MTN inducted into Brand Africa Hall of Fame; named #1 Most Admired African Brand Contributing to…

MTN Group has been inducted into the inaugural Brand Africa Hall of Fame “in recognition of its transformational impact on African consumers and its role in shaping a positive African narrative”.  MTN was also recognised as the #1 Most Admired African Brand Contributing to a Better Africa; the #1 Most Admired African Brand (spontaneous recall); the #1 Most Admired Brand Doing Good for Society and the Environment; and #1 Most Admired Telecommunications Brand.

The Hall of Fame honour, introduced this year by Brand Africa, acknowledges brands that have demonstrated sustained excellence and influence on the continent over the past decade. MTN’s induction reflects its ongoing commitment to enabling digital access, expanding financial inclusion, and contributing meaningfully to Africa’s development.

The announcement was made alongside the release of the 2025 edition of the Brand Africa 100 rankings – an annual, independently conducted survey spanning more than 30 African countries and representing more than 85% of the continent’s population and GDP.

“It is an honour to be inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame and to be named the most admired African brand contributing to a better Africa, the most admired African brand by spontaneous recall, as well as the brand most admired for doing good for society and the environment,” said Ralph Mupita, MTN Group President and CEO.

“That this recognition comes during Africa Month gives it added significance. It reflects the progress we continue to make as a continent and the role trusted brands must play in advancing inclusive, digitally enabled growth. We are grateful for the confidence placed in MTN by the people we serve and remain committed to delivering meaningful impact.”

Mupita also acknowledged the collective effort behind the brand’s success, thanking MTNers, partners, and other stakeholders across the continent for their role in making this recognition possible.

MTN operates mobile networks in 16 countries. Since 2021, the company has been guided by its Ambition 2025 strategic intent of Leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress. This underscores MTN’s commitment to driving digital and financial inclusion and fostering innovation across the continent.

Further validating its brand leadership, MTN was recently ranked once again as South Africa’s most valuable brand. The accolade was made in the 2025 Brand Finance Top 100 Report, which accorded MTN a brand valuation of R50.7 billion. MTN has held this position every year since the survey’s inception in 2012.

Most admired Telecommunications Brands

Most Admired African Brands

Most admired brands – Doing good for society and the environment.

Source: Business Ghana

Microsoft Launches Cybersecurity Initiative in Kenya to Boost Africa’s Digital Resilience

Microsoft has launched its Regional Cybersecurity Advancement (ARC) Initiative in Kenya, marking a major step in its effort to bolster cybersecurity across Africa.

The program, officially unveiled in Nairobi on May 15, brings together Kenyan authorities, private sector partners, and the National Cybersecurity Coordination Committee (NC4). It aims to strengthen digital resilience through cyber incident simulations, risk management tools, and multi-stakeholder collaboration focused on prevention and response.

The ARC Initiative builds on the Accra Call of 2023, which advocated for global cooperation to support countries in the Global South facing rising cyber threats amid digital transformation. With Kenya’s digital ecosystem growing rapidly, it has become a testbed for scalable cyber defense models.

Recent figures highlight the urgency: over 860 million cyberattack attempts targeted Kenya in 2023, with an additional 20 million attempts reported so far in 2024. Critical sectors such as public services and telecoms remain prime targets.

Through ARC, Microsoft seeks to help governments across the continent confront cyber threats while promoting a broader network of regional cooperation.

Source: Extensia.tech

MTN Ghana to Relocate 130km of Fibre Optic Lines to Improve Network Reliability

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MTN Ghana has announced plans to relocate 130 kilometres of its fibre optic infrastructure to mitigate frequent service disruptions and enhance network performance.

The move, according to the Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Blewett, is driven by the high incidence of fibre cuts, especially in the Northern sector, which records an average of four cuts daily — often caused by construction and utility works. “When fibre cuts occur, base stations cannot transmit signals, which results in poor connectivity for our customers,” he said, warning that such incidents could threaten national security due to the critical nature of communication systems.

Mr. Blewett made the remarks at a media engagement in Tamale, where journalists from the five northern regions convened to discuss industry challenges and strengthen media-industry collaboration.

He also used the occasion to highlight MTN’s community-focused interventions, including digital skills training, robotics education, and infrastructure support for schools. The company, he noted, remains committed to empowering youth, women, and persons with disabilities.

The Northern Regional Secretary of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Futukpor, commended MTN for its engagement efforts and called for sustained collaboration with the media to promote national development.

Source: Graphic Online

NCA Leads Ghana’s Celebration of WTISD 2025, Champions Gender Equality in Digital Transformation

WTISD

The National Communications Authority (NCA), under the auspices of the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations (MoCDTI) and in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), marked World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) 2025 under the theme “Gender Equality in Digital Transformation.”

Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister for MoCDTI, highlighted the alignment of the theme with Sustainable Development Goal 5 and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to gender-inclusive digital policies. He emphasized that the Girls in ICT Programme is a strategic national initiative aimed at equipping girls with STEM skills, not a charitable gesture.

On data affordability, the Minister announced that the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has been commissioned to conduct an independent study on tariffs to guide policy decisions and ensure a reduction in data prices by year-end.

Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for MoGCSP, also pledged continued efforts to promote digital rights and empowerment for women and girls.

Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, Acting Director General of the NCA, underscored the government’s commitment to a digitally inclusive Ghana. He announced enhanced consumer protection efforts, including improved service monitoring, billing verification, complaints management, and device regulation.

Reading a message on behalf of the ITU Secretary-General, Mr. Suleman Salifu, Deputy Director General (Technical Operations) at the NCA, stressed the urgency of closing the digital skills and access gap for women and girls globally.

UNESCO Representative Edmond Moukala, speaking on behalf of the UN Secretary-General, stated that gender disparities in the digital space have real consequences, hampering innovation and sustainable development.

The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Mrs. Etta Mosore, NCA’s Deputy Director General (Managerial Operations), with notable all-female speakers including Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai (CEO of Telecel Ghana), Estelle Akofio-Sowah (CSquared), and Vera Karikari Bediako (MoGCSP).

The celebration concluded with a flag-hoisting ceremony led by Hon. Samuel George, supported by the Ghana Army.

Source: National Communications Authority (NCA)

NCA Engages Ericsson on Innovation, 5G, and Managed Services Licensing

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On May 15, 2025, the National Communications Authority (NCA) welcomed a six-member delegation from Ericsson to the NCA Tower in Accra to explore new areas of collaboration in telecommunications innovation.

Welcoming the team, Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, Acting Director General of the NCA, reaffirmed the Authority’s dedication to stakeholder engagement. He announced plans for a public consultation on the Managed Services Licence, noting that Ericsson’s input would be vital to ensuring inclusivity and regulatory stability in this evolving space.

Majda Lahlou Kassi, Vice President and Head of Customer Unit for West and Southern Africa at Ericsson, commended Ghana’s regulatory leadership and expressed the company’s ongoing support for digital empowerment initiatives, including the “One Million Coders” program launched by the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation.

She also emphasized the transformative potential of 5G, stating:

“5G is not just about faster internet — it’s a platform for entirely new use cases that have not yet entered the market. We are eager to support Ghana’s journey in deploying 5G in a way that balances innovation, stability, and local interest.”

The visiting Ericsson team included Fabrizio Cara, Head of Cloud Services; Richard Kweku Arthur, Country Manager; Badr Ndor, Head of Networks; and Rostand Njomgang, Director at Ericsson.

Source: National Communications Authority (NCA)

Telecel Group Discusses Growth Strategy with NCA, Eyes Further Investment in Ghana

Ing. Mrs. Patricia Obo-Nai

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has hosted a high-level delegation from Telecel Group, led by CEO and Co-Founder Mr. Moh Damush, in a meeting focused on deepening collaboration and advancing Ghana’s telecommunications landscape.

The engagement, held at the NCA Tower in Accra on May 16, 2025, underscores Telecel’s renewed commitment to long-term investment in Ghana. NCA’s Acting Director General, Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, reiterated the Authority’s support for a competitive and fair telecom environment, assuring equitable spectrum management for all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).

“Our goal is not to frustrate non-SMP operators but to create a competitive market space for all MNOs in the country,” Rev. Fianko said, noting progress in Telecel’s market position.

Mr. Damush highlighted the Group’s 21% growth as a signal of strong momentum in Ghana, adding that continued macroeconomic stability would further enhance the telecom sector. He reaffirmed Telecel’s intention to inject additional capital and called for expanded spectrum allocation to improve service quality.

“We are committed to creating a remarkable success story in Ghana,” Damush remarked, also praising Ghana’s rich pool of telecom talent.

The meeting brought together key Telecel executives including Patricia Obo-Nai, CEO of Telecel Ghana; Victor Badin, CFO; and Augusta Andrews, Director of Legal and External Affairs, among others.

Source: National Communications Authority (NCA)

Minister Samuel George Champions Digital Skills with $50M Innovation Fund

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Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has unveiled plans to channel $50 million from the Fintech Development Fund into startups and innovation-driven businesses, aiming to build a sustainable innovation ecosystem backed by an Act of Parliament.

Speaking during a meeting with a delegation from the African Council of Graduates, the Minister emphasized the Ministry’s role as a facilitator—“the wind in the sails” of government—empowering other ministries through technology and digital support. Examples include leveraging meteorological data for agriculture and collaborating across sectors to scale initiatives.

