Industry News

Tower infrastructure company Helios Towers is betting $110 million on DR Congo, forming part of an investment strategy to intensify the country’s infrastructure amid rapid digital adoption.

Specifically, the deal comes amid the country’s recent boom in the telecoms industry, powered by increased smartphone adoption and market competition.

With the fund, Helios Towers will be expanding its infrastructure and network coverage in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), aiming to improve access to telecoms services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

According to the Regulatory Authority for Post and Telecommunications of Congo (ARPTC), mobile penetration rose from 56.7% to nearly 62% in Q2 2025. The increase of about 9% saw the number of active subscriptions surge to 69.4 million.

Data revenue surged to $307 million in Q2 2025, capturing 54% of the market. The result doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, DR Congo stood at an active mobile internet user base of 34.5 million, representing a penetration rate of nearly 31%, reflecting the endless demand for bandwidth. 

With the advancement in online access, the volume of data consumed has surged by almost 27%, placing significant pressure on existing infrastructure and calling for an upgrade.

Helios Towers is leading that push in a market that is considered one of the most attractive growth opportunities across its nine markets. Chief Executive Officer, Tom Greenwood, noted that while the growth is active in DR Congo, about 40 million people still lack mobile coverage. 

The deal, under an agreement signed between the National Investment Promotion Agency (ANAPI) and Helios Towers DRC, will see the expansion span across 23 provinces. This includes Kinshasa, Haut-Katanga, Kongo Central, Maniema, Ituri, Kasai Central, Kasai Oriental, Nord-Kivu, Sud-Kivu, Lualaba, Tanganyika, Equateur, Haut-Uele and Kasai.

Helios Towers operates nearly 15,000 telecommunication tower sites across nine high-growth markets in Africa and the Middle East, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as one of its leading markets.  Others are Tanzania, Ghana, Congo Brazzaville, South Africa, Senegal, Madagascar, Malawi and Oman.

Africa’s landing spot

Africa is gradually getting to a point where staying online is as important as getting home, driving the conversation on accessibility and affordability. 

The transition witnessed in the digital economy; fintechs, mobile money and other innovations, is significantly increasing internet penetration, powered by increased smartphone adoption and more time spent on apps and social media.

Data from Statista reveals that as of October 2025, Africa hosts over 570 million online users. The digital boom is credited with reshaping the continent’s economy and setting a new global technological image. Africa’s total online population is projected to soar past 1.1 billion by 2029

As more people gain access to phones and tap into the internet, the reality dawns that Africa’s vast population is making a statement: the growth is rapidly expanding, and Africa needs to upgrade its infrastructure to accommodate the increasing digital coverage. 

Helios Towers $100 investment in the DR Condo represents a fraction of this push. African data consumption is projected to increase by four times the present level in the next five years. And the tower infrastructure company is aware of this fact.

“Demand for ‌data and connectivity across Africa ⁠and the Middle East remains exceptionally strong, with our mobile operator customers accelerating investment, driving significantly increased demand for our infrastructure,” CEO Tom Greenwood said in the company’s latest earnings report.

Helios Towers is expected to add about 3,000 to 3,500 tenancies, a number of tower spaces leased to telecoms customers, in fiscal 2026. This is an increase ‌compared with its earlier estimate ⁠of 2,000 to 2,500 additions.

Source : www. technext24.com

A delegation from Huawei, led by the President of Huawei Southern Africa Region, Hover Gao, has paid a courtesy call on the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, at the Ministry in Accra.

The visit formed part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the Government of Ghana and Huawei in the areas of digital transformation, technology and innovation in the country’s security architecture.

Hon. Muntaka welcomed the delegation and acknowledged the important role technology continues to play in modern security management and the national security architecture.

The Minister emphasised Government’s commitment to leveraging digital solutions to improve operational efficiency within the security sector and enhance service delivery to the public.

Hon. Muntaka also stressed the importance of strategic partnerships with reputable global technology firms such as Huawei in achieving Ghana’s digital transformation objectives.

Mr. Gao commended the Ministry for its commitment to improving security and governance systems through technology and expressed Huawei’s readiness to support Ghana’s digitalisation agenda.

He noted that Huawei remains committed to partnering with government institutions to provide innovative technological solutions that enhance efficiency, connectivity and public service delivery and expressed optimism about deepening cooperation with the Ministry and its agencies.

Source : www.mint.gov.gh

The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications has urged policymakers and regulators to ensure Ghana’s SIM registration process is insulated from political transitions.

