Industry News

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

Ericsson has unveiled the latest edition of its Mobility Report at its Mobility Trends Forum, revealing that global 5G subscriptions surpassed 3.1 billion in the first quarter of 2026. The report also highlighted the continued expansion of 5G Standalone (SA) networks, commercial network slicing services, and the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of mobile communications and the evolution toward 6G.

According to the report, global 5G subscriptions increased by 162 million during the first quarter of 2026, bringing the total to 3.1 billion users. Ericsson forecasts that the figure will exceed 6.4 billion by the end of 2031, with Northeast Asia including Taiwan expected to achieve more than 90% 5G penetration around the same period. By the end of 2025, 5G networks were already carrying nearly half of the world’s mobile data traffic, a share projected to rise to 85% by 2031.

The report identified Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) as one of the most significant revenue opportunities for operators. Globally, 83% of telecom providers now offer FWA services, while 71% have launched 5G-based FWA offerings, up sharply from 57% a year earlier. Ericsson noted that operators in several markets, including Taiwan, are increasingly viewing FWA as a new source of revenue growth.

Ericsson also highlighted AI as a major driver of next-generation connected devices and services. AI-powered smartphones, smart glasses, autonomous vehicles, wearable devices and augmented reality applications are expected to transform how users interact with digital services. Although AI and AR smart glasses remain in the early stages of adoption, global shipments reached approximately 10 million units in 2025 and are expected to maintain double-digit annual growth in the coming years.

The report noted that AI-powered applications will significantly increase demand for uplink traffic as users and devices generate more video, sensor and real-time contextual data. Ericsson projects that uplink traffic will triple between 2025 and 2031, requiring mobile networks to deliver greater uplink capacity, lower latency and enhanced real-time processing capabilities. Research conducted jointly by Ericsson and Qualcomm also suggests that existing 5G networks can support early AI and extended reality (XR) services, while 6G will be designed to handle large-scale, data-intensive AI applications.

Ericsson said 5G Standalone and 5G Advanced technologies are enabling enterprises to accelerate AI adoption. Although 88% of businesses expect their AI solutions to depend on real-time data, only 18% have widely deployed secure and reliable mobile connectivity capable of supporting those applications. The company believes telecom operators are well positioned to provide the resilient network infrastructure required for enterprise AI transformation.

Commenting on the findings, David Chou, President of Ericsson Taiwan, said the industry is entering an era of “Physical AI,” where distributed AI agents embedded in devices, vehicles and smart cities will increasingly rely on 5G connectivity. He said mobile networks are evolving from best-effort connectivity into intelligent infrastructure capable of supporting differentiated services through technologies such as 5G Standalone and network slicing.

Ericsson reported that more than 90 of the approximately 390 operators offering commercial 5G services worldwide have already deployed 5G Standalone networks. The company expects 5G SA subscriptions to reach around 3.9 billion by 2031, accounting for roughly 60% of all 5G users. Commercial network slicing services have also grown rapidly, with more than 80 services now available globally, representing annual growth of 58%.

The report also highlighted expanding use cases for mission-critical communications. In the United States, operators such as AT&T and T-Mobile are using 5G Standalone technology to support emergency responders through priority communications services, demonstrating the technology’s growing importance for public safety applications.

Looking ahead, Ericsson said work on 6G standards is gathering pace, with the first implementable specifications expected to be finalized between late 2028 and early 2029. Initial commercial 6G services are anticipated around 2030, with global subscriptions projected to reach approximately 180 million by the end of 2031.

Ericsson expects 6G to build on the foundations of 5G Standalone while introducing AI-native network architecture, new radio technologies and integrated sensing and communications capabilities. The technology is also expected to enable seamless integration between terrestrial and satellite networks while delivering greater energy efficiency.

Wei Yi-Kuo, Head of Cloud Software and Services at Ericsson Taiwan, said AI-native networks are already demonstrating measurable benefits through global deployments and pilot projects. According to Ericsson, AI-enabled network optimization can improve downlink throughput by up to 20%, increase spectrum efficiency by up to 10%, double network capacity in high-traffic environments, improve coverage prediction accuracy to between 90% and 95%, and enhance user positioning accuracy by up to five times.

Source : www. techafricanews.com

The senior leadership of telecommunications multinational Telecel Group has paid a courtesy call on President John Dramani Mahama to reaffirm its long-term commitment to investing in Ghana’s digital infrastructure and supporting national development.

The delegation, led by Telecel Group Board Chair Nicolas Bourg, Group Chief Executive Moh Damush, and Telecel Ghana CEO Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, was accompanied by the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Sam Nartey George. The visit provided an opportunity to update the President on Telecel’s business and investment plans in Ghana’s telecommunications sector.

“We acknowledge and appreciate the conducive business environment in Ghana, made possible by strategic government policies. For Telecel, 2026 is a year of significant network expansion as we invest to improve connectivity and deliver better services to customers across the country,” said Mr. Damush.

The telecom operator said its investments will extend beyond network infrastructure to include digital education, healthcare initiatives, and broader efforts to strengthen Ghana’s digital economy. 

Telecel highlighted its partnership with government on several national priorities, including the One Million Coders Programme, where the company is supporting the training of 100,000 young people at a total cost of five million US dollars over the next four years.

Additionally, Telecel has partnered with the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares) to expand cervical cancer screening and treatment across three national hospitals by donating advanced screening equipment and consumables to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Tamale Teaching Hospital, and Sefwi Wiawso Government Hospital.