Key focus areas include:

  • Digital skills development through initiatives like One Million Coders
  • Support for innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in agriculture and agro-processing
  • Adoption of drone and data analytics technologies to boost efficiency
  • Startup support through incubators and accelerators

The African Council of Graduates proposed a formal MoU with the Ministry, focusing on youth empowerment via digital training and innovation. Discussions also explored equipping students before graduation with digital competencies to reduce unemployment.

Minister George reiterated the need for cross-sector collaboration, highlighting digitalization as a catalyst for economic growth, education, and improved quality of life in Ghana.

Source: TechAfrica News
Via: Extensia.Tech

AI to Contribute $1.5 Trillion to Africa’s Economy by 2030

Rural Telephony

Artificial Intelligence (AI) could add up to US$1.5 trillion to Africa’s economy by 2030—if the continent captures just 10% of the global AI market, according to the Africa AI Skills Readiness Revealed report by German software giant SAP.

Launched in Johannesburg and based on research in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, the report projects the creation of 230 million new digital jobs in Africa by 2030. It also estimates that over 650 million Africans will need digital skills training or retraining in the coming years.

Africa’s digital economy is expected to grow from 5.2% of GDP in 2025 to 8.5% by 2050.

SAP’s latest study—developed in partnership with Vanson Bourne—surveyed 100 respondents across the public and private sectors. It reveals a critical shortage of AI talent across African businesses, with nine out of ten organisations citing a gap in AI expertise.

To address this, two-thirds of companies have adopted upskilling initiatives focused on AI specialisation. SAP, for its part, has committed to supporting universities across Africa to help train the next generation of AI professionals.

The continent’s AI market is projected to reach $4.92 billion by 2025, representing 2.5% of the global AI sector, with 2,400+ AI-focused companies already active—726 in South Africa, 456 in Nigeria, and 204 in Kenya.

Source: IT Web
Via: Extensia.Tech

GSMA Warns: High Spectrum Costs Threaten Mobile Network Performance

Mobile operators worldwide are struggling with soaring spectrum costs, limiting their ability to invest in network upgrades and expansion, according to a new GSMA report. The findings highlight how inflated spectrum pricing leads to slower speeds, weaker coverage, and hindered digital growth.

Key Findings:

  • Plummeting Revenue: Operators face a 96% drop in earnings per gigabyte since 2014, while spectrum costs remain high.
  • Coverage & Speed Impact: A 10% increase in spectrum costs relative to revenue can reduce 4G/5G coverage by 6% and slow download speeds by 8%.
  • Policy Flaws: Artificial scarcity, high reserve prices, and restrictive license terms inflate costs—consuming up to 25% of operator revenues in some markets.

GSMA’s Call to Action:

With 1,000 spectrum licenses expiring globally (2025–2030), the GSMA urges regulators to:

  • Set market-aligned prices to boost investment.
  • Avoid artificial scarcity and excessive fees.
  • Prioritize affordable access to accelerate digital inclusion.

Vivek Badrinath, GSMA Director General:
“High spectrum costs choke investment when reliable connectivity is critical. Governments must price spectrum responsibly to unlock better networks and services.”

The report underscores that 10% more spectrum availability improves coverage by 2% and speeds by 4%—emphasizing the need for policy reform.

Source: TelecomTechNews

Why It Matters: With 5G-A and 6G on the horizon, balanced spectrum pricing is vital to bridge digital divides and sustain mobile innovation.

Edited for clarity and brevity | Original data sourced from GSMA.

MTN Uganda Pays Record $13.3M to Advance Digital Inclusion

MTN Uganda has made its largest-ever contribution to the Uganda Communications Commission’s Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF), committing $13.3 million (UGX 50.55 billion) to expand digital connectivity in underserved communities nationwide.

Announced by CEO Sylvia Mulinge during a stakeholder meeting at the UCC headquarters in Kampala, the contribution highlights MTN’s growing investment in bridging Uganda’s digital divide and supporting national ICT development. The amount reflects a steady year-on-year increase, rising from $11.59 million in 2024 and $9.81 million in 2023.

“We believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life,” Mulinge said. “This contribution is part of our broader strategy to transform Uganda into a fully digital economy—not only through infrastructure but also by enabling affordability, access, and digital skills.”

Under Ugandan law, telecom operators must contribute 2% of their annual gross revenues to UCUSAF, which funds projects in remote and marginalized regions. Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the UCC, commended MTN for meeting its obligation consistently and with genuine commitment.

The announcement comes amid concerns about Uganda’s relatively low smartphone penetration, which stood at 35.6% of its 51 million mobile subscribers by the end of 2024—far below Kenya’s 72% and South Africa’s 90%. In response, MTN Uganda has introduced initiatives such as the M-Kabode Supa smartphone financing program, helping to boost smartphone use on its network from 39.1% to 44.9% over the past year.

MTN is also investing in digital literacy, having launched 63 ICT labs in schools and operating the MTN Internet Bus to provide digital training in rural communities.

Source: IT Web
Culled by: Extensia.tech

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