GSMA Urges Mobile Industry to Double Emissions Cuts to Meet Net Zero Goals

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By Amiya Johar | Source: Mobile Net Zero Report via GSMA

The GSMA is calling on mobile network operators to accelerate their decarbonisation efforts, warning that current progress falls short of the trajectory required to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

According to the mobile industry body’s latest Mobile Net Zero report, operators achieved an 8% reduction in operational emissions between 2019 and 2023, even as global mobile connections rose by 9% and data consumption quadrupled. The findings were released ahead of MWC Shanghai.

Despite this progress, the GSMA cautions that the pace of emissions reduction must increase to 7.5% annually through to 2030—more than twice the current rate. Preliminary 2024 data shows a 4.5% drop, indicating improvement but still below target.

Renewable energy uptake played a significant role in the sector’s emissions decline, with 37% of electricity sourced from renewables in 2023—up from just 13% in 2019. This shift reportedly prevented around 16 million tonnes of carbon emissions. Regional leaders include Europe, which cut operator emissions by 56% since 2019, followed by North America (44%) and Latin America (36%). For the first time, China recorded a 4% drop in operator emissions, spurred by a sharp increase in clean energy use.

Still, GSMA flags Scope 3 emissions—those generated across supply chains and manufacturing—as a key challenge, accounting for two-thirds of the sector’s carbon footprint. These value chain emissions remain a critical focus area for operators aligning with science-based targets.

Operators are increasingly turning to energy-efficient infrastructure, solar power, battery storage, and the phasing out of diesel-based and legacy networks. But GSMA stresses that stronger policy environments and expanded renewable energy access are essential to meet global sustainability ambitions.

Consumer trends also signal growing momentum for sustainability. Nearly 90% of surveyed users are open to refurbished devices, a market expected to reach $150 billion by 2027.

“This industry isn’t greenwashing or greenwishing—it’s green acting,” said Steven Moore, GSMA’s Head of Climate Action. “But to stay on track, we need faster progress, firmer policy support, and deeper collaboration across the ecosystem.”

By Amiya Johar | Source: Mobile Net Zero Report via GSMA

Orange Egypt and Huawei Deepen Partnership to Accelerate 5G Rollout

Huawei

Orange Egypt, in partnership with Chinese tech giant Huawei, is intensifying efforts to expand 5G connectivity across Egypt—aiming to boost both consumer and enterprise access to next-generation digital services.

The collaboration is set to catalyse the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). The companies describe the 5G push as foundational to developing smart ecosystems across sectors, from smart cities to the Internet of Things (IoT).

Central to this initiative is the deployment of Huawei’s E-band microwave technology, operating within the 71–76 GHz and 81–86 GHz frequency ranges. This solution offers ultra-high throughput and low-latency backhaul capabilities, particularly vital for urban zones with dense traffic and rural areas lacking fibre infrastructure.

Huawei’s Massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) solutions for Radio Access Networks are also being leveraged to enhance Orange Egypt’s 5G performance. These technologies are engineered to deliver higher spectral efficiency, improved network capacity, and robust service quality—even in bandwidth-intensive environments. Use cases span ultra-HD video streaming to immersive AR/VR experiences.

“With our advanced 5G solutions, we are enabling the next generation of mobile networks to deliver faster, more reliable and energy-efficient services,” said Mohamed Youssef, Key Account Executive at Huawei Egypt. “This partnership underscores Huawei’s dedication to helping operators meet the growing demand for high-speed, sustainable connectivity.”

The partnership signals a significant step toward strengthening Egypt’s digital infrastructure, broadening access to the digital economy, and future-proofing telecommunications services.

Source: ITWeb

Telecel Leadership Engages Ashanti Regional Leaders as Part of Ashanti Month Activities

Telecel Ghana’s senior leadership, along with the Board Chair of Telecel Group, has paid courtesy calls on key political figures in the Ashanti Region, including the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, and the Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi.

The visits form part of Telecel’s ongoing Ashanti Month celebrations, a corporate initiative aimed at deepening engagement and investment in the region. Activities under this initiative include sponsorship of the 68th Asantehene Golf Tournament, market trade activations, customer outreach, educational donations, health programmes, and environmental projects.

