Telecel Ghana Donates 100 Laptops to KNUST to Empower Needy Students

Telecel

Source: Citi Newsroom

As part of its commitment to digital inclusion, the Telecel Ghana Foundation has donated 100 brand-new laptops to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to support underprivileged students.

The donation, made under the Foundation’s Connected Learning pillar, is the second to the university’s Support One Needy Student with One Laptop (SONSOL) initiative. In 2021, Telecel provided 200 laptops in response to KNUST’s appeal to bridge the digital divide affecting thousands of students.

Speaking at the handover ceremony in Kumasi, Chief Executive Officer of Telecel Ghana and KNUST alumna, Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, reiterated the telco’s pledge to support equitable access to learning tools.

“With these laptops, more students will participate fully in virtual learning, collaborate on group projects, and take charge of their academic futures,” she said, emphasizing the company’s focus on digital empowerment.

KNUST Vice-Chancellor Professor Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson expressed deep appreciation, noting that the support would uplift brilliant but disadvantaged students facing barriers in the digital learning space.

“This investment will unearth the potential of transformational leaders who would otherwise be left behind due to economic hardship. Its impact will extend well beyond the immediate beneficiaries,” she stated.

Student leadership echoed this sentiment. SRC Vice President Samuel Afful remarked that the intervention offers both relief and dignity to many students who previously relied on borrowed or faulty devices.

The donation coincides with Telecel Ghana’s Ashanti Month—an annual celebration that reaffirms the company’s long-standing partnerships in the region and its dedication to community development through digital access.

Source: Citi Newsroom

MTN MoMo Underscores Commitment to Digital Financial Security

MTN Mobile Money

Source: GNA | Edited by Dennis Peprah

MTN Mobile Money (MoMo) Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening digital financial security as it continues to enhance the safety of online transactions for its growing user base.

Speaking to journalists in Dormaa-Ahenkro in the Bono Region, Razak Issaka Ali, Chief Commercial Officer of MTN MoMo, urged users to download the updated MTN MoMo App, which integrates enhanced security features including two-factor authentication and biometric verification.

“The App is easier, faster, and built with top-tier security. We’re constantly updating it to safeguard our customers,” Mr. Ali noted.

His comments followed a customer appreciation ceremony where 21-year-old mobile phone repairer Emmanuel Ansu Gyeabour was recognised as the platform’s one millionth MoMo App user. Gyeabour received a GHS10,000 cash prize along with branded souvenirs.

With over 17 million users nationwide, MoMo remains a key enabler of Ghana’s digital economy—supporting payments, savings, investments, and financial inclusion. CEO of MTN MoMo, Haruna Shaibu, credited the service for enhancing transaction speed, business convenience, and economic growth.

While applauding MTN’s efforts, Mr. Gyeabour encouraged the telecom provider to further improve network coverage in the area.

MTN MoMo continues to serve as a digital financial backbone for millions across Ghana, positioning itself as a leader in secure and accessible mobile transactions.

Source: GNA | Edited by Dennis Peprah

GSMA Urges Mobile Industry to Double Emissions Cuts to Meet Net Zero Goals

GSMA_Logo-scaled

By Amiya Johar | Source: Mobile Net Zero Report via GSMA

The GSMA is calling on mobile network operators to accelerate their decarbonisation efforts, warning that current progress falls short of the trajectory required to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

According to the mobile industry body’s latest Mobile Net Zero report, operators achieved an 8% reduction in operational emissions between 2019 and 2023, even as global mobile connections rose by 9% and data consumption quadrupled. The findings were released ahead of MWC Shanghai.

Despite this progress, the GSMA cautions that the pace of emissions reduction must increase to 7.5% annually through to 2030—more than twice the current rate. Preliminary 2024 data shows a 4.5% drop, indicating improvement but still below target.

Renewable energy uptake played a significant role in the sector’s emissions decline, with 37% of electricity sourced from renewables in 2023—up from just 13% in 2019. This shift reportedly prevented around 16 million tonnes of carbon emissions. Regional leaders include Europe, which cut operator emissions by 56% since 2019, followed by North America (44%) and Latin America (36%). For the first time, China recorded a 4% drop in operator emissions, spurred by a sharp increase in clean energy use.

Still, GSMA flags Scope 3 emissions—those generated across supply chains and manufacturing—as a key challenge, accounting for two-thirds of the sector’s carbon footprint. These value chain emissions remain a critical focus area for operators aligning with science-based targets.

Operators are increasingly turning to energy-efficient infrastructure, solar power, battery storage, and the phasing out of diesel-based and legacy networks. But GSMA stresses that stronger policy environments and expanded renewable energy access are essential to meet global sustainability ambitions.

Consumer trends also signal growing momentum for sustainability. Nearly 90% of surveyed users are open to refurbished devices, a market expected to reach $150 billion by 2027.

