Beating Plastic Pollution: MTN Leads with BioSIM Innovation

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Global plastic production now exceeds 400 million tonnes annually, with over half designed for single use. As World Environment Day 2025 emphasizes the urgent need to beat plastic pollution, industries across the board are being called to act—including telecommunications.

In 2020 alone, approximately 4.5 billion plastic SIM cards were produced globally. These cards are rarely recycled, often ending up in landfills or incinerated, contributing to environmental degradation. Though small, their impact is significant—and avoidable.

In response, MTN introduced bioSIMs in 2024—SIM cards made entirely from biodegradable, FSC-certified paper. These eco-friendly alternatives perform like traditional plastic SIMs but break down naturally, leaving no microplastics or toxic residue. The rollout began in Rwanda and is expanding across other markets.

This shift is part of MTN’s broader environmental strategy, reflecting a science-based approach to reduce waste and embed sustainability in its operations. The company is also accelerating the adoption of eSIM technology, eliminating the need for physical cards altogether.

Africa plays a crucial role in this conversation. While contributing just 3–4% of global emissions, the continent faces severe climate impacts and mounting plastic waste. By 2060, sub-Saharan Africa’s plastic waste is projected to reach 116 million tonnes annually—a sixfold increase from 2019. Rapid urbanisation and limited waste management infrastructure heighten vulnerability.

Every tonne of plastic avoided reduces long-term risk for people and ecosystems. MTN’s initiatives demonstrate how thoughtful design changes—such as switching to bioSIMs—can significantly reduce environmental footprints at scale. The average SIM card weighs only four grams, but across millions of users, the environmental toll grows quickly.

As the UNEP emphasizes, the tools to address plastic pollution already exist—what’s needed is wide-scale implementation. MTN’s commitment highlights the role of telecoms in driving practical, sustainable innovation and shifting consumer norms.

On this World Environment Day, the company reinforces its pledge to connect communities while contributing to a cleaner, more resilient planet.

Source: TechAfrica News

Mobile broadband subscription rate has grown by 160% in Africa since 2015 (ITU)

Broadband

Without the internet, there is no digital economy on the continent. Since 2015, adoption of the service has grown strongly, but not yet fast enough to achieve universal coverage.

In 2024, only 38% of the African population will use the internet, the lowest rate of any International Telecommunication Union (ITU) region and significantly below the global average of 68%. Mobile broadband largely dominates internet access on the continent. However, with 52 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, Africa is far from the global average of 95 subscriptions. This is the lowest rate of any region, but growth is underway: between 2015 and 2023, the subscription rate increased from 20% to 52% (+160%). This progress, however, masks marked disparities. While countries like Mauritius, South Africa, and Eswatini have over 100 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, others, such as the Central African Republic and Chad, remain at very low levels.

Source: ITU

Fixed broadband, meanwhile, remains virtually nonexistent. By 2024, fewer than one in 100 Africans will have a subscription, compared to a global average of 18 per 100. Only the Seychelles and Mauritius are exceptions, with 27 and 31 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, respectively. In almost all other countries, this rate does not exceed 4 per 100. The lack of infrastructure, particularly the limited proximity to fiber optic nodes (only 30% of the population lives within 10 km of a node), is significantly hampering the deployment of this technology.

Fixed broadband, an inaccessible luxury

At the heart of these low subscription rates: cost. In 2024, a 2 gigabyte (GB) mobile plan cost an average of 4.2% of gross national income (GNI) per capita, far exceeding the 2% target set by the United Nations Broadband Commission for Digital Development. However, this is an improvement compared to the 7% average recorded in 2018. In 17 African countries, this cost even exceeds 5%. Fixed broadband is even less affordable, reaching an average of 15% of GNI per capita for 5 GB, a level prohibitive for the majority of households. Only three countries (Seychelles, Mauritius, and Eswatini) have met the UN target.

