Industry News

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

MTN Ghana Foundation has handed over a newly constructed Accident and Emergency (A&E) Centre to the Ho Teaching Hospital to strengthen emergency healthcare delivery in the Volta and Oti Regions.

The 30-bed capacity facility, equipped with modern medical equipment, was officially inaugurated on Thursday, March 5, at the hospital in Ho. 

The centre includes offices for heads of department, resting rooms for doctors and nurses, a syndicate room, an electrical room, washrooms, an isolation room, a laboratory, and other support facilities designed to improve patient care and staff efficiency.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Dr. (Med) Hintermann K. Mbroh, described the project as a significant milestone in enhancing healthcare delivery in the region.

He noted that emergency units often serve as the first point of contact for patients facing trauma, sudden illness, or other life-threatening conditions, making timely and effective care critical.

“Today marks an important moment for our hospital and for healthcare delivery in the Volta and Oti Regions. In moments of trauma, sudden illness and crisis, the difference between life and death often depends on how quickly and effectively care can be provided,” he said.

Dr. Mbroh expressed gratitude to the MTN Ghana Foundation for the investment, stating that the expansion will greatly strengthen the hospital’s ability to respond to emergencies.

He added that beyond infrastructure, the hospital remains committed to fostering a culture of safety, teamwork, accountability, and compassion to deliver quality healthcare.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Ghana, Madam Adowa Wiafe, said the project reflects the company’s commitment to improving healthcare access and supporting national development.

According to her, the new facility represents an investment of more than GH¢15 million and was designed to international standards to help reduce congestion in the hospital’s emergency department and improve patient flow.

“This centre represents an investment of over 15 million Ghana cedis, but its true value cannot be measured in cedis. Its worth lies in the lives it will touch and the lives it will save,” she said.

She explained that the project forms part of the MTN Ghana Foundation’s broader efforts to invest in health infrastructure across the country, noting that the foundation has implemented more than 55 health-related projects nationwide, including maternity blocks, intensive care units, emergency centres, and the provision of medical equipment.

Madam Wiafe also revealed that the foundation plans to construct another health facility and provide modern diagnostic equipment to selected hospitals later this year.

Chairman of the Governing Board of the Ho Teaching Hospital, Dr. Delanyo, welcomed the facility, describing emergency care as a crucial component of any health system.

He said the new centre aligns with the hospital’s long-term vision of becoming a leading healthcare institution in the country.

“We are particularly pleased with what we have seen. This project brings us closer to the vision of making Ho Teaching Hospital a leading healthcare institution not only in the region but across the country,” he said.

The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, who attended the ceremony, commended the MTN Ghana Foundation for what he described as a remarkable example of corporate support for national development.

He said the facility will significantly improve the hospital’s capacity to respond to medical emergencies and reduce the need for patients to be referred to other regions for critical care.

“This new accident and emergency block is more than just a building. It is a lifeline that will help save countless lives,” he said.

Mr. Gunu added that the initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision of strengthening healthcare infrastructure across the country.

According to him, improving healthcare access remains a key priority of the government led by President John Dramani Mahama, particularly through investments in health facilities and primary healthcare services.

Speaking to the media after the ceremony, Madam Wiafe explained that the MTN Ghana Foundation focuses on three main pillars—education, health, and economic empowerment—and continues to undertake projects nationwide to support community development.

She emphasised that strong partnerships between government and the private sector remain essential in addressing gaps in healthcare infrastructure and ensuring quality medical services for citizens.

“With this facility, every equipment needed to provide emergency care has been provided. We expect the hospital authorities to maintain it well and ensure that it continues to deliver quality healthcare to the people,” she said.

Source : www.myjoyonline.com

The adoption of eSIM technology is accelerating globally, with the GSMA projecting that eSIM-enabled smartphone connections will reach 2.5 billion by 2028.

In its 2026 Mobile Economy Report, the GSMA said eSIMs are expected to account for 42% of all SIM technologies by 2030, reflecting a shift away from physical SIM cards. Once limited to premium devices, eSIM is now standard in mid-range smartphones, wearables, and connected products.

In Kenya, operators including Airtel and Safaricom already offer eSIM services. The technology has particularly benefited frequent travellers by eliminating the need to swap physical SIM cards.

After previously citing slow uptake due to limited compatible devices and low promotion by operators, the GSMA noted growing momentum as manufacturers such as Apple and Google introduce eSIM-only devices, removing physical SIM trays to advance fully digital connectivity.

The industry outlook was highlighted at the opening of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, where GSMA Director General Vivek Badrinath called for stronger collaboration to secure networks and close digital gaps. The GSMA reported that mobile contributed $7.6 trillion to the global economy in 2025 but warned that cybercrime could cost $15.63 trillion globally by 2029.

Source: www.techafricanews.com

The MTN Nigeria Foundation has graduated 5,980 young Nigerians under Phase 7 of its ICT and Business Skills Training Programme, advancing digital inclusion and youth entrepreneurship across Nigeria’s 774 local governments.