“This industry isn’t greenwashing or greenwishing—it’s green acting,” said Steven Moore, GSMA’s Head of Climate Action. “But to stay on track, we need faster progress, firmer policy support, and deeper collaboration across the ecosystem.”

By Amiya Johar | Source: Mobile Net Zero Report via GSMA

Orange Egypt and Huawei Deepen Partnership to Accelerate 5G Rollout

Huawei

Orange Egypt, in partnership with Chinese tech giant Huawei, is intensifying efforts to expand 5G connectivity across Egypt—aiming to boost both consumer and enterprise access to next-generation digital services.

The collaboration is set to catalyse the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). The companies describe the 5G push as foundational to developing smart ecosystems across sectors, from smart cities to the Internet of Things (IoT).

Central to this initiative is the deployment of Huawei’s E-band microwave technology, operating within the 71–76 GHz and 81–86 GHz frequency ranges. This solution offers ultra-high throughput and low-latency backhaul capabilities, particularly vital for urban zones with dense traffic and rural areas lacking fibre infrastructure.

Huawei’s Massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) solutions for Radio Access Networks are also being leveraged to enhance Orange Egypt’s 5G performance. These technologies are engineered to deliver higher spectral efficiency, improved network capacity, and robust service quality—even in bandwidth-intensive environments. Use cases span ultra-HD video streaming to immersive AR/VR experiences.

“With our advanced 5G solutions, we are enabling the next generation of mobile networks to deliver faster, more reliable and energy-efficient services,” said Mohamed Youssef, Key Account Executive at Huawei Egypt. “This partnership underscores Huawei’s dedication to helping operators meet the growing demand for high-speed, sustainable connectivity.”

The partnership signals a significant step toward strengthening Egypt’s digital infrastructure, broadening access to the digital economy, and future-proofing telecommunications services.

Source: ITWeb

Telecel Leadership Engages Ashanti Regional Leaders as Part of Ashanti Month Activities

Telecel Ghana’s senior leadership, along with the Board Chair of Telecel Group, has paid courtesy calls on key political figures in the Ashanti Region, including the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, and the Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi.

The visits form part of Telecel’s ongoing Ashanti Month celebrations, a corporate initiative aimed at deepening engagement and investment in the region. Activities under this initiative include sponsorship of the 68th Asantehene Golf Tournament, market trade activations, customer outreach, educational donations, health programmes, and environmental projects.

Telecel CEO Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai emphasized the region’s strategic importance to the company, describing it as the second-largest customer base and a key pillar of national operations. She reiterated the company’s commitment to digital inclusion and regional development.

Both regional leaders commended Telecel’s impact and encouraged expansion of services to underserved areas. Dr. Amoakohene called for broader infrastructure deployment to support rural connectivity, while Mayor Boadi urged the company to enhance customer service and access across Kumasi.

Board Chair Nicolas Bourg affirmed the Group’s long-term commitment to Kumasi’s development, with Telecel announcing new investments aimed at boosting network speed and reliability in the Ashanti Region.

Source: MyJoyOnline

MTN Cameroon works with Camusat to expand network

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MTN Cameroon has entered into a partnership with Camusat Group, a French telecom infrastructure builder and network developer, through its energy and infrastructure subsidiary Aktivco.

The partnership, according to the firms, is a watershed moment for both, indicating a common desire to encourage digital transformation through scalable innovation and environmentally friendly solutions.

According to the agreement, Camusat will provide end-to-end telecom infrastructure and energy solutions, allowing the telco to expand national coverage and improve network reliability.

The telco has previously pledged $225 million over three years to strengthen its operations in the country, particularly its fintech division.

Wanda Matandela, CEO of MTN Cameroon, stated that as a mobile network operator, they are committed to connecting and empowering Cameroonians through inclusive digital solutions for the country’s economic growth.

“We need strong partnerships to keep our commitment and achieve more. I believe our new strategic partnership with Camusat will contribute to help us bring more shared value to all our stakeholders in Cameroon,” Matandela said.

Aïda Diouf, Africa executive director at Camusat Group, explained that the company will provide energy-efficient and scalable infrastructure for the African market.

“It’s a concrete step in our ambition to support operators with long-term, performance-driven solutions that combine operational excellence with environmental responsibility,” Diouf said.

Source: IT Web

Airtel Money expands its services beyond CEMAC and connects 31 African countries

Airtel

Airtel Money officially announces the launch of its new international money transfer service, marking a decisive step forward in the development of financial inclusion in Africa. This expansion now allows users to send money from their mobile phones to 31 additional countries on the continent, well beyond the CEMAC zone.

Already firmly established in the six countries of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) – Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, Chad, the Central African Republic and Equatorial Guinea – Airtel Money is taking a new step forward with this expanded offering via the GIMAC Pay network.

Pan-African coverage, affordable pricing

The new service allows subscribers to send funds to key destinations such as Mali, Senegal, the DRC, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire, among others, at a single rate of 3.8% excluding VAT for transfers outside the CEMAC region. Users can easily access the service by dialing *128*8# on their mobile phone.Airtel Money reaffirms its promise of a simple, secure, transparent, and 24/7 service for both individuals and businesses. This initiative responds to the new dynamics of trade, migration, and the growing need for interconnection on the continent.

