African market after entering Gabon, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Togo, Rwanda, Burkina Faso, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Kampala becomes the 13th city on the continent to benefit from these services.
"With investments of 50 billion UGX so far, GVA has managed to lay fiber cables across Kampala, with an infrastructure currently capable of connecting a total area covering 140,000 homes in Kampala, with a target to grow our network to cover an area to be able to connect up to 500,000 in 4 years," said Julius Kayoboke, General Manager of GVA Uganda.
The arrival of CanalBox is expected to intensify competition in Uganda's internet market, currently dominated by telecom operators. This increased competition should lead to improved service quality and lower costs for consumers, coinciding with Uganda's accelerated digital transformation and growing demand for high-speed connectivity. According to the latest data from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), the country boasts 27.7 million internet users, representing a 61% penetration rate.
"The internet has transformed societies in unprecedented ways, shaping the way we live, work, and interact with one another through communication, information dissemination, business transactions, education, and improved service delivery," remarked Thomas Tayebwa, Vice President of the Ugandan Parliament, who attended the launch ceremony.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
The Nigerian government is accelerating its plans to make telecom services accessible throughout the country. This initiative involves collaboration with private sector companies and international partners to deploy a network of fiber optic cable, stretching 95,000 kilometers nationwide.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) plans to lower the percentage of unconnected Nigerians in rural areas from the current 61% to 20% by 2027 . The target was announced by Aminu Maida, the executive vice-chairman of the regulatory body, during the 6th edition of the Policy Implementation Assistance Forum held in Lagos on Wednesday, July 10.
"We will create a supportive environment for innovation, ensure robust infrastructure, unlock investment in critical sectors and stimulate economic growth," stated Maida .
This initiative is part of the Nigerian government's broader efforts to provide widespread access to telecommunications services. The plan includes deploying 95,000 km of fiber optic cable across the country in partnership with the World Bank and the European Union. Additionally, the government is exploring satellite solutions to achieve nationwide coverage through the national operator (NIGCOMSAT) or private operators like Starlink .
As of March 31, Nigeria had 219.3 million mobile phone subscribers and 163.8 million internet subscribers, according to official statistics. However, these figures may be inflated due to the prevalence of Nigerians owning multiple SIM cards, which are counted individually. In 2022, the NCC estimated that nearly 35 million Nigerians lacked access to telecom services.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
Internet usage increased to approximately 67% of the global population in 2023, up from 54% in 2019, according to the Broadband Commission. Universal connectivity is not yet a reality, but various organizations are implementing solutions to achieve this goal.
The GSM Association (GSMA) announced the launch of a coalition on Wednesday, July 10, to facilitate access to Internet-enabled mobile phones. Named the GSMA Handset Affordability Coalition, its goal is to enable the world's poorest populations, approximately 3 billion people, to maximize their potential in the global digital economy.
The new coalition comprises leading global mobile operators, suppliers, players in the mobile phone ecosystem, international organizations, and financial institutions such as the World Bank Group and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
"Mobile has helped billions of people worldwide to play an active role in our increasingly digital world, but the cost of entry can still be too high for many on low incomes. [...] By building creative solutions to bring mobile internet into the hands of those who need it the most, we believe we can make real strides towards closing the Usage Gap and help millions more maximise their potential by getting online," said Mats Granryd, Director General of the GSMA.
According to the GSMA, about 3 billion people, or 38% of the global population, live in areas covered by the Internet but do not use it for various reasons. The lack of digital skills and relevant content, online security issues, Internet access, and affordability of Internet-enabled mobile phones are among the reasons behind the Internet usage gap.
Furthermore, the International Telecommunication Union explains the delay in fixed broadband in Africa by the population's preference for mobile phones, which are seen as more flexible and less expensive. Indeed, the cost of 2 gigabits on the continent was 4.5% of the gross national income per capita per month in 2023, far from the 14.8% cost of fixed broadband, according to the report "The State of Broadband 2024: Leveraging AI for Universal Connectivity" published in June 2024 by the Broadband Commission, a special body of the ITU.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Digital transformation is advancing rapidly across Africa. To fully embrace this progress, the continent needs to address two key areas: improve internet coverage and equip the population with digital skills.