Network coverage, while relatively broad (86% of the population has access to at least 3G), also revealed an alarming urban/rural divide in 2024. While 73% of urban dwellers are covered by 4G (95% globally), only 49% of rural dwellers are, and a quarter of the rural population remains completely excluded from mobile broadband. 4G mobile networks covered only 71% of the population in the African region, compared to 92% globally. 5G, meanwhile, still covered only 11% of the African population, compared to a global average of 51% in 2024.

Poor connectivity is also reflected in data consumption. In 2019, an African mobile broadband subscriber consumed an average of 0.9 GB per month. Since 2024, this volume has increased to 3 GB per month, compared to consumption of between 6 GB and 14 GB worldwide between 2019 and 2024. For fixed-line data, monthly data volume has almost doubled in Africa, from 77 GB in 2019 to 159 GB in 2024. However, this figure remains well below the global average, which reached 311 GB in 2024, compared to 141 GB five years earlier.

Five digital Africas

Analysis by country group reveals a mosaic of situations. The first group (Mauritius and Seychelles) has mobile (102.6 per 100 inhabitants) and fixed (28.8 per 100 inhabitants) broadband subscription rates well above the global average. The second group (14 countries) is closer to the global averages for mobile broadband (71.8 per 100 inhabitants), but its fixed broadband subscription rates are much lower (2.2 per 100 inhabitants). The third group (20 countries) has subscription rates well below the global averages for mobile (48.3 per 100 inhabitants) and fixed (0.6 per 100 inhabitants). The fourth group (Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Malawi, and Uganda) has even lower rates (43.1 per 100 inhabitants for mobile and 0.2 per 100 inhabitants for fixed) and particularly poor affordability. Finally, the last group (Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad and South Sudan) has the lowest connectivity rates, with extremely low mobile subscriptions (7.0 per 100 inhabitants) and virtually no fixed subscriptions.

In light of these findings, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is calling for increased public and private sector investment in broadband development in Africa. This requires targeted action on affordability, infrastructure expansion, and reducing regional inequalities.

Source: Agency EcoFin

Telecel Ghana Plants 10,000 Trees at Chipa Forest Reserve on World Environment Day

Telecel

Source: MyJoyOnline

As part of its commitment to environmental sustainability, Telecel Ghana planted over 10,000 seedlings at the Chipa Forest Reserve in the Shai-Osudoku District to mark World Environment Day 2025. The initiative involved about 150 employee volunteers and school children from Golden Sunbeam International School, contributing to one of the largest corporate-led tree planting efforts in the region.

This reforestation drive aligns with Telecel Ghana’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy and forms part of its annual contribution to the government’s Tree for Life initiative. The company has now planted more than 30,000 trees at both the Achimota and Chipa forest reserves since 2024.

“Protecting the environment is one of the core elements of our Sustainability pillar as a business,” said Patricia Obo-Nai, CEO of Telecel Ghana. “I am proud of the contribution we are making to this forest reserve, planting a total of 20,000 trees between 2024 and 2025.”

She encouraged other organizations to support tree planting efforts for the benefit of public health and the environment.

Linda Ansah, District Manager of the Tema Ada Forest District, praised the collaboration with Telecel Ghana, noting the importance of restoring degraded forest lands and ensuring seedlings are properly nurtured after planting.

This year’s World Environment Day, celebrated globally on June 5, focused on the theme #BeatPlasticPollution, calling on all sectors to embrace sustainable practices. The event ended with an ecotourism tour at the Shai Hills Resource Reserve.

Telecel Ghana also plans to plant 5,000 additional trees in Kumasi later this June as part of its Ashanti Month celebrations.

Credit: MyJoyOnline

Rektron and Afritel to Acquire 60% Stake in Ghana’s AT Telecom

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Source: Innovation-Village.com

Rektron Group Incorporated, a global energy and infrastructure giant, is set to make a strategic entry into Ghana’s telecom market by acquiring a 60% stake in AT Ghana Limited (formerly AirtelTigo), in partnership with local telecom firm Afritel Ghana Limited.

