Striking the Balance: Advancing 5G While Maximizing 4G to Close Africa’s Digital Divide

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Writer: TechAfrica News Editor-  Akim Benamara

5G is being positioned as the future of connectivity —powering everything from AI-driven industries to smart agriculture and autonomous systems. It’s fast, efficient, and capable of transforming economies. In Sub-Saharan Africa, 5G’s contribution to the economy is projected to reach $10 billion by 2030 (GSMA), accounting for 6% of the overall economic impact of mobile. By the end of 2023, global 5G connections had surpassed 1.5 billion, making it the fastest-growing mobile technology in history.  

But while the rest of the world surges ahead with 5G, Sub-Saharan Africa still faces a different reality—one where 3G remains the primary network for millions of people, and 4G adoption is progressing at a considerably steady pace, and some are even still using 2G. As of 2023, only about 31% of mobile connections in Sub-Saharan Africa were on 4G and 1.2% on 5G (though expected to increase to 50% and 17% respectively by 2030). This seemingly slow transition isn’t just about infrastructure; high device costs, affordability barriers, and uneven network coverage mean that for many, even 4G remains out of reach.  

So, how do we talk about 5G’s potential when millions of Africans are still unconnected? 

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The reality is, we can’t just skip steps. A rapid push for 5G won’t automatically bridge the digital divide—in fact, it could make it worse. If millions remain stuck on 2G and 3G while 5G networks expand in isolated pockets, we risk widening the connectivity gap rather than closing it. Before we embrace the promise of 5G, we need to ensure that existing technology—particularly 4G—is maximized to bring as many people online as possible. 

In this #TechTalkThursday, we’ll explore why striking a balance is crucial, advancing 5G while ensuring that 4G reaches its full potential in Africa. 

The Current Landscape: Where Africa Stands Today 

While much of the world has moved on to 4G and 5G, Sub-Saharan Africa remains a 3G-dominated region. According to GSMA, a staggering 60% of online users in Sub-Saharan Africa still rely on 3G technology, which is slower, less energy-efficient, and limits access to digital services like mobile banking, e-learning, and telemedicine. Although 4G adoption is on the rise, it is not happening fast enough to drive the kind of digital transformation needed to close the connectivity gap.

The growth of 4G across the continent has been constrained by two major obstacles: affordability and coverage. Even as mobile operators expand their 4G networks, many Africans cannot afford 4G-enabled devices, which remain out of reach for lower-income households. Additionally, rural areas are still underserved, with large parts of the population lacking access to reliable 4G networks. Yet, despite these challenges, 4G is expected to become the dominant mobile technology in Africa by the end of the decade. The shift is happening, but not fast enough to bridge the digital divide before 5G begins to take center stage.

On the other hand, the promise of 5G is beginning to take shape in Africa, but it remains a story of limited deployment rather than widespread adoption. South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya are expected to account for more than half of all 5G connections in Africa by 2030, according to GSMA. However, across much of the region, 5G remains in the trial and early rollout phase, with infrastructure, device affordability, and demand still posing major obstacles. For many telecom operators, the focus is still on expanding 4G coverage before making large-scale investments in 5G.  

This makes sense: while 5G is the future, most Africans are still making the transition from 3G to 4G, not from 4G to 5G.  

Why 5G Might Not Be the “Immediate” Answer 

While 5G undoubtedly has its advantages, it might not necessarily be the immediate answer to Africa’s digital divide. The infrastructure demands alone pose a significant challenge—5G requires dense fiber networks, extensive tower upgrades, and higher energy consumption, all of which come at a steep cost.  

As Angela Wamola, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa says in an interview with TechAfrica News, “Investment is still needed at the 4G level to support the consumer, but even greater investment is required for the future, focusing on 5G and beyond.” 

Device affordability is another major barrier to its adoption. The median income in many African countries makes 5G-capable smartphones an unaffordable luxury for the average consumer. Even as prices gradually decline, the reality is that millions still struggle to afford even entry-level 4G devices, keeping next-generation connectivity out of reach for the majority. 

For telecom operators, prioritizing 5G in regions where even 4G coverage remains patchy is neither financially nor logistically viable.  

