July 2026

Ericsson expands its Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform (EIAP), extending its proven open, multi-vendor automation capabilities from the Radio Access Network (RAN) domain to include core networks.

This evolution creates a unified, open RAN and core automation platform that accelerates Communication Service Providers’ (CSPs) Autonomous Networks transformation and empowers them to streamline operations, optimize costs, and deliver a more resilient and higher performing core network that provides a premium experience.

Source : www.lightreading.com

Huawei and its industry partners have officially launched the OpenAN project, an open-source initiative designed to accelerate the large-scale deployment of Level 4 Autonomous Networks (AN). The project aims to help communication service providers (CSPs) overcome challenges such as inconsistent standards, complex cross-domain integration, and limited reusability of network components by providing ready-to-use open-source tools.

The OpenAN project will support the adoption of the Agent-to-Agent for Telecom (A2A-T) standard, enabling faster development, improved interoperability, and lower costs for telecom network automation. During the inaugural meeting, the project’s eight founding members discussed governance, code contribution guidelines, implementation roadmaps, and annual development targets to drive industry-wide collaboration.

Huawei said it will continue working with global partners to enhance OpenAN capabilities, expand commercial applications, and help telecom operators accelerate the deployment of Level 4 Autonomous Networks.

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Source : www.huawei.com

CSquared DRC is helping drive the Democratic Republic of Congo’s digital transformation by investing in the fiber-optic infrastructure that powers fast and reliable internet. Rather than providing internet services directly to consumers, the company operates an open-access network that allows mobile operators, internet service providers, businesses, and government institutions to connect more efficiently.

The company believes that digital infrastructure is the foundation for economic growth. Reliable connectivity supports businesses, improves access to education and healthcare, enables digital financial services, and helps government agencies deliver better public services. By building this backbone, CSquared DRC is creating opportunities for innovation, job creation, and greater digital inclusion across the country.

As demand for cloud services, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies continues to grow, strong network infrastructure has become more important than ever. CSquared DRC says its mission is to ensure the country is ready for this future by expanding high-quality connectivity and working with partners to build a more connected, resilient, and competitive digital economy.

Source : www. csquared.com

Global 5G mobile subscriptions passed the three billion mark during the first quarter of 2026; 5G Standalone (SA) network slicing commercial offerings from communications service providers continue to grow significantly; while uplink mobile data traffic growth is already outpacing downlink for many service providers.

All this and more features in the June 2026 edition of the Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) Mobility Report (EMR).

The 162 million new 5G subscriptions added globally during the first quarter of 2026 brought the total past the three billion mark, to 3.1 billion subscriptions.

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region presents one of the most compelling growth trajectories in the June 2026 EMR.

The region currently counts 750 million mobile subscriptions, with 80 million already on 5G – up from 60 million a year ago, representing a 33 percent year-on-year increase. While 5G penetration stands at 11 percent today, the report’s forecasts reframe this figure not as a ceiling, but as a significant runway for future expansion. By the end of 2031, 5G subscriptions in MENA are forecast to reach 370 million – more than quadrupling current levels.

Mobile data traffic in MENA is projected to nearly triple, rising from 11 to 30 exabytes per month, while the average smartphone user is expected to consume 47 GB per month, driven by the accelerating adoption of AI-powered applications, extended reality (XR) experiences, and an increasingly connected, autonomous ecosystem across the region.

Kevin Murphy, President of North Middle East, Ericsson says: ‘MENA’s connectivity landscape is shifting rapidly, and this report makes that direction clear. Mobile networks in the region are no longer simply a means of communication, they are becoming the foundation on which people, businesses, and entire economies will build their digital future. As demand for richer, more intelligent connectivity accelerates, the region’s networks are well-positioned to meet that moment and to drive meaningful transformation across every sector.’

Source :  www.marketscreener.com

The Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems Limited (GhIPSS) has presented a dividend of GH¢14.58 million for the 2025 financial year to the Bank of Ghana, its sole shareholder.

The dividend was formally presented on July 1, 2026, at a ceremony held at The Bank Square following the successful conclusion of GhIPSS’ Annual General Meeting.

Receiving the dividend, Dr Johnson Asiama, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, described the occasion as an important governance milestone.

“This ceremony marks an important governance milestone, providing the opportunity for GhIPSS to formally present its approved dividend to its sole shareholder,” he said.

Dr. Asiama congratulated the Board, Management and staff of GhIPSS for what he described as another successful year, commending the institution’s efforts in strengthening Ghana’s national payments infrastructure and supporting the country’s growing digital financial ecosystem.