President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining a stable macro-economic environment that encourages private investment and business growth, noting that government remains focused on creating the enabling conditions for businesses to expand and contribute to national development.

Source : www.graphic.com.gh

Filiberto Pagani, Mission Critical Networks Solution Manager, Ericsson

Ericsson’s Ultra Compact Core addresses mission-critical network requirements for defence and public safety operations, combining evolved packet core (EPC) and 5G core (5GC) capabilities in a compact two-server setup with one-plus-one redundancy for service continuity. Filiberto Pagani explains that it is designed for scenarios where traditional CSP coverage may be inadequate or destroyed, enabling rapid deployment of connectivity for drones, cameras and situational awareness tools.

Source : www.telecomtv.com

MTN Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through digital solutions, business development programmes and strategic partnerships. Speaking at the launch of the 2026 World MSME Day celebration in Accra, the company’s Senior Manager for SME Sales, Partnerships and Business Broadband, Mohammed Abubakari-Sidick, said MTN remains committed to equipping entrepreneurs with the technology, skills and support needed to grow sustainable businesses and drive economic development.

He highlighted the MTN SME Accelerate Programme, which offers sector-focused training, SME clinics and the annual MTN SME Awards. More than 700 businesses in Ho, Kumasi and Koforidua have benefited from the programme this year, with expansion planned for Tamale, Takoradi and Accra. MTN also announced its support for the MSME Business Pitch Competition, where five entrepreneurs will each receive GH¢30,000 and an MTN YellowBiz package to scale their businesses.

The event also saw the launch of the MSME Digital Gateway by the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The platform is designed to provide entrepreneurs with access to market intelligence, digital services, business information and e-commerce opportunities, reinforcing efforts to build a more competitive and digitally empowered MSME ecosystem in Ghana.

 Source : www.newsghana.com.gh

Helios Towers plc has reinforced its commitment to delivering shareholder value by repurchasing 299,868 ordinary shares between 22 June and 26 June 2026 as part of its ongoing share buyback programme. The purchases, executed through Jefferies International Limited across multiple trading venues, were completed at volume-weighted average prices of approximately 213 pence per share.

The company intends to cancel all repurchased shares, reducing the total number of shares in issue to 1,042,206,816. This reduction is expected to enhance earnings per share (EPS) over time by lowering the overall share count, while also reflecting management’s confidence in the company’s long-term value and growth prospects.

The latest buyback activity demonstrates Helios Towers’ disciplined capital allocation strategy under the programme launched in November 2025. By returning excess capital to shareholders through share repurchases, the company continues to optimize its capital structure while creating the potential for greater value for existing investors.

Executed across the London Stock Exchange and major alternative trading venues, including Chi-X, BATE, Aquis, and Turquoise, the programme also highlights the company’s commitment to strong corporate governance and regulatory transparency. By cancelling the repurchased shares rather than holding them in treasury, Helios Towers provides investors with a clear and updated capital structure while ensuring compliance with market reporting requirements.

Investor sentiment also remains encouraging. The most recent analyst rating on Helios Towers stock remains Buy, with a price target of £295.00, implying meaningful upside from the recent repurchase price and reflecting continued confidence in the company’s long-term performance and strategy.

Source : www.theglobeandmail.com

MTN Ghana has reinforced its commitment to improving healthcare delivery through its 2026 21 Days of Y’ello Care initiative, refurbishing hospital beds and furniture at selected health facilities while introducing financial support for vulnerable patients. Speaking during a volunteer exercise at Maamobi General Hospital, MTN Ghana CEO Stephen Blewett said the programme reflects the company’s dedication to creating lasting community impact through employee volunteerism and meaningful partnerships.

As part of the initiative, MTN Ghana has refurbished 3,880 hospital beds nationwide through repairs, repainting, mechanical restoration, and furniture refurbishment to improve patient comfort and support quality healthcare delivery. Blewett also encouraged corporate organizations to contribute actively to strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system, stressing that collective action can significantly improve the lives of thousands of Ghanaians.

In addition, MTN Ghana has partnered with DOSH Health Insurance to provide a GH¢1 million health insurance support package for patients who have been medically discharged but are unable to pay their hospital bills. The programme, expected to benefit about 100 patients across selected healthcare facilities, will also provide beneficiaries with health insurance coverage for follow-up medical care, ensuring continued access to essential healthcare services.

Source : www. ameyawdebrah.com

As artificial intelligence adoption accelerates across industries, network resilience is becoming a business necessity rather than a technical consideration. AI-powered applications depend on uninterrupted, low-latency connectivity to process data and deliver real-time services. Even brief outages can disrupt critical operations, reduce productivity, and result in significant financial losses, making resilient digital infrastructure a top priority for organizations investing in AI.

According to CSquared, resilient connectivity requires more than simply increasing bandwidth. Businesses need diversified fiber routes, reliable data center connectivity, and disaster recovery capabilities to ensure services remain available during network failures. As enterprises expand their use of AI, cloud computing, and data-intensive applications, robust infrastructure is becoming essential to maintain service continuity and protect customer trust.

CSquared says investments in open-access fiber networks and resilient connectivity will play a crucial role in supporting Africa’s growing digital economy. By strengthening network redundancy and improving regional connectivity, the company aims to help businesses minimize downtime while creating the infrastructure needed to support the next generation of AI-driven innovation and digital transformation across the continent.

Source : www. csquared.com