September 2026

stc group and Ericsson have signed a multi-year agreement at LEAP 2026 to expand stc’s 5G network across Saudi Arabia and support the Kingdom’s digital transformation.

The agreement covers new network sites, increased capacity, expansion of 5G Standalone (5G SA) and preparations for differentiated connectivity services.

A major highlight is the world’s first commercial deployment of Ericsson Radio 4496, a quad-band FDD radio that combines four low-frequency bands, including stc’s newly acquired 600 MHz spectrum, into a single high-power unit.

The deployment will help stc extend 5G coverage, particularly in rural and remote areas, improve indoor connectivity and reduce network power consumption. The expanded network will also support sectors including logistics, energy, mining, tourism and public services, while strengthening Fixed Wireless Access as an alternative to fiber broadband.

Ericsson’s software subscription model will also be extended to stc, allowing continuous network upgrades and access to new performance-enhancing technologies.

Deployment of the new network sites is expected to begin in 2026 and continue throughout the multi-year agreement.

Source : www.ericsson.com

Huawei has reaffirmed its commitment to Saudi Arabia at LEAP 2026, highlighting its full-stack AI capabilities to support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and accelerate AI-driven growth.

Saudi Arabia’s ICT market has reached US$53 billion, up 89.5% since 2017, while the digital economy contributes 16% of GDP and 5G coverage stands at 86%. Huawei says the next phase of growth will require capabilities spanning connectivity, computing, cloud and ecosystem development.

The company is advancing AI-powered solutions including Agentic RAN, AI OTN and AI WAN, alongside 5G, routers and optical technologies. Its AI infrastructure includes the Atlas SuperPoD, supporting up to 8,192 NPUs, while Huawei Cloud operates secure public cloud nodes that keep data within Saudi Arabia.

Huawei is also expanding its local ecosystem, working with 800+ global ISVs, 1,500 local system integrators and 300 delivery partners. Through more than 30 ICT Academies, the company trains around 10,000 ICT professionals annually in Saudi Arabia.

Huawei said it will continue investing in AI infrastructure, local talent and partnerships to help Saudi Arabia move from AI applications toward greater industry value and support its long-term digital transformation.

Source : www. techafricanews.com

Telecel Ghana CEO Patricia Obo-Nai has urged Ghana’s mining industry to prioritise adaptability, continuous learning and digital skills as technology and artificial intelligence reshape the sector.

Speaking at the 7th Biennial Human Resource Conference of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, she said technology alone cannot transform organisations without people equipped to use it effectively.

Obo-Nai identified three priorities for building a future-ready workforce: developing agile capabilities, making continuous learning part of everyday work, and using diversity to drive innovation.

She also called on mining companies to do more to attract and retain women in engineering and technology, highlighting Telecel’s Female Engineering Students Scholarship Programme and DigiTech Academy as examples of initiatives supporting technical skills development.

The conference emphasised the growing role of human resource development, industry-academia collaboration and continuous upskilling in preparing Ghana’s mining sector for a more technology-driven future.

Source : www.myjoyonline.com

MTN Uganda has graduated 503 young people under its MTN Ace digital skilling initiative, equipping them with practical skills in ICT, digital marketing, e-commerce, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

The hybrid programme aims to help young people turn digital knowledge into business opportunities, innovations and community solutions, rather than focusing solely on certification.

MTN Uganda Foundation Board Chairman Dr. William Egaddu said connectivity must be complemented by the knowledge and skills needed to take advantage of digital opportunities.

With the latest cohort, the MTN Ace initiative has now trained 1,191 young people in practical digital skills.

The initiative forms part of MTN Uganda’s broader commitment to youth empowerment, digital inclusion and the development of Uganda’s digital economy.

Source : www. techafricanews.com

Ericsson and Mobily have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance AI-driven network operations and support Mobily’s goal of achieving Level 4 network autonomy in key scenarios.

The partnership will use Ericsson Operations Engine to develop autonomous network use cases focused on operations automation, self-healing, network optimisation and energy management across Mobily’s multi-vendor network.

The companies will explore how AI and greater network autonomy can reduce manual intervention, improve the use of existing infrastructure and create opportunities for network monetisation.

The agreement builds on a 20-year partnership between Ericsson and Mobily and supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 digital transformation ambitions.

Source : www. techafricanews.com

CSquared has highlighted the need for stronger, more resilient digital infrastructure to support Ghana’s next phase of digital transformation, following discussions at National ICT Week 2026.

The company identified fibre connectivity, reliable power, data centres, edge computing, digital skills and affordable access as key priorities for supporting the country’s growing demand for cloud services, AI, digital platforms and public services.

CSquared also stressed that simply connecting people and institutions is not enough. Ghana’s digital ecosystem must deliver reliability, security, resilience and performance, particularly as fibre cuts and other infrastructure disruptions continue to affect businesses and digital services.

The company said open-access and carrier-neutral infrastructure can reduce duplication, encourage competition and allow operators, enterprises and digital service providers to build on shared fibre networks.

CSquared was also recognised as Neutral Wholesale Connectivity Provider 2026 at the National ICT Week Excellence Awards, reinforcing its focus on open-access connectivity.

The company believes Ghana’s next step is to move from digital adoption to greater digital capability, resilience and competitiveness, supported by sustained investment in the infrastructure beneath the digital economy.

Source : www. csquared.com