Industry News

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe and Ericsson have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to design, test, and deploy next-generation mobile services in Zimbabwe, incorporating AI, 5G-advanced, and enhanced network security.

The collaboration, announced at MWC26, will focus on AI-driven radio access network optimization, energy-efficient network evolution, network slicing, IoT-enabled services, and exposed network APIs. These initiatives aim to enhance network performance, reliability, and user experience while supporting Zimbabwe’s national sustainability goals.

The partnership will also contribute to wider digital inclusion and improved services across sectors such as education, healthcare, and enterprise digitalization, aligning with Zimbabwe’s ICT Policy 2022–2027. Building on over 20 years of collaboration, Ericsson will continue to support Econet’s infrastructure growth with energy-efficient LTE and 5G solutions, advanced connectivity, and automation.

Source: developingtelecoms.com

MTN Group and Safaricom have been ranked among the world’s top 10 strongest telecom brands, according to a recent report by Brand Finance. Safaricom placed fifth with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 88, while MTN Group ranked sixth with a score of 87.3, with both earning AAA brand strength ratings.

The rankings reflect strong consumer trust, reliability, and loyalty built through consistent investment in network infrastructure, digital services, and customer experience. Safaricom’s leadership in Kenya and its mobile money platform, M-Pesa, along with expansion into Ethiopia, have reinforced its regional brand strength. MTN Group’s extensive footprint serving over 300 million subscribers across Africa and the Middle East, combined with growing digital and fintech services, has strengthened its consumer perception.

Analysts note that these rankings demonstrate the growing influence and relevance of African telecom brands in the global market. Other African operators, such as Vodacom and Orange, also maintain strong global brand presence, highlighting the continent’s expanding role in the digital economy.

Source: techafricanews.com

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has encouraged young people to use technology responsibly and channel their digital skills toward innovation, entrepreneurship, and national development.

Speaking at the launch of the Volta Youth Development Fund during Volta YouthFest 2026 in Ho, Eric Kafui Bansah, Principal Manager of the Capacity Building Unit at the CSA, emphasized that technology is essential for economic growth but must be used responsibly in the digital space.

He commended the Volta Regional Coordinating Council for organizing the youth festival, describing it as a platform that celebrates the creativity and potential of young people while inspiring them to make choices that will positively shape Ghana’s future.

Mr. Bansah urged the youth to build digital skills, start legitimate businesses, and contribute meaningfully to their communities rather than engaging in cybercrime. He noted that the CSA continues to work with law enforcement agencies to combat online fraud and protect citizens while promoting digital safety and awareness.

As part of efforts to strengthen cybersecurity education and support in the region, the CSA announced plans to establish a regional office in Ho and deepen collaboration with local authorities, schools, and the private sector to equip young people with practical digital skills.

Source: myjoyonline.com

The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications has called for thorough preparation ahead of Ghana’s upcoming SIM re-registration exercise to avoid the challenges experienced during previous registrations.

Speaking on Citi FM, the Chamber’s CEO, Sylvia Owusu-Ankomah, urged authorities to apply lessons from earlier exercises, which were marked by long queues and operational difficulties.

She noted that the telecom industry has been engaged by the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations and the National Communications Authority on the planned exercise. However, she emphasized that the legislative framework guiding the process should be finalised and passed by Parliament before implementation.

Owusu-Ankomah said mobile network operators support efforts to strengthen subscriber identification but stressed that the process must be transparent, well-structured and consumer-friendly to prevent disruptions.

Source: myjoyonline.com

Patricia Obo-Nai, Chief Executive Officer of Telecel Ghana, continues to inspire women in the telecom and technology sector through her leadership and advocacy for digital inclusion. With more than two decades of experience in the industry, she has driven innovation, business transformation and gender empowerment across Ghana’s telecommunications landscape.

Recently, she received an Honorary Doctor of Science degree from Accra Metropolitan University in recognition of her contributions to technology and national development. She also played a key role in the 2023 transition of Vodafone Ghana to Telecel Ghana, ensuring operational stability while introducing an AI-first strategy to improve network performance, fraud detection and customer service.

Under her leadership, Telecel Ghana has expanded its retail presence, rolled out 4G+ technology, introduced eSIM services and launched AI-powered customer support tools. She has also championed initiatives that promote STEM education and gender inclusion, including the Female Engineering Student Sponsorship Programme and partnerships with universities such as Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and University of Ghana.

Through these efforts and community initiatives delivered by the Telecel Foundation, thousands of students have received educational support while communities benefit from health outreach and environmental programs. Her leadership has earned multiple recognitions, including Telecom CEO of the Year and CIMG Woman of the Year 2023.