Speaking at the 2026 celebration of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber, Sylvia Owusu-Ankomah, stressed that Ghana’s digital transformation agenda depends on a credible and robust digital identification ecosystem.

According to her, industry players are hopeful that ongoing engagements with the National Communications Authority (NCA) will result in a more seamless and technology-driven SIM registration process that addresses concerns raised during previous exercises.

“When we talk about digital inclusion, the fundamental place we need to start from is ensuring that our digital system or our digital ID system is robust enough for us to grow. It is robust and credible enough.

“Again, the fact that we have made some past calls which have not translated into the progress we want to see, I want to urge the NCA, as we take this journey again, we know you have been working closely with us, you will stay on that course, and that the recommendations that the industry has put forward will be taken into account.

“No customer wants to go through that process again. It is a painstaking one. Today, we know that we have the benefits of technology, and we know that all of that is being factored into the conversations to make sure it is seamless,” she said.

Sylvia Owusu-Ankomah further called for the current exercise to become the country’s final large-scale SIM re-registration drive, urging authorities to build a sustainable framework capable of continuous updates without disrupting subscribers.

“More importantly, I want to emphatically say that we need to get to a point where SIM registration should not be one that is played along politically, where for every change in political leadership, we need to start all over again.

“These are systems, they are updated, they can be upgraded for us to be able to have the same level of confidence in these systems. So I urge us as we go through this one, it becomes the final one, one that we don’t come back,” she stated.

Her comments come at a time when stakeholders across Ghana’s telecommunications industry continue to push for stronger digital identity systems to support financial inclusion, cybersecurity, mobile connectivity and broader digital transformation objectives.

Source : www.citinewsroom.com

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has petitioned the Attorney General to investigate the payment of $3.4 million out of a $13 million contract for the construction of the proposed Cybersecurity Authority building, which currently has only its foundation completed.

According to him, despite the initial payment, contractors Rayzone Group Limited and Mendanha and Sousa are now demanding an additional $4 million for the foundation work already executed.

Mr. George further disclosed that an additional $10 million has also been paid for software for the Cybersecurity Authority, which has not yet been delivered.

Speaking to journalists after appearing before the Public Accounts Committee, the Minister stressed that those found culpable must be held accountable, insisting that value for money must be established.

He revealed that he had, as far back as June last year, written to the Attorney General and Minister for Justice to initiate investigations into the matter, expressing concern over what he described as disproportionate payments relative to work done.

“I cannot understand how $3.4 million has been paid, and all we have is a foundation. A building is supposed to cost about $13 million, and almost $10 million of it has been paid, yet you don’t see anything beyond the foundation,” he said.

He added that there is a need for a comprehensive structural and financial audit to determine whether value has been obtained for the amounts already disbursed.

Mr George expressed optimism that the Public Accounts Committee’s interest in the matter would help trigger deeper scrutiny, including by the Attorney General’s Department.

He said if investigations establish that excessive payments were made, recoveries must be pursued in the interest of the state.

Source : www.citinewsroom.com

As digital lending expands rapidly across Africa, the Managing Director of Telecel Cash and Digital Transformation, Philip Amoateng, has said the next phase of growth must focus on long-term financial health for consumers.

Speaking at a roundtable on the topic, ‘Designing a Consumer?Centric Digital Credit and Banking Ecosystem’ at the 3i Africa Summit 2026, Mr Amoateng called for credit systems to be designed around the realities of low-income and informal sector workers, many of whom rely on short-term borrowing for daily needs.

“We must design credit products to maximise the benefits for more people than the select few to achieve a greater payout. Credit products and schemes should also be designed to support the vulnerable populations and be in their best interests.”

His comments come as Ghana’s digital finance sector continues to expand rapidly, with mobile money transactions reaching GH¢4.5 trillion in 2025, according to the Bank of Ghana. For many Ghanaians, particularly the more than 80 per cent employed in the informal sector, digital credit is increasingly used for school fees, healthcare, utilities and working capital rather than large consumer purchases.

Mr Amoateng also touched on loan recovery strategies, saying lenders must align repayment structures with the customer’s cash flow patterns to avoid creating financial stress. He called for more customer-focused recovery practices, including repayment reminders, incentives and direct engagement rather than aggressive collection tactics.

“The credit schemes and their recovery and collection process should not overburden people. If you strangle people with credit, it becomes a problem for them and their business, which can hurt their financial health in the long term.”