Sitho Mdlalose, CEO of Vodacom South Africa, tells TechAfrica News, 

“I think the main challenges to rolling out 5G will continue to be the core challenges we face on our network. The cost of rolling out the network is substantial. Vodacom has pledged another 60 billion Rand over the next five years, committing about 10 billion Rand a year to the network, as we have done for the past five years. This investment is crucial, but much of what we have is imported, and the exchange rate plays a significant role in that”  

– Sitho Mdalose, CEO, Vodacom South Africa  

Beyond infrastructure and affordability, the practical use cases for 5G in Africa don’t yet align with the continent’s most pressing connectivity needs. While industries in wealthier nations are exploring 5G-powered smart factories, autonomous vehicles, and AR/VR applications, Africa’s digital priorities remain far more fundamental—mobile banking, e-learning, e-health, and small business digitization. Pushing 5G in markets where basic internet access is still a privilege risks creating a two-tier digital economy, where wealthier urban centers race ahead while rural and underserved communities remain stuck on outdated networks. 

The real danger isn’t just slow 5G adoption but it’s rushing into 5G while millions remain disconnected or struggling on 3G. If digital transformation is truly about inclusion, then the smarter path is clear: maximize the potential of 4G first, then build towards 5G when the ecosystem is ready. Bridging the gap isn’t just about technology—it’s about ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital economy. 

The Smart Approach: Advancing 5G While Strengthening 4G 

Africa’s digital transformation doesn’t need to be an either-or-scenario between 4G and 5G, but rather a careful balancing act that ensures progress without leaving vast swaths of the population behind. To achieve meaningful digital inclusion, we must first expand 4G access, lower the barriers to affordability, and introduce 5G rollouts strategically—in high-demand areas while strengthening the foundation elsewhere.

To effectively tackle affordability barriers, a more coordinated approach is required, with local manufacturing playing a key role. By producing affordable smartphones within the continent, the cost of imports could be significantly reduced, passing those savings directly to consumers. Additionally, programs like Kenya’s Safaricom “LipaLater” financing plan, which allows consumers to pay for devices in instalments, can make 4G smartphones more accessible to low-income users.  

“The affordability of devices is crucial, and at Vodacom, we’ve explored several solutions to address this, including our ‘easy to own’ innovation, which allows consumers to pay daily installments for a smartphone, starting at as little as 8.50 Rand per day. As you pay, it provides both data and the ability to use and unlock the smartphone.” 

– Sitho Mdlalose, CEO of Vodacom South Africa

This approach should be complemented by government and operator subsidies to ensure broader affordability. Moreover, taxes on devices should be reassessed to reduce the financial burden on consumers, and the high cost of data must also be addressed to make mobile internet more affordable for all.  

“If we can solve the challenge around the affordability of 4G devices, we can leapfrog even those customers still on 2G—representing the 44% who have never accessed mobile broadband—straight into 4G. This would allow them to benefit from the infrastructure that’s already developed, helping to close the gap across Sub-Saharan Africa, where there is still a long road ahead in terms of digital access.” 

– Angela Wamola, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, GSMA 

But device affordability is only part of the equation. 4G infrastructure expansion is crucial for ensuring that no one is left out of the digital revolution. Many rural areas remain disconnected, not because people lack the desire to connect, but because deploying infrastructure in remote locations is cost prohibitive. Governments, alongside telecom providers, must direct more Universal Service Fund (USF) resources toward these areas, encouraging network expansion where it matters most.  Universal Service Funds (USFs) in this case have largely underperformed in many African countries, with substantial portions of allocated resources remaining unspent or misdirected, hindering efforts to expand connectivity in underserved and rural areas where it is needed most.

“Insights from the GSMA report on Universal Service Funds in Africa indicate that the funds are underperforming and have become ineffective tools to close the coverage gap, signaling the need for reforms” 

– Caroline Mbugua, HSC, Senior Director, Public Policy and Communications, Sub-Saharan Africa, GSMA 

There is also the opportunity to repurpose existing 3G spectrum for 4G use, maximizing network efficiency and expanding coverage without requiring entirely new infrastructure. By sharing towers and collaborating with local entities, telecom companies can lower deployment costs, allowing them to focus on connecting more people, not just urban elites. 