Source: thebftonline.com

Ghana is strengthening its partnership with Huawei to expand mobile connectivity in rural communities as part of efforts to accelerate digital inclusion. Approximately 30% of Ghanaians were still not using the internet by the end of 2024, according to ITU data.

The Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) recently held discussions with Huawei during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona to explore technological solutions to enhance the Rural Telephony Project (RTP), which aims to extend telecommunications infrastructure to underserved and unserved communities.

Huawei presented upgraded rural telephony solutions, including improved telecom tower systems designed to enhance network quality and extend coverage. According to GIFEC Managing Director Tanko Rashid-Computer, stronger infrastructure will support the deployment of 3G and 4G services in rural areas, expanding access to digital services and socio-economic opportunities.

Ghana aims to achieve 90% rural network coverage by 2028. Since 2017, GIFEC has deployed 1,897 telecom sites under the RTP, with most forming part of the Ghana Rural Telephony and Digital Inclusion Project launched in 2020. The initiative is supported technically by Huawei and financed by a $155 million facility from the China Exim Bank.

About 42% of Ghana’s population lives in rural areas, highlighting the importance of expanding connectivity to bridge the digital divide.

Source: extensia.tech

The Communication Minister, Samuel Nartey George, has revealed that Cabinet has approved a completely new SIM registration exercise following what he described as an extensive review of the previous process.

According to the Minister, the earlier exercise faced several challenges, including weak biometric enforcement, data inconsistencies and cases of registration fraud.

He disclosed this during high-level talks with the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the National Communications Authority (NCA). The meeting discussed the planned new national SIM registration exercise and the roadmap for the rollout of 5G in Ghana.

Mr George stressed that the new approach will not be a continuation of the previous system but a complete reset aimed at restoring credibility and strengthening security in the process.

Details and outcomes of new SIM registration

During the meeting, the Minister outlined key elements and expected outcomes of the new SIM registration exercise.

He disclosed that the National Communications Authority will serve as the central repository of SIM registration data. Biometric verification will also be mandatory under the new framework.

“A Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) will be introduced to enable cross-network blocking of stolen or fraud-linked devices,” the Minister added.

He further revealed that “a revised Legislative Instrument (L.I.) is being prepared to regulate the exercise.”

Telecom operators who participated in the meeting welcomed the initiative but raised some operational concerns.

However, it is not yet clear when the new registration exercise will commence or who will bear the cost of implementing it.

The planned exercise will mark the second nationwide SIM registration drive after a similar exercise in 2021, which the current administration says was plagued by several challenges.

Government’s 5G policy and new spectrum auction

On 5G deployment, the Minister disclosed that Cabinet has approved the removal of the exclusivity clause under the previous wholesale 5G framework.

This decision clears the way for a new competitive spectrum auction process.

Mr George clarified that the wholesale model has not been cancelled. Instead, the revised framework will enable a network-based rollout to ensure universal deployment across operators.

Among the key highlights is a new 5G spectrum auction, which is expected to be concluded soon.

The rollout is also expected to be coordinated to prevent market distortion within the telecommunications sector.

Some telecom operators at the meeting, however, highlighted the capital-intensive nature of 5G technology. They noted that deployment will require significant investment in spectrum acquisition, network upgrades and infrastructure expansion.

The operators called for reasonable spectrum pricing, predictable policy direction and streamlined regulatory approvals to enable rapid deployment.

The meeting also focused on Cabinet-approved reforms aimed at strengthening national security, improving quality of service and accelerating Ghana’s digital transformation.

It ended with an agreement on structured technical engagements between the Ministry, the NCA, the Telecoms Chamber and telecom operators to refine the implementation framework for both the SIM registration exercise and the 5G spectrum auction.

Immediate next steps include finalising the revised Legislative Instrument and publishing the auction documentation.

source : www.myjoyonline.com

• Ericsson and Econet Wireless Zimbabwe sign memorandum of understanding to collaborate on AI-driven, secure and sustainable network innovation for enhanced connectivity.
• The collaboration will explore 5G Advanced, AI-driven radio access network (RAN), exposed network APIs, network slicing and IoT-enabled services and use cases to enable wider digital inclusion, remote learning, e-health and more.
• The collaboration builds on more than 20 years of technology partnership in Zimbabwe.

Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) and Econet Wireless Zimbabwe (ZSE: ECO.ZW) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, Spain to design, test and deploy next-generation mobile services in Zimbabwe powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G Advanced and enhanced network security.

The joint innovation programs will include initial focus areas such as AI-driven radio access network (RAN) optimization and energy-efficient network evolution, 5G Advanced features, AI-driven RAN, exposed network APIs, network slicing and Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled services to enhance network performance, drive service reliability, and boost user experiences.