This acquisition follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Ghana on May 21, 2025. Currently, AT Ghana is wholly owned by the government. The proposed deal aims to inject fresh capital, global infrastructure expertise, and operational best practices into the operator, whose market share has sharply declined—from 25.82% in 2018 to 7.89% by the end of 2024, according to the National Communications Authority (NCA).

Rektron’s pivot into telecoms reflects a broader strategy to enhance digital infrastructure across Africa. For Nana Richmond Aggrey, founder of Afritel and co-founder of Scancom Ghana (now MTN Ghana), the deal signifies a return to a sector he helped pioneer.

“This partnership marks a major milestone in our mission to advance telecommunication services in Ghana,” said Aggrey. “We will expand AT Ghana’s reach, improve network reliability, and reduce the cost of mobile data—empowering more Ghanaians to participate in the digital economy.”

AT Ghana currently offers voice, data, mobile financial services, and enterprise solutions to over 2.3 million customers. Rektron and Afritel intend to build on this base to extend services to underserved areas, modernize operations, and enhance competitiveness.

Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communications and Digital Technology, endorsed the initiative, highlighting its alignment with Ghana’s digital economy agenda—especially goals around access, innovation, and job creation.

However, the acquisition is contingent on regulatory approvals, due diligence, and finalization of financial terms. Notably, AT Ghana’s GHS 3.5 billion debt (approx. $342 million as of March 2024) remains a hurdle.

Despite this, Rektron CEO Atanas Kolarov affirmed the company’s long-term commitment:

“This move underscores our vision to drive connectivity, innovation, and inclusive growth across Africa.”

If completed, the deal could reshape Ghana’s telecom landscape, restore competition, and bring affordable, high-speed digital services to millions.

Credit: Innovation-Village.com

Skilled Workers Are the Backbone of Ghana’s Economy—MTN CEO

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The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, has urged a national shift toward valuing technical and vocational education over traditional academic routes. Speaking at the Opportunities Industrialisation Centre (OIC) in Accra during MTN’s 21 Days of Y’ello Care initiative, he emphasized that Ghana’s development depends on producing more skilled tradespeople and artisans.

“Technical vocation—I will say this categorically—is where the future lies. The world doesn’t need more CEOs. It needs people who can do things with their hands,” said Mr. Blewett.

He criticized the country’s overemphasis on academic qualifications while practical skills remain scarce. Applauding institutions like OIC, he described them as foundational to national growth, offering training in trades like fashion design, electricals, and welding.

This year’s Y’ello Care campaign, themed “Connecting at the Root: Connecting Communities Through the Use of Digital Tools,” aims to bridge traditional trades with digital innovation. Blewett suggested developing a mobile app for artisans—to manage bookings, showcase services, and gain customer trust via reviews.

“Imagine an app that helps you find trusted electricians or tailors in your area. That’s how we bridge technology with hands-on skills,” he said.

He also shared a personal story to challenge the stigma surrounding technical work, stating his admiration for skilled professionals and their vital role in society.

OIC Principal Mawuli Sogbey revealed that MTN is currently supporting the sewing of 283 school uniforms for underprivileged children, handled by the OIC’s fashion department. He praised the initiative as a real-world demonstration of how vocational training can uplift communities.

Sogbey also called on society to stop viewing TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) as a second-rate option, emphasizing its blend of academic and hands-on learning and its capacity to create both entrepreneurs and skilled employees.

MTN’s 21 Days of Y’ello Care continues to span all 16 regions, focusing on digital skills, community development, and inclusive education.

Credit: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo / NewsGhana.com.gh

Ericsson Secures Multi-Year Deal to Manage Bharti Airtel’s Pan-India Network Operations

Ericsson

Bharti Airtel entered a multi‑year Network Operations Center (NOC) managed services agreement with Ericsson.

This partnership is part of Airtel’s broader strategy to improve network reliability, performance, and operational efficiency. For Ericsson, it represents a significant managed-services contract enhancing its footprint in India’s rapidly expanding telecom market.