Telecel CEO Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai emphasized the region’s strategic importance to the company, describing it as the second-largest customer base and a key pillar of national operations. She reiterated the company’s commitment to digital inclusion and regional development.

Both regional leaders commended Telecel’s impact and encouraged expansion of services to underserved areas. Dr. Amoakohene called for broader infrastructure deployment to support rural connectivity, while Mayor Boadi urged the company to enhance customer service and access across Kumasi.

Board Chair Nicolas Bourg affirmed the Group’s long-term commitment to Kumasi’s development, with Telecel announcing new investments aimed at boosting network speed and reliability in the Ashanti Region.

Source: MyJoyOnline

MTN Cameroon works with Camusat to expand network

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MTN Cameroon has entered into a partnership with Camusat Group, a French telecom infrastructure builder and network developer, through its energy and infrastructure subsidiary Aktivco.

The partnership, according to the firms, is a watershed moment for both, indicating a common desire to encourage digital transformation through scalable innovation and environmentally friendly solutions.

According to the agreement, Camusat will provide end-to-end telecom infrastructure and energy solutions, allowing the telco to expand national coverage and improve network reliability.

The telco has previously pledged $225 million over three years to strengthen its operations in the country, particularly its fintech division.

Wanda Matandela, CEO of MTN Cameroon, stated that as a mobile network operator, they are committed to connecting and empowering Cameroonians through inclusive digital solutions for the country’s economic growth.

“We need strong partnerships to keep our commitment and achieve more. I believe our new strategic partnership with Camusat will contribute to help us bring more shared value to all our stakeholders in Cameroon,” Matandela said.

Aïda Diouf, Africa executive director at Camusat Group, explained that the company will provide energy-efficient and scalable infrastructure for the African market.

“It’s a concrete step in our ambition to support operators with long-term, performance-driven solutions that combine operational excellence with environmental responsibility,” Diouf said.

Source: IT Web

Airtel Money expands its services beyond CEMAC and connects 31 African countries

Airtel

Airtel Money officially announces the launch of its new international money transfer service, marking a decisive step forward in the development of financial inclusion in Africa. This expansion now allows users to send money from their mobile phones to 31 additional countries on the continent, well beyond the CEMAC zone.

Already firmly established in the six countries of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) – Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, Chad, the Central African Republic and Equatorial Guinea – Airtel Money is taking a new step forward with this expanded offering via the GIMAC Pay network.

Pan-African coverage, affordable pricing

The new service allows subscribers to send funds to key destinations such as Mali, Senegal, the DRC, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire, among others, at a single rate of 3.8% excluding VAT for transfers outside the CEMAC region. Users can easily access the service by dialing *128*8# on their mobile phone.Airtel Money reaffirms its promise of a simple, secure, transparent, and 24/7 service for both individuals and businesses. This initiative responds to the new dynamics of trade, migration, and the growing need for interconnection on the continent.

A pan-African vision of financial inclusion

By facilitating money transfers across regional borders, Airtel Money aims to strengthen economic and social connectivity between African people, while contributing to the modernization of the continent’s financial infrastructure.

Source: Agency EcoFin

Ethiopia relies on private sector to accelerate digitalization of education

The Ethiopian government is continuing its efforts to digitally transform the national education system. Belete Molla (pictured), Minister of Innovation and Technology, called last week for active engagement with the private sector, particularly tech startups, to come up with innovative solutions for this purpose. 

The call was launched during EdTech Week 2025, held on Wednesday, June 11th and Thursday, June 12th in Addis Ababa. Co-organized by Reach for Change, the Mastercard Foundation, and the Ministry of Education, the event aims to promote innovative local technology solutions to improve access, quality, and equity of education in Ethiopia. 

As part of this effort, the Ethiopian government launched a five-year national strategy for the digitalization of education in March 2023. The government is also working with institutions such as UNICEF and the Mastercard Foundation. Additionally, the national digital transformation strategy earmarks $18 million for broadband connectivity for selected educational institutions, in partnership with EthERNet, the Ethiopian National Research and Education Network, which falls under the Ministry of Education. 

Public-private partnership is also recommended in the “Digital Education Strategy and Implementation Plan 2023–2028.” “Implementing the comprehensive digital education strategy requires significant resources, making close cooperation between the government and the private sector essential. Through appropriate PPP arrangements, this collaboration aims to mobilize private companies to innovate, conduct research, and develop digital technology solutions that contribute to achieving the country’s strategic digital education objectives,” the document reads. 