A pan-African vision of financial inclusion

By facilitating money transfers across regional borders, Airtel Money aims to strengthen economic and social connectivity between African people, while contributing to the modernization of the continent’s financial infrastructure.

Source: Agency EcoFin

Ethiopia relies on private sector to accelerate digitalization of education

The Ethiopian government is continuing its efforts to digitally transform the national education system. Belete Molla (pictured), Minister of Innovation and Technology, called last week for active engagement with the private sector, particularly tech startups, to come up with innovative solutions for this purpose. 

The call was launched during EdTech Week 2025, held on Wednesday, June 11th and Thursday, June 12th in Addis Ababa. Co-organized by Reach for Change, the Mastercard Foundation, and the Ministry of Education, the event aims to promote innovative local technology solutions to improve access, quality, and equity of education in Ethiopia. 

As part of this effort, the Ethiopian government launched a five-year national strategy for the digitalization of education in March 2023. The government is also working with institutions such as UNICEF and the Mastercard Foundation. Additionally, the national digital transformation strategy earmarks $18 million for broadband connectivity for selected educational institutions, in partnership with EthERNet, the Ethiopian National Research and Education Network, which falls under the Ministry of Education. 

Public-private partnership is also recommended in the “Digital Education Strategy and Implementation Plan 2023–2028.” “Implementing the comprehensive digital education strategy requires significant resources, making close cooperation between the government and the private sector essential. Through appropriate PPP arrangements, this collaboration aims to mobilize private companies to innovate, conduct research, and develop digital technology solutions that contribute to achieving the country’s strategic digital education objectives,” the document reads. 

Through these efforts, the Ethiopian government aims to leverage ICT in the education sector to improve the quality, relevance, equity, and accessibility of education for all, including refugees, and to bring stakeholders together within digital ecosystems and platforms. This approach is notably supported by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which believes that digitalization can improve student learning, support teachers in their pedagogy, and inform decision-making at all levels of the education system. 

However, despite the efforts undertaken, the digital transformation of the Ethiopian education sector remains at a preliminary stage. For it to fully bear fruit, several challenges common to many African countries will also need to be overcome. These include the still very unequal access to infrastructure, particularly in rural schools, which often lack electricity, internet connection, or basic equipment; the poor preparation of teachers in the pedagogical use of ICT due to a lack of adequate training; and the significant inequalities in access to digital technology among students, linked to social background, gender, or language. 

Source: Agency EcoFin

South Africa and Huawei Sign Strategic Agreement to Advance AI and Innovation

In a significant move to bolster scientific and technological collaboration, South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI) has signed a Letter of Intent with Chinese tech giant Huawei. The agreement, penned during Minister Nzimande’s official visit to the People’s Republic of China, aims to forge a comprehensive partnership between the two entities.

The collaboration will primarily focus on information and communication technologies (ICT), with a specific emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI), research, and innovation.

Speaking before the signing ceremony, Minister Nzimande highlighted the broader implications of the agreement.

“The signing of this Letter of Intent further solidifies the long-standing relationship between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China. Most fundamentally, this Letter of Intent gives much-needed impetus to the progressive agenda of building of a global political and economic order that promotes the equitable development of countries, particularly from the Global South, and contributes to the betterment of all humanity.”

– Minister Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, South Africa

The DSTI-Huawei Letter of Intent follows closely on the heels of a successful Belt and Road Ministerial Science and Technology Conference held in Chengdu, China. It also comes just days after a highly productive bilateral meeting between Minister Nzimande and China’s Minister of Science and Technology, Mr. Yin Hejun, which included the signing of a separate Letter of Intent specifically focused on AI.

Source: TechAfrica News

Guinea and Sierra Leone Sign Fiber Optic Cross-Exploitation Agreement

Rural Telephony

The Guinean Backbone Management Company (SOGEB) and Sierra Leone’s Leoncom have signed a cross-marketing agreement to jointly leverage their international fiber optic capacities. The deal, sealed in Conakry on June 12, aims to enhance digital interconnection between the two neighboring West African nations.

The agreement enables reciprocal access to each country’s national fiber networks through the Pamelap border exchange point. By sharing infrastructure and international capacity, the initiative seeks to deliver more stable, affordable, and competitive broadband connectivity for operators, enterprises, and public agencies.

This builds on an earlier interconnection pact signed in November 2024 and supports ECOWAS’s broader vision of regional digital integration. As of early 2025, internet penetration stands at 26.5% in Guinea and 20.7% in Sierra Leone, according to Datareportal.

The partnership is expected to boost network resilience, reduce service disruptions, and lower connectivity costs—fostering increased digital adoption and enabling advancements in e-government, education, and healthcare.

Source: Extensia.tech