Maximizing the potential of 4G is not just about providing faster speeds; it’s about unlocking new economic and social opportunities. In agriculture, farmers can access real-time market prices and weather information via mobile phones, helping them make better decisions. In healthcare, telemedicine can bring urban specialists to rural clinics, providing much-needed expertise where it’s most needed. Education, too, stands to benefit, with digital literacy programs and e-learning platforms helping to bridge the gap for students who would otherwise be left behind. Strengthening 4G connectivity now will set the stage for future growth, ensuring that when 5G does arrive, it doesn’t just cater to a privileged few but builds on a connected base that can fully take advantage of the next wave of digital transformation. 

The approach to 5G must be deliberate, not rushed. Instead of a blanket rollout, targeted deployments in specific areas—such as industrial hubs, ports, or tech campuses—where 5G can drive the most immediate impact should be prioritized. For example, in South Africa, the mining sector has already started testing 5G to enable smart mining solutions and increase safety through real-time data monitoring.

For Africa to truly benefit from the promise of 5G, the path must be inclusive and pragmatic, focused on first ensuring every African is connected to the technologies they need to improve their lives.  

The intersection of telecoms and renewable energy

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By Angela Wamola , Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, GSMA.

Angela Wamola, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, GSMA. (Image: Supplied)

Angela Wamola, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, GSMA. (Image: Supplied)

As African leaders gather in Tanzania for the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit, the continent stands at a crossroads. Nearly 600 million Africans—roughly half the population—lack access to electricity, representing 83% of the global electricity access deficit. 

This energy gap is not just a barrier to development; it is a missed opportunity to leapfrog traditional energy systems and embrace a sustainable, digitally enabled future.

The Summit, hosted by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, the African Union, the African Development Bank Group, and the World Bank Group, is a pivotal moment to address this challenge. 

But achieving the ambitious goal of providing 300 million Africans with electricity access by 2030 will require more than just infrastructure investments. 

It will demand innovative thinking, cross-sector collaboration, and a recognition of the synergies between energy and digital connectivity.

The Dual Challenge: Energy and Digital Inclusion

Africa’s energy gap is deeply intertwined with its digital divide. Mobile networks are the backbone of connectivity, enabling access to education, healthcare, financial services, and commerce. 

Yet, these networks rely on reliable and sustainable energy to function. In rural and underserved areas, where energy access is most limited, mobile operators often depend on diesel generators—a costly, polluting, and inefficient solution.

Our recent GSMA Intelligence report, Rural Renewal: Telecoms and Sustainable Energy in Africa, highlights the critical role that mobile operators can play in bridging both the energy and digital gaps. 

The report reveals that while Sub-Saharan Africa has immense potential for renewable energy, only about 10% of mobile operators’ energy consumption in the region comes from renewables. 

This is despite the fact that renewable energy solutions, such as solar and mini-grids, are not only environmentally sustainable but also economically viable in the long term.

The Energy Inefficiency of Africa’s Mobile Networks

One of the key findings of our report is the energy inefficiency of Africa’s mobile networks, which are still heavily reliant on 3G technology. 

Transitioning to 4G and 5G is not just a matter of improving connectivity; it is also a key step toward reducing energy consumption and operational costs. 

By modernising their networks and adopting energy-efficient architectures, mobile operators can play a leading role in Africa’s energy transition.

However, this transition requires more than just technological upgrades. It demands a fundamental shift in how we approach energy access and digital inclusion. 

Mobile operators, governments, and development partners must work together to create an enabling environment for renewable energy adoption and digital transformation.

Innovative Financing Models: Unlocking Renewable Energy Potential

One of the most promising avenues for scaling renewable energy solutions in Africa is through innovative financing models. Two models, in particular, stand out. 

The first is the Energy Service Company (ESCO) Model, which allows mobile operators to outsource their energy needs to specialized companies. 

These companies provide renewable energy solutions through long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs), reducing upfront costs for operators while ensuring reliable and sustainable energy supply.

