August 2026

Ericsson has begun implementing a new strategy to revive Vonage, the U.S. software company it acquired for US$6.2 billion in 2022—its largest acquisition ever. The move follows years of disappointing performance, with Vonage recording a cumulative operating loss of US$450 million between 2022 and 2025 and prompting Ericsson to write down its value by more than US$4 billion. Outgoing CEO Börje Ekholm acknowledged the business has not delivered as expected and said a turnaround plan is underway, with incoming CEO Per Narvinger expected to lead the next phase.

At the heart of the strategy is network APIs, which allow developers to access telecom network capabilities and build new digital services. Ericsson originally expected Vonage to help operators generate new revenue from advanced 5G services through these APIs. While progress has been made with initiatives such as Aduna, a platform that connects telecom operators and application developers, commercial adoption has been slower than anticipated. So far, most API use cases have focused on fraud prevention and SIM verification rather than the premium 5G services Ericsson had hoped would drive significant growth.

Ericsson is now shifting its focus from consumer use cases to enterprise applications, targeting businesses that need reliable, high-quality connectivity for specific services. Instead of selling faster internet speeds, the company aims to offer solutions that guarantee network performance for business applications such as ride-hailing, logistics, and media uploads. Ericsson believes that broader enterprise adoption of network APIs could eventually create new revenue opportunities for telecom operators, strengthen demand for advanced 5G networks, and help restore confidence in its Vonage investment.

Source  : www.lightreading.com

Huawei has launched its eKit 4+10+N SME Intelligence Solutions, a new portfolio of more than 400 products designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa adopt smarter digital technologies. Unveiled at the Huawei eKit Forum during Huawei South Africa Connect 2026, the solutions cover four key areas—offices, businesses, education, and healthcare—with easy-to-deploy products that support AI-driven digital transformation. The initiative also reinforces Huawei’s partner-led approach, enabling distributors and installers to better serve SMEs.

Huawei said the distribution business is a key part of its enterprise growth strategy, backed by strong investment in innovation, with 21.8% of its revenue dedicated to research and development. The company reported that its SME networking business grew by more than 56% over the past year and introduced new products including the AR580 Secure Converged Gateway, the AR180 Wi-Fi 7 router, and the iGuard DF10, a handheld device that detects hidden cameras in offices and hotels. Huawei also highlighted a successful deployment at Vastrap Laerskool, where its Wi-Fi 7 technology and firewall solutions improved network performance and security.

The forum also showcased success stories from Huawei’s distribution partners, including Even Flow Distribution, Electrosonic SA, and Blink Logic, which said the Huawei eKit ecosystem has helped them deliver better solutions and grow their businesses. Held as part of Huawei South Africa Connect 2026, the event brought together about 2,900 government and industry leaders to discuss AI adoption and digital infrastructure. Huawei said it remains committed to supporting South African SMEs with innovative technologies, stronger partner support, and solutions that make digital transformation more accessible.

Source : iol.co.za

MTN Nigeria has achieved EDGE Advance Certification, becoming the first organisation in Africa to attain the globally recognised workplace equity certification. The milestone also makes the telecommunications operator the first company worldwide in the communication services sector and only the third organisation globally to receive the EDGE Advance distinction.

The certification builds on MTN Nigeria’s earlier EDGE MOVE Certification and recognises the company’s continued progress in advancing gender equity, strengthening workplace inclusion, and creating an environment where employees have equal opportunities to grow and succeed.

According to MTN Nigeria, the achievement reflects years of deliberate efforts to foster a more equitable and inclusive workplace through policies and practices that support diversity and employee development. The company described the certification as an independent validation of its commitment to embedding inclusion across its operations.

Despite the global recognition, MTN Nigeria said it views the achievement as another step in an ongoing journey rather than a final destination. The operator reaffirmed its commitment to raising the bar on workplace equity by creating greater opportunities for employees, promoting inclusive leadership, and driving meaningful progress for its workforce, business and the communities it serves.

The latest certification further strengthens MTN Nigeria’s position among organisations adopting globally recognised environmental, social and governance (ESG) and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) standards as part of their long-term sustainability and people strategies

Telecel Ghana has rewarded three winners of its Text2Win promotion with a total of GH¢90,000 at a prize presentation held at the Madina transport station, marking the end of the first six-month cycle of the campaign.

Toufiq Ahmed Mustapha won the grand prize of GH¢50,000, while Sheriff Iddrisu Jackson received GH¢30,000 as first runner-up and Derrick Allotey Murphy took home GH¢10,000 for placing third.

The Text2Win promotion, run in partnership with digital agency Elcuto under the supervision of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), allows Telecel customers to participate by dialing *4063# and subscribing for 30 pesewas per day. Subscribers earn points by answering daily SMS trivia questions, with the highest scorers receiving cash prizes at the end of each six-month cycle.

Beyond the grand prizes, Telecel also awarded weekly cash prizes and seasonal rewards throughout the first cycle, which ran from December 2025 to May 2026.

Speaking at the event, Carlos Asare-Okoh, Propositions and Segment Manager at Telecel Ghana, said the company is increasing the cash rewards for the second cycle to encourage greater customer participation and engagement.

The National Lottery Authority also endorsed the promotion, with Marketing Officer Ida Hans-Jorie confirming that the campaign is being conducted transparently and in full compliance with regulatory standards.

The second cycle, running from June to November 2026, is now open to both new and existing Telecel customers, offering another opportunity to win cash prizes by subscribing via *4063# and answering daily trivia questions.

Source : www. ameyawdebrah.com

MTN Ghana’s Field Service Manager (Network) in Kumasi, Mr Dickson Amoung-Yam, has urged customers of the Mobile Money service to repay the loans they borrow from their accounts.

“Borrowers who take loans and refuse to pay can no longer escape because of the Ghana Card they used to register on their accounts,” he stated.

Mr Amoung-Yam gave the advice in an interview with the Ghana  News Agency on the sidelines of a media and stakeholders’ engagement organised by MTN Ghana in Sunyani.

He expressed worry that previously, some people used their SIM cards to access loans and later disposed of them for new ones to avoid repayment, warning that if such persons tried to register another SIM card, they would be detected because their details are already in the service system.

Mr Amoung-Yam encouraged all those who had borrowed money from the MoMo service to pay back on time so that other individuals could also benefit.

He reiterated that customer satisfaction drove the company’s operations and motivated MTN Ghana to do more, saying that it was because of that commitment that the company was investing heavily to guarantee customer satisfaction with services.

He said there had been no barrier to the company’s existence, adding that even farmers at their farms are now able to make calls and send messages from the forest, which was an indication that every area in Ghana was gradually being covered with signals

Mr Amoung-Yam said there were several apps that customers could access to prevent the long queues that were often mounted at MTN offices.

Source : www.graphic.com.gh