Mr Amoateng said that Telecel Cash utilises alternative data, such as telecom usage and mobile money transaction patterns, to support small overdrafts and short-term loans for underserved consumers and mobile money agents.

He further advocated for regulators to establish interoperable, centralised financial data pools to expand credit access and make credit status transparent to individuals.

Also speaking on the roundtable, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Digital Chamber and Chamber of Telecommunications, Sylvia Owusu-Ankomah, said stronger financial literacy is critical to ensuring responsible participation in digital credit systems.

“Achieving financial literacy will help solve a lot of the problems around the credit system. The success of the credit system and the financial health of the population hinge on strong financial literacy among the majority. We should ensure the digital credit systems are well understood by people in their language,” she said.

Moderated by Peter McConaghy, Policy Advisor for Financial Sector Development at the UN, the roundtable also featured representatives from the Bank of Ghana, the Ministry of Finance, Women’s World Banking, Fido, Affinity Ghana and Universal Pensions.

Convened by the Bank of Ghana in collaboration with Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems and the Monetary Authority of Singapore through the Global Finance & Technology Network, the 3i Africa Summit is focused on advancing innovation, investment and impact across Africa’s digital finance ecosystem.

This year’s summit, hosted under the theme “The Next Frontier: Shaping Africa’s Integrated FinTech Future,” brought together policymakers, regulators, telecom operators, fintech firms, bankers and investors to explore strategies for expanding financial inclusion and strengthening Africa’s digital economy.

Source : www.businessghana.com

MTN Nigeria says it plans to pass fibre to eight million homes over the next three years as part of efforts to deepen broadband penetration and expand digital service offerings across the country.

Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, disclosed this at the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) Alumni “Ask Me Anything” session held on Saturday.

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MTN Nigeria says it plans to pass fibre to eight million homes over the next three years as part of efforts to deepen broadband penetration and expand digital service offerings across the country.

Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, disclosed this at the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) Alumni “Ask Me Anything” session held on Saturday.

Okigbo said the telecom company was making significant investments in home fibre infrastructure despite challenges such as regulatory approvals, physical deployment requirements and the long period needed to recover costs.

According to him, fibre broadband differs from mobile internet services because customers pay for connection speed rather than bandwidth consumption.

He said the investment formed part of MTN’s broader strategy to gradually shift customers from mobile-heavy internet usage to fixed broadband services for home connectivity.

Okigbo noted that the global telecommunications industry was evolving beyond traditional voice and data services, driven by advances in artificial intelligence, 5G, smart devices and internet-connected homes.

He warned that telecom operators that fail to adapt risk becoming mere providers of connectivity infrastructure while technology companies capture greater value from digital services.

“The future of telecoms is no longer just about expanding coverage. It is also about building services and platforms around network infrastructure to remain relevant and competitive,” he said.

On recent tariff increases, Okigbo said the adjustments were necessary to address rising operating costs, inflation and sector sustainability concerns.

He cited increased diesel prices and other operational expenses as major factors affecting the cost of delivering telecom services in Nigeria.

According to him, tariff pricing should increasingly reflect market realities and inflation trends, while allowing consumers to switch providers offering better value.

Speaking on service quality, Okigbo said MTN had compensated customers in cases of poor network performance and remained in discussions with regulators on accountability for service failures.

He explained that discussions were ongoing to distinguish between network issues caused directly by operators and those resulting from external factors such as vandalism, construction activities and infrastructure damage.

Okigbo said MTN supported compensating customers for genuine service lapses but sought clarity on regulatory parameters guiding such liabilities.

He added that fibre deployment remained more complex than mobile network expansion because it involved physical cable installation, local government approvals and detailed service planning.

On mobile money operations, Okigbo said MTN Group had acquired a 60 per cent stake in MoMo across its markets to strengthen competitiveness and improve customer experience.

He said the future of telecoms would also be shaped by embedded connectivity, smart homes, connected vehicles and broader Internet of Things adoption.

Source : www.nigeriacommunicationsweek.com.ng

The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications has raised alarm over the increasing number of fibre cuts across the country, warning that the situation is putting severe financial and operational pressure on telecom operators.

Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber, Sylvia Owusu-Ankomah, revealed that the industry is currently dealing with more than 8,000 fibre cuts every year, compared to about 400 annually during the early stages of network deployment in Ghana.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the Chamber’s 15th anniversary soft launch, she explained that telecom operators are being forced to divert huge investments meant for network expansion and service improvements into repair and maintenance works.