The second is the Anchor Business Customer (ABC) Model, where mobile operators or tower companies act as anchor tenants for mini-grid projects. 

These mini-grids provide a stable demand base for renewable energy, which can then extend power to surrounding communities, creating a virtuous cycle of energy access and economic development. 

These models have already shown promise in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, and Nigeria, where mobile operators are partnering with renewable energy providers to power their networks and support rural electrification.

A Blueprint for Action: Recommendations for Stakeholders

To accelerate progress toward universal energy access, we need a concerted effort from all stakeholders. 

Governments can play a crucial role by zero-rating import duties on green energy equipment, offering tax incentives and subsidies for renewable energy projects, and designating telecom infrastructure as critical national infrastructure. 

Reforming energy market designs to speed up permissions for renewable energy projects and grid expansions is also essential.

Mobile operators, for their part, must modernize their networks to improve energy efficiency and transition from 3G to 4G and 5G. 

Collaboration with international development financial institutions (DFIs) to secure funding for renewable energy projects is another critical step. Sharing tower location data to guide integrated energy planning will ensure that renewable energy investments are directed to areas with the greatest need.

Development partners can scale blended finance models that combine public and private funding to de-risk renewable energy investments. 

Supporting capacity-building initiatives to train local communities and businesses in renewable energy technologies, as well as promoting cross-sector collaboration between the energy and digital sectors, will maximize impact.

The private sector, too, has a role to play. Investing in renewable energy solutions that align with corporate sustainability goals and ESG commitments is a start. 

Exploring partnerships with mobile operators to leverage their infrastructure and customer base for energy access projects, and adopting innovative business models such as pay-as-you-go (PAYG) systems, will make renewable energy affordable for low-income households.

Civil society organizations can advocate for policy reforms that support renewable energy adoption and digital inclusion. Raising awareness of the benefits of renewable energy and digital connectivity for rural communities, and monitoring and evaluating the impact of energy and digital projects, will ensure they deliver tangible benefits.

The Path Forward: Collaboration for a Sustainable Future

The Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit is more than just a gathering of leaders; it is a call to action. 

To achieve the ambitious goal of providing 300 million Africans with electricity access by 2030, we need to think differently. We need to recognize that energy is central to achieving digital objectives, and digitalization is central to achieving energy objectives. 

This is particularly true in countries like DRC, Nigeria, and South Africa, where both energy and digital infrastructure gaps are significant.

At the GSMA, we are committed to supporting Africa’s energy and digital transformation. By leveraging the power of mobile networks and renewable energy, we can unlock new opportunities for economic growth, improve quality of life, and ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age. 

We urge all stakeholders—governments, development partners, private sector players, and civil society—to join forces and take concrete steps toward a future where every African has access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy. Together, we can power Africa’s future.

OpinionMobileAngela WamolaGSMA


Source: ITWEB Africa

Telecel Ghana pays annual courtesy call on Otumfuo Osei Tutu II

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Senior Executives of Telecel Ghana have paid an annual New Year’s courtesy visit to the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi to extend warm wishes to the Asantehene, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

The visit, a long-standing tradition, saw Telecel Ghana’s executives present their respects to the revered Ashanti monarch as well as seek his support and guidance for the new year.

The delegation was led by Chief Executive Officer Patricia Obo-Nai, along with the Head of Foundation, Sustainability, and External Communications, Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, and the Executive Head for the Ashanti Region, Kwaku Asiedu.

Obo-Nai conveyed Telecel Ghana’s continued commitment to strengthening the existing relationship with Asantehene and the people of the Ashanti Region.

“We are grateful for the longstanding support, guidance and blessings we have received from Otumfuo and the Manhyia Palace leadership over the years. We remain committed to the partnership with Asanteman for mutual growth and development.”

Receiving the delegation at the Manhyia Palace, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said he was grateful for the courtesy visit and the enduring partnership with the telco over the years. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II also commended Obo-Nai for her leadership and called for more investment to grow the business.

One of the major areas of partnership is the annual Asantehene Golf Tournament, with its 68th edition set to take place later this year.