Through these efforts, the Ethiopian government aims to leverage ICT in the education sector to improve the quality, relevance, equity, and accessibility of education for all, including refugees, and to bring stakeholders together within digital ecosystems and platforms. This approach is notably supported by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which believes that digitalization can improve student learning, support teachers in their pedagogy, and inform decision-making at all levels of the education system. 

However, despite the efforts undertaken, the digital transformation of the Ethiopian education sector remains at a preliminary stage. For it to fully bear fruit, several challenges common to many African countries will also need to be overcome. These include the still very unequal access to infrastructure, particularly in rural schools, which often lack electricity, internet connection, or basic equipment; the poor preparation of teachers in the pedagogical use of ICT due to a lack of adequate training; and the significant inequalities in access to digital technology among students, linked to social background, gender, or language. 

Source: Agency EcoFin

South Africa and Huawei Sign Strategic Agreement to Advance AI and Innovation

In a significant move to bolster scientific and technological collaboration, South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI) has signed a Letter of Intent with Chinese tech giant Huawei. The agreement, penned during Minister Nzimande’s official visit to the People’s Republic of China, aims to forge a comprehensive partnership between the two entities.

The collaboration will primarily focus on information and communication technologies (ICT), with a specific emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI), research, and innovation.

Speaking before the signing ceremony, Minister Nzimande highlighted the broader implications of the agreement.

“The signing of this Letter of Intent further solidifies the long-standing relationship between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China. Most fundamentally, this Letter of Intent gives much-needed impetus to the progressive agenda of building of a global political and economic order that promotes the equitable development of countries, particularly from the Global South, and contributes to the betterment of all humanity.”

– Minister Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, South Africa

The DSTI-Huawei Letter of Intent follows closely on the heels of a successful Belt and Road Ministerial Science and Technology Conference held in Chengdu, China. It also comes just days after a highly productive bilateral meeting between Minister Nzimande and China’s Minister of Science and Technology, Mr. Yin Hejun, which included the signing of a separate Letter of Intent specifically focused on AI.

Source: TechAfrica News

Guinea and Sierra Leone Sign Fiber Optic Cross-Exploitation Agreement

Rural Telephony

The Guinean Backbone Management Company (SOGEB) and Sierra Leone’s Leoncom have signed a cross-marketing agreement to jointly leverage their international fiber optic capacities. The deal, sealed in Conakry on June 12, aims to enhance digital interconnection between the two neighboring West African nations.

The agreement enables reciprocal access to each country’s national fiber networks through the Pamelap border exchange point. By sharing infrastructure and international capacity, the initiative seeks to deliver more stable, affordable, and competitive broadband connectivity for operators, enterprises, and public agencies.

This builds on an earlier interconnection pact signed in November 2024 and supports ECOWAS’s broader vision of regional digital integration. As of early 2025, internet penetration stands at 26.5% in Guinea and 20.7% in Sierra Leone, according to Datareportal.

The partnership is expected to boost network resilience, reduce service disruptions, and lower connectivity costs—fostering increased digital adoption and enabling advancements in e-government, education, and healthcare.

Source: Extensia.tech

Ghana, Helios Towers Deepen Telecom and ICT Partnership

Helios Tower

The Government of Ghana and Helios Towers have renewed their commitment to bolstering the nation’s telecom sector through expanded infrastructure investment and ICT skills training.

During a recent courtesy visit to the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Helios Towers Group CEO Tom Greenwood announced plans to grow the company’s neutral tower footprint and train over 2,000 students in ICT. This initiative aligns with Ghana’s broader digital transformation strategy.

With 15 years of operational experience in Ghana, Helios Towers reaffirmed its commitment to long-term investment over the next 15 years. Minister George acknowledged the telecom sector’s pivotal role in driving digital access, citing the sector’s rise in GDP contribution from 4.4 billion cedis in 2016 to 21 billion cedis in 2022.

The renewed collaboration is expected to spur private sector participation, improve network reliability, and empower Ghanaian youth with relevant digital skills—advancing the country’s ambition to become a tech-enabled, connected economy in West Africa.