The collaboration will deliver practical solutions that support Zimbabwe’s national sustainability goals while enabling Econet’s continued network growth. Ericsson and Econet will deploy AI‑driven network optimization and automation to enhance energy performance and improve operational efficiency. Moreover, deploying energy‑efficient LTE and 5G solutions, and network architectures will reduce carbon footprint while expanding coverage and capacity

By combining advanced connectivity with automation and security capabilities, the collaboration aims to support Zimbabwe’s national ICT Policy 2022 – 2027 by enabling wider digital inclusion and facilitating new and improved digital services across sectors such as education, healthcare, enterprise and industry digitalization.

The collaboration is expected to improve network capacity, energy efficiency, and service reliability across key urban and rural areas.

Roy Chimanikire, Deputy CEO at Econet Zimbabwe, says: “This memorandum of understanding with Ericsson reflects our continued focus on evolving our network capabilities to meet growing customer expectations and national digital priorities. By exploring AI-driven automation, advanced connectivity and sustainable network solutions, we aim to enhance service performance while enabling new digital opportunities across Zimbabwe.”

Alain Maupin, Vice President and Head of Ericsson East and North Africa, says: “Together with Econet Zimbabwe, we are advancing the evolution toward intelligent, programmable and more sustainable networks in the country. By leveraging Ericsson’s leadership in programmable and AI-native networks, this memorandum of understanding creates a framework for testing and deploying technologies that enhance network resilience, automation and service innovation to provide communities with advanced connectivity that can enable meaningful digital services in their daily lives.”

The MoU builds on a trusted and long-standing relationship spanning more than 20 years, during which Ericsson has delivered core and radio network solutions supporting Econet Zimbabwe’s infrastructure.

Source : www.ericsson.com

The Administrator and Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), Sofo Rashid Tanko-Computer, has underscored the organisation’s unwavering commitment to expanding rural connectivity across Ghana.

Speaking during a high-level meeting with global technology leader Huawei at the Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, Spain, on 5 March, the GIFEC CEO emphasised that improving the Rural Telephony Project remains a central pillar of the organisation’s strategy to ensure underserved and unserved communities have access to reliable telecommunications services.

The GIFEC delegation, led by Tanko-Computer and accompanied by Director of Corporate Affairs Francisca Adjei, engaged with Huawei’s leadership, including Li Junfeng, Vice President of Huawei and Chief Executive Officer of the company’s Global Public Sector Business Unit, and Mlungisi Nhlapo, Huawei’s Advisory Product Manager.

The meeting explored innovative solutions to strengthen rural telephony services, aligning with GIFEC’s mission to bridge the digital divide and support Ghana’s digital transformation agenda.

During the discussions, Huawei presented cutting-edge advancements in rural telephony, including the latest version of their Rural Telephony Project (RTP) masts. 

These modern masts are designed to improve network quality and expand coverage in remote areas, providing enhanced voice and data services to communities that currently lack sufficient telecommunications infrastructure.

Source : www.radiotamaleonline.com

Huawei Technologies, a Chinese multinational technology company, is to provide free artificial intelligence (AI) training for girls nationwide under the Government’s Information Communication Technology for Girls Programme.

The initiative follows discussions at the ongoing Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, Spain, where Ghana engaged the technology company on expanding digital skills development.

Mr Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, said he secured the multi-million-dollar commitment from Huawei during a meeting with Mr Steven Yi, Senior Vice President of Huawei.

He said the company also expressed interest in Ghana’s technology ecosystem, particularly the proposed US$250 million AI Computer Centre, rural telephony expansion and the rollout of 5G technology.

Mr Nartey George explained that after Huawei showed interest in rural telephony, he insisted the company should support the country through free AI training under the ICT for Girls Programme, which it agreed to provide.

Currently, the Girls in ICT Programme offers modules in coding, animation (Scratch) and basic computing skills during a two-week training period.

The Minister said Huawei’s participation would introduce a crash programme in AI skills.

He said the development was important because beneficiaries could immediately transition to the One Million Coders Programme for further training, adding that this meant “we are catching them young.”

Mr George said the Huawei Senior Vice President had instructed the Huawei Ghana office to collaborate with the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) and the Ministry to deliver AI training for the 3,000 girls participating in this year’s Girls in ICT Programme.

He said discussions were also held with Huawei on the possibility of establishing a handheld device assembly plant in Ghana to produce affordable smart devices for the local market and neighbouring countries.

Mr George said the proposal aligned with an initiative by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) and seven partner original equipment manufacturers, including Huawei, as well as six leading African telecommunications companies, to supply US$40 smart handheld devices across Africa.

The initiative will first be piloted in six countries before expanding across the continent.

Source : www.msn.com