The golf tournament brings together amateur and professional golfers to compete in the championships. As the headline sponsor for seven consecutive years, Telecel Ghana assured Asantehene of its consistent support for the golf tournament.

Beyond golf, Telecel Ghana dedicates an entire month, known as Ashanti Month, to rewarding its customers in the region, engaging local businesses, supporting community health and celebrating the rich culture and history of the Ashanti region.

The visit underscores the strong bond between the telecommunications company and the Ashanti Kingdom, and it marks another year of collaboration aimed at driving positive change in the
region.

Source: Citi Newsroom

MTN Zambia Launches AI-Powered ‘Call Natasha’ for Faster Customer Support

MTN Zambia has introduced Call Natasha, its first AI-powered customer service agent, in partnership with blackNgreen. This smart assistant is designed to reduce wait times by providing instant, tailored responses to customer inquiries, including financial literacy tips and general information.

Built on the EVA AI platform, Call Natasha continuously learns from interactions to improve accuracy and efficiency, making AI-driven customer support a viable alternative to traditional call centers.

This initiative aligns with Zambia’s broader digital transformation agenda, positioning the country alongside other African nations like Nigeria and Kenya in AI adoption. As mobile and internet penetration expands, AI-powered solutions like Call Natasha play a crucial role in bridging digital divides and enhancing business efficiency.

Source: techpoint.africa

Australia bans DeepSeek over security concerns

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Australia reportedly prohibited the use of DeepSeek AI across all government systems, following a risk assessment which found the company’s technology posed a risk to national security.

Home affairs minister Tony Burke announced the ban, stating all DeepSeek products, applications and services would be immediately removed from government networks, Bloomberg reported.

“AI holds immense potential, but we will not hesitate to act when security threats are identified,” Burke said. He added that the decision was based on the risk assessment rather than the company’s Chinese origins, stating that Australia’s approach remained “country-agnostic.”

Australia has however taken a hardline on Chinese companies in the past. In 2018, it excluded Chinese vendors Huawei and ZTE from the country’s 5G infrastructure, flagging national security issues.

While the DeepSeek ban is restricted to government devices, Burke advised Australian citizens to remain cautious about their digital presence and data privacy.

DeepSeek made waves in the industry last month after gaining recognition for a mobile app powered by its advanced reasoning AI chatbot, taking top spot for downloads on Apple’s US App Store.

Since then, DeepSeek’s AI model has attracted global scrutiny over data security, with the US government launching a probe into the technology to investigate concerns over security and data sovereignty.

Australia follows Italy and Taiwan in imposing a block on the service while Ireland’s Data Protection Commission requested further details on its operations. Numerous private companies have also pre-emptively restricted access to the AI platform, according to Bloomberg.

Source: Mobile World Live

Apple launches invitation app, tweaks AppleCare+

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Apple rolled out a new app that allows iPhone users to create custom event invitations and reportedly made changes to its AppleCare+ protection programme.

With the Apple Invites app, users can create and share invitations, RSVP, contribute to Shared Albums and engage with Apple Music playlists by tapping into its Apple Intelligence AI software.

The app is free to download from the Apple App Store, but users need an iCloud+ subscription priced from $0.99 per month.

Brent Chiu-Watson, Apple’s senior director of worldwide product marketing for apps and iCloud, explained the app “brings together capabilities our users already know and love across iPhone, iCloud, and Apple Music, making it easy to plan special events”.

AppleCare+ changes
MacRumors reported Apple increased the cost of its AppleCare+ device protection programme in the US. The $0.50 price increase is across all models of iPhones.

Bloomberg reported US iPhone customers are no longer able to pay for two-to-three-year AppleCare+ plans at retail stores or by using the AppleCare menu on their devices,

The news agency noted Apple is now prioritising the more expensive Theft & Loss plans which require monthly or annual payment options.

The change in plans start next week, according to a tweet from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman

Last month, the company’s services business, which includes subscriptions, warranties and licensing deals, posted Q1 2025 revenue of $26.3 billion, up 14 per cent year-on-year.

Source: Mobile World Live

Nigeria Approves AI Trust & Universal Connectivity Project

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In a significant move toward enhancing digital access and driving technological innovation, the Nigerian government has approved two transformative initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide, expanding rural mobile connectivity, and positioning the country as a leader in artificial intelligence.