“I commend the Board, Management and Staff of GhIPSS for this achievement and for their continued commitment to operational excellence, innovation and sound corporate governance,” he said.

“As shareholder, we appreciate not only the financial return presented today but also the value GhIPSS continues to create through the development of secure, resilient and interoperable payment infrastructure that supports Ghana’s financial sector and the broader economy,” the Governor added.

He encouraged the Board and Management of GhIPSS to sustain the company’s performance and continue advancing strategic initiatives that would position it for long-term success.

The dividend presentation followed the approval of GhIPSS’ 2025 financial results at its Annual General Meeting and reflects the company’s financial performance during the year.

GhIPSS is Ghana’s national electronic payment infrastructure provider and plays a central role in facilitating secure and interoperable digital payment services across the country’s financial sector.

Source : www.citinewsroom.com

MTN Group has appointed Jerry Soko as the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Eswatini, effective July 1, 2026, marking another key leadership appointment as the telecommunications company advances its Ambition 2030 growth strategy.

Soko, who has led MTN Eswatini in an acting capacity for the past seven months, takes over the role permanently after overseeing a period of improved operational performance and renewed business momentum. During his interim tenure, the company focused on strengthening its market position, enhancing customer engagement, and improving operational efficiency.

MTN Group President and Chief Executive Officer Ralph Mupita said Soko’s leadership had helped restore momentum within the Eswatini business, citing improvements in operational discipline and customer focus.

“Under Jerry’s leadership, MTN Eswatini has regained strong momentum, improving performance, strengthening operational discipline, and deepening customer engagement. His track record, combined with his understanding of our operations, positions him well to lead MTN Eswatini into its next phase of growth,” he said.

Soko is a telecommunications executive with more than two decades of experience across Africa’s ICT sector, and a qualified accountant. Throughout his career, he has held senior executive positions, including Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer roles in Zambia, South Sudan, Botswana and Rwanda, giving him broad operational and financial leadership experience within the MTN Group.

Since taking charge of MTN Eswatini on an interim basis, Soko has led initiatives aimed at improving network reliability, strengthening customer experience, and driving disciplined business execution. He has also focused on enhancing financial performance through stronger cash management while building strategic partnerships that support Eswatini’s digital transformation agenda.

Beyond business performance, Soko has prioritized organizational development by promoting a culture centered on accountability, collaboration and leadership development, with a strong emphasis on succession planning.

Furthermore, the appointment reflects MTN Group’s strategy of developing leadership talent from within its operations as it continues expanding beyond traditional connectivity services into fintech and digital infrastructure. The company says strong leadership remains a key pillar in delivering its long-term ambition of driving digital inclusion and sustainable growth across its African markets.

Source : www.techternds.com

Telecel Ghana, through the Telecel Ghana Foundation, has donated essential neonatal medical equipment to the Kumasi South Hospital and signed a two-year agreement to adopt the hospital’s Mother and Baby Unit. The donation includes two Firefly Phototherapy Units, a Wall Baby Radiant Warmer, and an Infant Digital Weighing Scale to support the treatment and care of newborns, especially premature babies and those with complications.

As part of the partnership, Telecel will renovate the Mother and Baby Unit, provide essential consumables, and improve the facility to create a safer and more baby-friendly environment for patients and healthcare workers. Telecel Ghana CEO Patricia Obo-Nai said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to improving newborn health outcomes and supporting healthcare professionals. Hospital officials and representatives from the Ghana Health Service commended the initiative, describing it as a sustainable investment that will strengthen maternal and newborn healthcare.

The donation marked the climax of Telecel Ghana’s month-long Ashanti Month celebration, which featured initiatives in healthcare, digital skills development, youth empowerment, financial inclusion, and customer engagement. Highlights included the launch of the Telecel Ashanti Codes digital skills programme, sponsorship of the Otumfuo Open Golf Tournament, a retailer forum for mobile money agents, community health screenings through HealthFest, and the Telecel Cashless Bazaar. Collectively, the initiatives underscore Telecel Ghana’s commitment to supporting long-term community development across the Ashanti Region.

Source : www.myjoyonline.com

Ghana’s National Information Technology Agency (NITA) has outlined how its proposed Ghana Electronic Document Wallet (GEDW) will work, allowing citizens to securely access digital versions of documents such as the Ghana Card, driver’s licence, tax records, and other official credentials. Rather than storing the documents directly on users’ phones, the wallet will hold encrypted references, while the original records remain with the issuing institutions. Citizens will be able to securely share verified documents with banks, employers, and other organizations through a consent-based process designed to take only seconds.