According to her, the rapid expansion of telecommunications infrastructure over the years has increased the exposure of fibre cables, even though the growth has helped push internet penetration in Ghana from about four percent to more than 70 percent.

She described fibre cuts as one of the biggest threats to network stability and service reliability in the country.

“We are experiencing over 8,000 cuts per annum when it comes to fibre cuts, which is increasingly a strain on our operators’ resources. Resources and investments that could have been used for new rollouts are rather being used to repair damaged fibre lines and meet quality service obligations,” she said.

Sylvia Owusu-Ankomah stressed that the Chamber wants the industry’s 15-year journey to produce lasting solutions, particularly in ending the persistent problem of fibre cuts.

To address the challenge, the Chamber is advocating for the implementation of the proposed “dig once” policy, which seeks to make fibre duct infrastructure mandatory in major road construction projects.

The policy is expected to improve network resilience by allowing telecom operators to route fibre cables through protected underground ducts, reducing the risk of damage during road and construction works.

The Chamber says it is optimistic government will support the initiative, especially as discussions on the proposal are already at cabinet level.

source : www.myjoyonline.com

Government says the proposed Dig Once policy could reduce the cost of fibre infrastructure rollout in Ghana by as much as 60 percent, in a move aimed at accelerating broadband expansion and improving access to affordable data services.

Speaking at the 15th anniversary soft launch of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, said the policy is expected to significantly lower deployment costs for telecom operators while strengthening Ghana’s digital infrastructure drive.

According to the Minister, the policy seeks to integrate fibre infrastructure into ongoing government road construction projects under the Big Push programme.

Under the proposed arrangement, road contractors working on new roads will be required to include fibre chambers within road designs, allowing telecom companies to deploy fibre cables without undertaking separate excavation works.

Mr. George explained that telecom operators would only need to secure right-of-way access and lay fibre through already constructed chambers, eliminating duplication in civil works and reducing capital expenditure associated with network expansion.

“The Dig Once policy could, by some estimates, reduce the cost of rolling out fibre in Ghana by almost 60 percent,” he stated.

He noted that both road contractors and telecom operators currently undertake separate excavation works, increasing infrastructure costs unnecessarily. Integrating fibre chambers into road construction, he said, would create a more efficient and cost-effective approach to infrastructure development.

The Minister disclosed that the Ministry has completed the draft policy framework after incorporating recommendations from the Ministry of Roads and Highways due to the cross-sector impact of the initiative.

According to him, the final draft was received this week and is expected to be submitted to Cabinet for approval, with government targeting implementation approval by the third quarter of this year.

Mr. George described the initiative as potentially transformative for Ghana’s digital economy, arguing that lower fibre deployment costs should support wider network expansion, improve internet connectivity and ultimately reduce data costs for consumers.

He added that government expects the policy to create long-term efficiencies within the telecommunications sector while supporting Ghana’s broader digitalisation agenda and economic competitiveness.

source : www.citinewsroom.com

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO)  of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), Tanko Rashid-Computer, has reiterated that improving the Rural Telephony Project remains a top priority for the fund as it works to expand digital connectivity in underserved communities across the country.

Speaking during a high-level engagement with a global technology company, Huawei, at the 2026 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, Mr Rashid-Computer emphasised GIFEC’s commitment to strengthening telecommunications infrastructure in rural areas to ensure that no community was left behind in the country’s digital transformation agenda.

The meeting, held on March 5, 2026, brought together a delegation from GIFEC, led by Mr Rashid-Computer, and Huawei officials to explore innovative technological solutions that could support the expansion and improvement of the Rural Telephony Project.

Mr Rashid-Computer was joined by GIFEC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Francisca Adjei, while the Huawei delegation was led by the Vice-President of Huawei and Chief Executive Officer of the company’s Global Public Sector Business Unit, Li Junfeng, along with Advisory Product Manager, Mlungisi Nhlapo.

During the meeting, Huawei presented advanced rural connectivity solutions, including the latest version of its Rural Telephony Project (RTP) masts designed to improve telecommunications coverage in remote and underserved areas.

The upgraded masts are expected to provide reliable network infrastructure capable of supporting enhanced voice and data services.

The presentation offered the GIFEC delegation valuable insights into how the improved technology could significantly expand connectivity and strengthen network quality in communities that currently experience limited or no telecommunications services.