The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy announced that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has granted approval for the Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project, a strategic initiative under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) funding model. Designed to complement Project Bridge, Nigeria’s ambitious 90,000km Fibre Fund, this project will extend mobile network coverage to over 21 million people across 4,834 remote communities currently lacking basic telecommunications infrastructure. By deploying additional base stations in underserved regions, the initiative aims to enhance connectivity and improve the quality of life for millions of Nigerians.

Nigeria’s vision to become a global AI powerhouse has received a major boost with the FEC’s approval of the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Trust. As the first initiative of its kind globally, the AI Trust will mobilize resources, oversee AI development, and ensure strategic investments in AI-driven innovation. This move highlights the government’s commitment to leveraging AI as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and increased foreign direct investment, ensuring Nigeria remains at the forefront of the digital revolution.

These approvals mark a significant step in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey, reinforcing its role as a leader in connectivity and emerging technologies.

Source: www.telecomreviewafrica.com

BlackRock prepares to launch bitcoin exchange-traded product in Europe, source says

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BlackRock (BLK.N),  is gearing up to launch a bitcoin exchange-traded product in Europe within weeks, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters, amid growing demand for exposure to cryptocurrencies from both money managers and consumers.

The product will likely be domiciled in Switzerland, the source added. The Wall Street giant has incorporated a Zurich-based company focused on digital assets – iShares Digital Assets AG – in recent months, according to a regulatory filing seen by Reuters.

BlackRock declined to comment.

BlackRock was one of the first institutional investors to offer exchange-traded products to track the spot price of bitcoin after the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission first approved them in January 2024.

The SEC’s move was a watershed moment for the asset class, boosting hopes in the crypto industry that cryptocurrencies would become more widely integrated in mainstream finance.

BlackRock’s main bitcoin-linked product IBIT has grown rapidly, amassing net assets of $57.5 billion as of Feb. 4, according to BlackRock’s website. However, not all global investors can access the existing U.S.-domiciled products.

Bloomberg was first to report on BlackRock’s plans in Europe.

While the U.S. crypto industry has celebrated Trump’s election and his pledge to support the sector, crypto businesses in Europe are facing new, tougher regulation.

The European Union’s landmark crypto regulatory framework, known as the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) was introduced in early 2023 and is in the process of being rolled out.

Reporting by Iain Withers. Additional reporting by Elizabeth Howcroft in Paris. Editing by Mark Potter

Lawmakers push to ban DeepSeek from US government devices, WSJ reports

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U.S lawmakers plan to introduce a bill on Thursday that would ban DeepSeek’s chatbot application from government-owned devices, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday.

Other countries raise concern over DeepSeek

South Korean ministries and police said Thursday they were blocking DeepSeek‘s access to their computers, after the Chinese AI startup did not respond to a data watchdog request about how it manages user information.

DeepSeek launched its R1 chatbot last month, claiming it matches the capacity of artificial intelligence pacesetters in the United States for a fraction of the investment, upending the global industry.

South Korea, along with countries such as France and Italy, have asked questions about DeepSeek’s data practices, submitting a written request for information about how the company handles user information.

But after DeepSeek failed to respond to an enquiry from South Korea’s data watchdog, a slew of ministries confirmed Thursday they were taking steps to limit access to prevent potential leaks of sensitive information through generative AI services.

“Blocking measures for DeepSeek have been implemented specifically for military work-related PCs with Internet,” a defence ministry official told AFP.

The ministry, which oversees active-duty soldiers deployed against the nuclear-armed North, has also “reiterated the security precautions regarding the use of generative AI for each unit and soldier, taking into account security and technical concerns”, it added.

South Korea’s police told AFP they had also blocked access to DeepSeek, while the trade ministry said that access had been temporarily restricted on all its PCs.

The trade, finance, unification and foreign ministries also all said they had blocked the app or had taken unspecified measures.

Bans ‘not excessive’

Last week, Italy launched an investigation into DeepSeek’s R1 model and blocked it from processing Italian users’ data.