Why this matters:

  • For Airtel, outsourcing network operations allows it to concentrate on customer services and next-generation innovations (like network slicing and private network rollout) while leveraging Ericsson’s global expertise.
  • For Ericsson, this deepens its role in India’s telecom ecosystem, extending its influence beyond equipment supply into comprehensive network management—an opportunity for recurring revenue and strengthened strategic positioning.

Context & history:

  • Airtel and Ericsson have been long-standing partners—Airtel previously signed a multi-billion dollar deal for 4G/5G equipment deployment in December 2024.
  • These agreements reinforce Ericsson’s leadership in India’s telecom infrastructure, competing alongside Nokia and Samsung, especially as demand for sophisticated services continues to grow in 2025 and beyond.

Overall, the new managed-services contract highlights Airtel’s ambition to upgrade and future-proof its network while allowing Ericsson to expand its role from hardware vendor to full-stack network operations partner.

Source: The Economic Times

MTN Zambia Donates 500 Smartphones to Bridge Rural Digital Divide

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MTN Zambia has donated 500 smartphones to residents of Kalabo District as part of its 21 Days of Y’ello Care initiative, themed “Connecting at the Roots.” The program aims to promote digital inclusion in rural communities.

The donation, supported by OXFAM, Global Affairs Canada, and local NGOs, aligns with the Zambian government’s rural development goals.

Western Province Minister Kapelwa Mbangweta praised the initiative for empowering farmers, women, and youth affected by climate shocks.

MTN’s Pamela Pio noted the effort goes beyond connectivity—it’s about unlocking access to education, health, and economic opportunities.

This year marks both the 18th anniversary of the Y’ello Care campaign and MTN Zambia’s 20th anniversary.

Source: Extensia.tech

Huawei Unveils Hybrid AI Model to Challenge Global LLM Rivals

Huawei

Huawei’s AI research team has introduced a new large language model (LLM) using a hybrid technique called Mixture of Grouped Experts (MoGE), designed to enhance training efficiency on its in-house Ascend NPUs.

MoGE builds on the Mixture of Experts (MoE) method used by DeepSeek but addresses key limitations by improving expert load balancing and enabling faster, more efficient parallel execution.

Huawei’s Pangu Pro MoE, featuring 72 billion parameters, reportedly outperforms open-source rivals like GLM-Z1-32B and Qwen3-32B.

The move reflects Huawei’s push to accelerate AI development despite ongoing U.S. sanctions that restrict access to advanced chips and design tools. Nvidia’s CEO recently noted that China’s chip performance is rapidly closing the gap with the U.S.

Source: Mobile World Live

Airtel Zambia Backs SME Growth Through Strategic Partnership

Airtel

Airtel Zambia PLC has teamed up with Impact Capital Africa Zambia and Airtel Money Mobile Commerce to drive small business development and strengthen Zambia’s digital economy.

The initiative promotes financial inclusion by expanding digital payment solutions through Airtel Money’s open APIs, which support USSD, QR codes, and online payments.

Airtel Money Director, Andrew Chuma, underscored the growing demand for digital payments and called on partners to collaborate in advancing innovation and economic growth.

The partnership was announced during a conference that brought together leaders from various sectors to share strategies for SME-driven financial sector development.

Source: Extensia.tech

Burkina Faso to Roll Out 800 New Telecom Sites in 2025

Rural Telephony

Burkina Faso plans to deploy 800 new telecom sites in 2025 to improve network coverage and eliminate underserved “white zones.” The initiative, led by the Ministry of Digital Transition and regulator ARCEP, is part of efforts to enhance service quality in collaboration with operators Orange Burkina, Telecel Faso, and ONATEL S.A.

Of the 800 sites:

  • 250 will be delivered under the PACTDIGITAL initiative
  • 500 will be funded by the Universal Service and Access Fund (FASU)
  • 50 additional sites will be added as coverage gaps are identified, also backed by FASU

The tender process is underway, supporting the government’s goal of achieving nationwide connectivity by 2027.

Source: Extensia.tech