The platform will rely on Ghana’s existing Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), which enables every digital document to be digitally signed, time-stamped, and verified through a trusted chain of certificates. NITA says the system is backed by existing legislation, including the Electronic Transactions Act, Data Protection Act, and Cybersecurity Act, meaning digital records already have legal recognition. The agency will regulate and license the ecosystem, while private companies will develop and operate the wallet applications, encouraging innovation and competition.

The project is currently in its early market engagement phase, with NITA seeking industry feedback on key issues such as which documents should be digitized first, licensing requirements for wallet providers, revenue-sharing models, and how the platform can serve citizens without smartphones or reliable internet access. Standards development, licensing, and pilot deployments are expected to follow before the platform is rolled out nationwide.

Source : www. techlabari.com

MTN Group, Africa’s largest telecommunications operator, ranks second globally in the 2026 Ranking Digital Rights Index – becoming the first telecommunications company headquartered in an emerging market to place among the top three performers worldwide.

This achievement marks a significant milestone in the Group’s efforts to strengthen transparency, governance and the protection of digital rights for citizens across its markets.

The RDR Index is widely regarded as a global benchmark for corporate accountability in the technology and telecommunications sector, evaluating how companies uphold fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression and privacy, through their policies, governance frameworks and public disclosures.

Against this global backdrop, MTN achieved a score of 42 out of 100, sustaining a strong momentum in improving transparency this assessment cycle. MTN climbed from sixth place in the previous ranking to second place.

Commenting on the Group’s performance, Nompilo Morafo, MTN Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, said: “Our progress in the Ranking Digital Rights Index reflects the deliberate steps we have taken to strengthen governance, enhance transparency and embed respect for digital human rights across our operations.”

MTN’s gains were driven by score increases across all three RDR categories marked by strengthened governance disclosures, the introduction of a comprehensive advertising content policy, and enhanced measures related to user data protection.

“Our journey on digital rights has been one of continuous evolution. As the landscape changes, we are deliberately adapting our approach, drawing on lessons from our experiences across markets and strengthening how we translate commitments into practical action,” Morafo added.

As Africa’s leading digital platform, MTN operates across diverse and complex regulatory environments, where balancing digital inclusion and human rights considerations is increasingly critical.

The company remains committed to strengthening transparency and disclosure practices, embedding digital human rights across all markets, enhancing governance and accountability mechanisms, and aligning with evolving global standards and stakeholder expectations.

“While we are encouraged by this progress, protecting digital rights is an ongoing responsibility,” Morafo said “We will continue refining our approach to address emerging risks and ensure our customers remain at the centre of how we operate”, she concluded.

As digital connectivity continues to expand, the Group will continue to play a leading role in ensuring that the benefits of a modern connected life are delivered responsibly, ethically and inclusively.

Source : www. amaghanaonline.com

Helios Towers has reaffirmed the importance of digital infrastructure in driving economic growth and digital inclusion following a high-level dialogue with government officials, mobile network operators, and private sector stakeholders in Brazzaville.

The event, co-hosted with Unicongo (Union Patronale et Interprofessionnelle du Congo), brought together key industry leaders to discuss how strategic investment in telecommunications infrastructure can accelerate the Republic of the Congo’s digital transformation and support long-term economic development.

According to Helios Towers, the discussions emphasized the critical role of collaboration between the public and private sectors in expanding connectivity, attracting investment, and building resilient digital infrastructure capable of supporting future growth.

The company highlighted its continued investment in the country’s telecommunications sector since entering the Congolese market in 2015. These investments have enabled mobile network operators to extend reliable network coverage across the country and improve access to digital services.

Helios Towers said its infrastructure currently supports mobile network coverage for nearly 60 percent of the Republic of the Congo’s population. The company also noted that 36 percent of its telecommunications sites are located in rural communities, contributing to efforts to bridge the digital divide and expand connectivity beyond urban centres.

Participants at the forum explored the importance of reliable digital infrastructure as a foundation for innovation, economic diversification, and improved access to digital services for businesses and citizens.

The engagement concluded with renewed calls for stronger partnerships among government institutions, telecommunications operators, infrastructure providers, and the private sector to accelerate digital inclusion and support the country’s broader development objectives.

Source : www.techreviewafrica.com