Australia has also banned DeepSeek from all government devices on the advice of security agencies.

Kim Jong-hwa, a professor at Cheju Halla University’s artificial intelligence department, told AFP that amid growing rivalry between the United States and China he suspected “political factors” could be influencing the reaction to DeepSeek — but said bans were still justified.

“From a technical standpoint, AI models like ChatGPT also face numerous security-related issues that have not yet been fully addressed,” he said.

“Given that China operates under a communist regime, I question whether they consider security issues as much as OpenAI does when developing innovative technologies,” he said.

“We cannot currently assess how much attention has been paid to security concerns by DeepSeek when developing its chatbot. Therefore, I believe that taking proactive measures is not too excessive.”

Beijing on Thursday hit back against the ban, insisting the Chinese government “will never require enterprises or individuals to illegally collect or store data”.

“China has always opposed the generalisation of national security and the politicisation of economic, trade and technological issues,” foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said.

Beijing would also “firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises,” Guo vowed.

‘Complex competition’

DeepSeek says it uses less-advanced H800 chips — permitted for sale to China until 2023 under US export controls — to power its large learning model.

South Korean chip giants Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are key suppliers of advanced chips used in AI servers.

The government announced on Wednesday an additional 34 trillion won ($23.5 billion) investment in semiconductors and high-tech industries, with the country’s acting president urging Korean tech companies to stay flexible.

“Recently, a Chinese company unveiled the Al model DeepSeek R1, which offers high performance at low cost, making a fresh impact in the market,” acting President Choi Sang-mok said Wednesday.

“The global Al competition may evolve from a simple infrastructure scale-up rivalry to a more complex competition that includes software capabilities and other factors.”

Successful SIM Re-registration Hinges on Effective Stakeholder Engagements – Ing. Ashigbey

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The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, has reiterated the importance of stakeholder engagement to ensure the success of the proposed SIM Re-registration exercise.

According to Ing. Dr. Ashigbey, it is critical that any new exercise follows the approach taken in the implementation of the much-celebrated Mobile Money Interoperability service, which saw all stakeholders (public and private) coming to the table to deliberate on the best way forward.

He made the remarks in an interview with the Chamber News Desk in Accra, Ghana.

“If you go back to the last one, the way the former Vice-President had envisaged it, where he started it with, a meeting of all stakeholders and a plan that we work together as stakeholders to resolve it. That is the way to go. That’s the way we did the Mobile Money Interoperability that has become so successful that people praise it. That was done through private-public partnership. The Regulators working together with the operators to ensure that this was going to be done”.

“So I’m of the conviction that the way the Minister-designate wants to go by the engagement is the way to go”, he added.

While debunking suggestions that the old SIM registration exercise was “useless”, Ing. Dr. Ashigbey suggested that the old exercise can be improved upon with the new approach that has been put forward by the Minister-designate for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel George.

The Minister-Designate revealed plans for a new SIM re-registration process to rectify flaws from the previous exercise.

Previous SIM Registration Exercise

In 2022, the government mandated all SIM cardholders to link their numbers to their Ghana Cards, aiming to enhance security and curb fraudulent activities. However, the process was fraught with long queues, operational inefficiencies, and SIM blockages for non-compliance.

During his vetting, Sam George criticized these challenges and pledged to introduce a more efficient system that would integrate directly with the National Identification Authority (NIA) database.

Dr. Ashigbey in an interview on Accra based Citi FM, emphasized the necessity of using the NIA database as the “single point of truth” to ensure a more reliable registration process. “We should have integrated the NIA database from the start to complete the cycle,” he asserted.

He highlighted that while the first phase of the registration cross-checked data with the NIA, the biometric verification phase fell short, as it failed to align fingerprint data with the NIA’s authoritative records. “We conduct liveliness and likeness tests, collect biometric data, but don’t compare it with the NIA database,” he explained.

As discussions around the new SIM re-registration continue, Dr. Ashigbey has stressed the importance of addressing these shortcomings to ensure a seamless, comprehensive process. The government’s new approach, focusing on deeper integration with the NIA system, is expected to correct the flaws and build a more secure, efficient framework for SIM card registration.