Mr Rashid-Computer said enhancing the Rural Telephony Project would play a critical role in facilitating the rollout of 3G and 4G services in rural communities, enabling residents to access digital platforms, information services and economic opportunities.

He noted that strengthening telecommunications infrastructure in rural areas remained central to GIFEC’s mandate of promoting universal access to information and communication technology across Ghana.

The engagement at Mobile World Congress formed part of GIFEC’s broader strategy to build partnerships with global technology leaders to accelerate the country’s digital development in order to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities.

Source : www.graphic.com.gh

• Telecel has launched 4G services in the Central African Republic, joining rivals Orange and Moov Africa in the country’s high-speed internet market
• Authorities say the rollout supports the “Digital Central Africa 2030” strategy aimed at boosting digital services, mobile money, online education, and e-commerce
• Despite growth potential, the sector faces major challenges including low internet penetration, limited coverage outside Bangui, and device affordability barriers

Mobile operator Telecel this week officially launched its 4G network in the Central African Republic, marking a major technological step that strengthens the company’s position in the country’s telecommunications market.

A formal ceremony was held on Tuesday, May 12, at Telecel’s headquarters in Bangui to mark the launch. The event was presided over by Justin Gourna Zacko, Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, alongside members of his cabinet, Telecel Group CEO Moh Damoush, Telecel Central Africa Managing Director Irène Moussa-Kembe, and a delegation from Telecel Gabon.

With this rollout, Telecel narrows the gap with rivals Moov Africa and Orange, both of which have offered 4G services since 2025. Authorities said competition in high-speed mobile internet services had now officially begun in the country.

The launch comes amid rising demand for high-speed connectivity from businesses, households and public institutions, as the Central African Republic accelerates its digital transformation efforts. The expansion of 4G services is also expected to support new digital applications and broader ambitions to develop the country’s digital economy.

According to the Ministry of Telecommunications, Telecel’s 4G rollout forms part of the national strategic plan known as “Digital Central Africa 2030.” During the ceremony, Minister Gourna Zacko said: “Expanding connectivity across the country means enabling a farmer in Bossangoa to sell online, a student in Bambari to attend remote classes, and a trader in PK5 to access mobile money services without interruption.”

Moov Africa has previously highlighted the capabilities of its 4G+ network to deliver very high internet speeds, supporting HD video streaming, webinar participation, instant content sharing and online gaming. For business customers, the operator has also emphasized improvements in data transfer, interconnection and access to mobile services. Orange, meanwhile, has underscored the role of 4G in supporting remote work, e-commerce growth, and access to online education and healthcare services.

Telecel faces stiff competition in a market where connectivity remains limited

The race for high-speed mobile internet is unfolding in a market still largely dominated by Orange. At the beginning of 2025, the operator said it held a 60% share of the mobile telephony market, 65% of fixed B2B services, and more than 90% of the mobile money segment in the Central African Republic.

Moov Africa, meanwhile, reported holding around 11% of the mobile market at end-September 2025. In the absence of recent official data from the telecommunications regulator, Telecel is estimated to account for the remaining roughly 29% of the market.

The sector nonetheless offers significant growth potential due to the country’s persistent digital divide. According to DataReportal figures, the Central African Republic had 2.49 million mobile subscribers at end-2025, representing a penetration rate of 38.1%. Internet adoption remains low, with around 670,000 users, equivalent to roughly 12% of the population.

Coverage and adoption challenges remain

Central African authorities acknowledge that expanding network coverage remains the sector’s main challenge. While Bangui is now covered by 4G services, the next major step will be extending coverage to secondary cities and key road corridors, in line with operators’ licensing obligations.

The government has pledged to closely monitor these commitments, while indicating that operators investing in rural areas could receive support through the Universal Service Fund (USF).

As of 2024, 2G and 3G networks covered approximately 60% of the population, according to the GSMA’s Mobile Connectivity Index. Although these technologies have long formed the backbone of the country’s telecommunications infrastructure, they are gradually being phased out in many markets.

Beyond network coverage, operators will also need to address broader barriers to digital adoption, including the cost of data plans, limited access to compatible devices, digital literacy levels, and the overall quality of the user experience.

Several operators across Africa are already developing financing solutions that allow customers to purchase smartphones or tablets through installment payments. Others are bundling devices with internet packages to reduce barriers to broadband access and accelerate the adoption of digital services.

Source : www.ecofinagency.com