Infrastructure limitations hinder technological progress in Africa. Addressing these challenges is critical for the continent to realize its potential as a leader in the global digital economy.

Nigerian telecommunications innovator UnoTelos announced a partnership with India-based Niral Networks, a pioneer in Private 5G and Edge AI computing solutions. This collaboration, announced on December 20, aims to address the continent's connectivity challenges and accelerate digital transformation across various industries.

“This partnership is strategically designed to address the continent's most critical connectivity challenges, enabling industries from mining to oil & gas to leapfrog technological barriers and compete on a global scale," said Abhijit Chaudhary, Founder & CEO, Niral Networks.

The partnership is expected to deliver significant economic benefits by enabling smarter operations across industries through solutions like smart factory technologies, IoT-enabled systems, and enhanced remote operations. It combines UnoTelos' deep understanding of the African market with Niral Networks' advanced NiralOS 5G Core and Edge AI technology, creating secure, low-latency, and scalable connectivity solutions tailored to Africa’s unique needs.

This collaboration positions UnoTelos as a leader in Africa’s telecommunications sector by introducing advanced connectivity technologies, including secure and reliable private network infrastructure, low-latency communication capabilities, scalable edge computing solutions, and tailored applications designed to meet the demands of various industries.

The partnership aims to redefine Africa’s digital future by delivering transformative connectivity solutions that will unlock opportunities for growth, innovation, and global competitiveness across the region. It aligns with global efforts to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation, as seen in initiatives like the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy (2020-2030), which aims to create a digitally inclusive society through the improvement of digital infrastructure among others.

Hikmatu Bilali