Written by: Hikmatu Bilali
Source: Ecofin Agency

Apple goes all in on OS 26; unveils Liquid Glass

Apple

Apple rolled out its much-anticipated iOS 26 brand for iPhones during its WWDC 2025 keynote held at the company’s headquarters, as it moved all its operating systems to the same type of name regardless of the device.

In addition to iPhones, Apple is using the new name scheme based on the year across iPads with iPadOS 26, smart watches with watchOS 26, tvOS 26 for its streaming service, macOS Tahoe 26 for Apple’s computers, and visionOS 2 for its mixed reality play.

For iPhones, iOS 26 will officially launch over the coming months, but some of the new features are currently in beta tests starting now through the Apple Developer Program, with a public beta to follow in July.

Apple software chief Craig Federighi stated during his keynote address that the tech giant is still working out the bugs in its Siri personal assistant that were announced at last year’s developer conference.

“This work needed more time to reach our high-quality bar, and we look forward to sharing more about it in the coming year,” he said.

He also stated that apps made by third-party developers will be able to access its Apple Intelligence AI software.

Apple also announced new Foundation Models frameworks to enable developers to directly access the large language models Apple is using to create new AI features for apps.

“This step brings Apple closer to the kind of AI tools that competitors such as OpenAI, Google, and Meta have been offering for some time,” stated IDC VP Francisco Jeronimo. “This move to empower developers is strategically important, as it allows Apple to leverage its vast developer community to infuse the ecosystem with AI capabilities and more specialized AI applications while driving innovation.”

IDC’s Jeronimo stated this year’s WWDC event was less about disruptive innovation and more about “careful calibration, platform refinement, and developer enablement, positioning itself for future moves rather than unveiling game-changing technologies in the present.”

Despite WWDC 2025 being light on AI-related announcements, IDC senior research director Nabila Popal noted delays in AI rollouts have yet to hurt its shipments.

“Apple knows AI is not a 100-meter sprint but a marathon,” she explained. “The announcements today tell us Apple is playing the long game and is still in the race.”

Apple’s big WWDC 2025 announcements:

Liquid Glass
Apple revealed a new visual design language for all its operating systems called Liquid Glass. Federighi explained, “Unified design language creates a more harmonious experience as you move between products while maintaining the qualities that make each unique.”

Liquid Glass will provide a more “consistent” user experience across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS compared to Apple’s previous design language, said the company.

Apparently, Liquid Glass will bring more clarity to navigation and controls and dynamically react to a user’s movement.

“Liquid Glass is translucent and behaves just like glass in the real world,” Federighi said. “Its colour is informed by your content and intelligently adapts between light and dark environments.”

He continued, “As a distinct functional layer that sits above your app, the material dynamically morphs when you need more options or as you move between views.”

iOS 26 updates
The new operating system software will feature a unified layout to bring the most used features, such as summarised voicemails through Apple Intelligence, key contacts, and other favourites, to the front without switching views.

A Call Screening feature automatically answers calls in the background to determine if it is a telemarketer or a legitimate call. It forces callers to state their names and reason for calling. With that information presented, a user can decide if the call is something to take or ignore. 

Apple’s Hold Assist feature for iPhones will mute online music when a user is on hold during a phone call until someone picks up on the line.

Maps and Wallet
In iOS 26, Apple Maps will learn users’ preferred routes to work or other locations and suggest alternative routes if there are traffic issues by using a Maps widget. It also keeps track of places or locations they have frequently visited by using the Maps library.

Over the coming months, the Wallet app will allow iPhone users to create digital IDs using their passports to verify their identities in certain locations. Airline boarding passes can also be added into the Wallet app, along with indoor maps of airports.

Visual Intelligence
Apple’s Visual Intelligence feature builds on Apple Intelligence by allowing customers to visually search for items that appear on an iPhone screen. The feature identifies surroundings or a particular item in a store by pressing the camera control or action button to take a screenshot. Apple stated Visual Intelligence works with any app.

Games
The new operating system also features a revamped Games app to bring the most played apps to the forefront along with recommendations and updates. The Library tab shows all the games downloaded on the device to allow gamers to easily switch between them.

For developers, Challenges is a new feature that enables users to play more directly against their friends by challenging them to competitions in supported games.

Source: Mobile World Live