The Algerian Ministry of Interior, Local Authorities, and Territory Planning has signed a partnership agreement with the public company Algérie Télécom. Unveiled on Thursday, July 4, this collaboration aims to connect all primary schools in Algeria.
Specifically, the incumbent operator will provide the targeted schools with high-speed internet connectivity and fixed-line telephone services. Priority will be given to schools located in low-income municipalities.
This initiative aligns with the Algerian government's efforts to develop an "information society" through infrastructure, telecommunications resources, and the widespread use of ICT in all economic sectors. In May, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune instructed the implementation of measures to improve the quality and coverage of internet services across the country.
The partnership is expected to create "a more efficient educational environment nationwide." It will enable Algerian primary school students and teachers to access online educational resources, conduct research, learn, and communicate more effectively. It will also help introduce school children to digital skills at an early age.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
5G, the latest generation of cellular networks, is steadily making its way across Africa, promising faster speeds and lower latency compared to previous generations. Tunisia is poised to become the next country to offer 5G services to its citizens and businesses.
The Tunisian Ministry of Communication Technologies announced on Sunday, June 30, the launch of a call for tenders for the allocation of 5G operating licenses. Telecom operators interested in providing commercial fifth-generation technology in Tunisia must submit their applications to the ministry between July 3 and September 2.
The call for tenders follows the approval of the 5G launch roadmap by the government on June 13. According to this roadmap, each Tunisian telecom operator will be entitled to 5 MHz duplex in the 700 MHz band and 100 MHz (TDD) in the 3.5 GHz band. Three blocks of 20 MHz will be available upon request by the operators. Additional 5G frequency bands will be announced in later deployment phases. The license will be valid for 15 years, with its cost yet to be disclosed.
According to the ministry, the deployment of 5G is part of "the Tunisian state's strategy for the digital development of the national territory, aiming to develop digital infrastructure and generalize very high-speed coverage throughout the national territory." The government also aims to accelerate the digitization of the administration, secure the national cyberspace, ensure digital sovereignty, and establish a climate of digital trust essential for the realization of digitization projects.
5G is expected to facilitate new applications of mobile technology. In a public consultation on ultra-high-speed broadband conducted by the National Telecommunications Authority (INT) in 2021, the Internet service provider Conect Tunisia indicated that the performance of 5G technology could support the development of the following use cases: IoT (Industry 4.0, Agriculture 3.0, Smart Homes, Smart Cities), video streaming in automotive vehicles, data exchanges during major sporting and cultural events, self-guided vehicles, and online gaming.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
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The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government is working to improve the country's telecommunications infrastructure and expand access to telecom services nationwide. In March 2023, a 620 km fiber optic cable connecting Kinshasa and Muanda was inaugurated
The SOCOF SA, Congolese Fiber Optic Company, has signed a partnership agreement with the Agency for Coordination and Monitoring of Collaboration Agreements (APCSC) to deploy fiber optics along roads throughout the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The one-year collaboration, which is renewable, is part of the Congolese government's efforts to use digital technology as a driver for integration, good governance, economic growth, and social progress.
According to Freddy-David Lukaso, the special advisor to the president on posts, telecommunications, and ICT, the government has convinced various entities responsible for transport infrastructure to include fiber optic "information highways" in their projects. SOCOF has been tasked with managing the deployment of these data infrastructures by APCSC.
In March 2023, a 620 km fiber optic route between Kinshasa and Muanda was inaugurated to strengthen the national ICT infrastructure. The government is also working to operationalize a universal service fund to connect every Congolese citizen "wherever they are" within the national territory.
The project aims to improve the population's access to telecommunications services and digital services more broadly. As of the third quarter of 2023, the DRC had 28.9 million mobile internet subscribers, with a penetration rate of 30.4%. The number of mobile phone subscribers stood at 56.1 million.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
In July 2023, Sonatel became the first Senegalese operator to acquire a 5G license in the country, for nearly $57 million. In March 2024, it announced the launch of ultra-high-speed commercial internet exclusively for residential and business customers.
Senegalese telecom company Sonatel (Orange) announced the launch of its 5G mobile offers on Saturday, June 8. The operator promises its subscribers "instant download and streaming speeds, as well as increased responsiveness for real-time applications such as online gaming, virtual reality, telemedicine, e-education, and many others."
To access the service, Sonatel subscribers will need 5G-compatible devices and must be in areas already covered by the network. Sonatel's 5G network currently covers the cities of Dakar, Thiès, Saint-Louis, Diourbel, Kaolack, and Louga, with 176 sites deployed. The company plans to extend the next-generation mobile network coverage to the entire Dakar region by the end of 2024.
In March, Sonatel announced the launch of commercial 5G services in Senegal, nearly simultaneously with its competitor Saga Africa Holding Limited (Free). However, the initial offers from the historic operator were limited to fixed 5G for residential and business customers. On May 21, Sékou Dramé, the company's CEO, announced the launch of commercial 5G mobile offers for June 1.
The launch of Sonatel's 5G mobile service is expected to democratize the service in a Senegalese telecom market dominated by mobile consumers. It should also help the company strengthen its market-leading position, particularly in the Internet segment. Sonatel claims the status of "first 5G operator in Senegal and, to date, the only one offering 5G services."
According to data from the Regulatory Authority for Telecommunications and Posts (ARTP), Sonatel held a 65.2% share of the Internet market with 19.8 million subscribers as of December 31, 2023. In the mobile phone market, the operator had 12.6 million subscribers, representing a market share of 56.4%.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
In Africa, financial inclusion has become a critical issue for many governments and financial regulators. Initiatives are being implemented to enhance access to financial services and make them available to a larger segment of the population.
Algeria's mobile payment interoperability project is now operational, the government announced on Monday, June 3. The initiative, facilitated by a new switch called "Switch mobile," allows customers of Algerian banks and Algeria Post to make instant interbank transfers and account-to-account payments using QR codes.
Speaking on the significance of these innovations, Finance Minister Laaziz Fayed stated that they "are the culmination of a work plan and a meticulous strategy launched by the public authorities as part of the implementation of the provisions of the monetary and banking law in its development aspect."
According to Laaziz Fayed, the launch of this service marks the second step in the process of modernizing and developing payment methods by providing a switch for payments and transfers that connects all bank applications and those of Algeria Post to mobile. It aligns with the National Electronic Payment Strategy, which aims to enhance financial inclusion in Algeria.
The government plans to further promote mobile payment services across the country through targeted campaigns. The launch is expected to significantly improve e-payment efficiency and security in Algeria.
According to official figures, the number of mobile transactions between January and March this year reached more than 13 million, with a value exceeding 9 billion Algerian dinars (66.9 million USD). The number of interbank cards and Algeria Post cards was estimated at over 17 million as of March 31, while the number of ATMs reached over 3,868, recording more than 45.9 million transactions for a total amount exceeding 859 billion Algerian dinars during the first quarter.
Samira Njoya
In 2022, only 34% of the population in West and Central Africa had access to broadband connectivity, according to the World Bank. To improve this situation, regional initiatives are underway to increase connectivity rates in these regions.
The deployment of the Amilcar Cabral submarine telecommunications cable, aimed at connecting Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, is gradually taking shape. A delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), led by Mr. Sediko Douka, Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitalization, met with Mr. Nouha Traoré, Secretary General of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy of Guinea, on Monday, June 3, to discuss the development of this strategic project.
"The discussions focused on several key aspects of the project, including its regional significance and importance for ECOWAS integration, the technical milestones to be implemented, obtaining the necessary permits for cable deployment, and the financial aspects of the project," said the Guinean Ministry of Digital Economy in a press release.
The meeting occurred more than a year after the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the ECOWAS Commission for the project's development. Under this partnership, the six countries involved committed to participating in the evaluation of the project's technical, economic, financial, social, and environmental feasibility, as well as mobilizing the necessary resources for its implementation. The ECOWAS Commission will coordinate the project's execution by interacting with the beneficiary countries, donors, and other stakeholders.
Guinea and Gambia, through the West Africa Regional Digital Integration Program (WARDIP), have secured funding from the World Bank for the implementation of the crucial project estimated to cost over $90 million.
Once completed, the Amilcar Cabral submarine cable is expected to enhance international telecommunications capacity, improve access to digital services, and provide essential redundancy to ensure the resilience of high-speed Internet in the affected countries. The cable is also expected to improve the digital infrastructure necessary to attract foreign investment, create jobs, and support the development of the digital economy in the region.