Launched in 2018 and moved online in 2020, the programme has trained 15,962 youths across about 30 states, with over ₦1 billion invested in the initiative.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Abuja, Executive Director of the Foundation, Mrs. Odunayo Sanya, said the programme reflects MTN’s commitment to shared growth and inclusive development. She disclosed that the Foundation, funded by up to one percent of MTN Nigeria’s profit after tax, has invested approximately ₦33 billion in community projects over 22 years, impacting nearly 4,000 communities and 520 local governments. She added that increased support will be directed toward female entrepreneurs.

Chairman of the Foundation, Dr. Mosun Belo-Olusoga, represented by Mallam Surajuddeen Yakubu, described the graduation as a milestone in youth-led enterprise development and reaffirmed continued post-training support.

Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, said the initiative aligns with tax reforms supporting micro and small enterprises, including zero percent corporate income tax for companies with turnover below ₦100 million and assets under ₦250 million, as well as exemptions for informal businesses earning below ₦12 million annually. He urged beneficiaries to formalise their businesses and maintain proper records.

Director-General of SMEDAN, Mr. Charles Odii, noted Nigeria’s MSME sector faces an estimated ₦20 trillion financing gap and emphasised the need for private sector collaboration. He commended the Foundation for providing ₦300 million in equipment support to 600 beneficiaries and pledged SMEDAN’s support in business formalisation and access to financing.

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Source: www.vanguardngr.com

Malawi’s Minister of Information and Digitalization, Shadric Namalomba, held talks with Swedish telecom group Ericsson on a potential partnership in telecommunications and digital training. The meeting took place in Barcelona, Spain, during the Mobile World Congress held from March 2 to March 5, 2026.

Discussions focused on establishing training programs in emerging technologies, including 5G networks, advanced ICT systems, and artificial intelligence. The initiative aims to equip Malawian youth and professionals with technical skills aligned with global market needs.

The talks also explored ways to expand connectivity, particularly in rural areas where internet coverage remains limited. Participants discussed energy-efficient and lower-cost network deployment models as part of efforts to promote digital inclusion.

For the Malawian government, the discussions with Ericsson are part of a broader strategy to strengthen the country’s digital ecosystem. Developing local technical skills is seen as a key driver of innovation, technological entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness for the digital economy.

According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), Malawi recorded a score of 0.1886 out of 1 on the Telecommunication Infrastructure Index (TII) in 2024. The index measures connectivity infrastructure such as internet, mobile, and fiber networks, as well as access to digital services.

Internet penetration in Malawi stood at 18% at the end of 2025, according to DataReportal. No agreement has yet been signed between the two parties.

source : www.ecofinagency.com

Ghana’s Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George has secured a commitment from Huawei Technologies to provide free artificial intelligence training for 3,000 girls enrolled in the government’s Girls in ICT Programme, following talks at the Mobile World Congress (MWC26) in Barcelona, Spain.

The minister met with Steven Yi, Senior Vice President of Huawei, on the sidelines of the annual MWC Barcelona 2026 congress, which opened on Monday, March 2, with Huawei among the prominent technology firms showcasing their latest products and AI solutions.

According to the minister, Huawei expressed strong interest in Ghana’s technology investment pipeline, including the planned $250 million AI Compute Centre, the rollout of 5G infrastructure, and rural telephony expansion. Nartey George said he made it clear to the company that access to those opportunities came with an expectation of social investment in return.

“With Huawei coming on board, we are going to have a crash programme in AI skills,” the minister said, explaining that girls who complete the training would then be channelled directly into the government’s One Million Coders Programme for further development. “This means we are catching them young.”

The minister said Huawei’s Senior Vice President had already directed the company’s Ghana office to work with the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) and the ministry to roll out the AI training module for this year’s cohort of participants.

The Girls in ICT Programme has trained 17,981 girls and 1,792 teachers since its inception in 2012, with current modules covering basic computing, coding, animation, web development, and cybersecurity across a two-week residential format. The addition of an AI skills component marks the most significant expansion of the programme’s curriculum since its launch.

Huawei is already a key partner in Ghana’s One Million Coders Programme, where the company has committed to training 100,000 individuals over four years, covering the full cost through a blend of online learning, university-based sessions, and in-person training at Huawei’s headquarters in China.

Nartey George also disclosed that separate discussions were held with Huawei about the possibility of setting up a handheld device assembly plant in Ghana to produce affordable smartphones for the local and West African markets. He said Ghana’s political stability, gateway position, and investor-friendly environment made a strong case for hosting such a facility and that he had made clear to Huawei that quality and affordability would not be compromised.

The minister noted that despite Ghana having 4G coverage exceeding 90% of the population, actual 4G usage remains below 60%, largely because many Ghanaians cannot afford smartphones and continue to use feature phones incapable of accessing the network.

source : www.newsghana.com.gh

Huawei has announced that it has provided digital connectivity to 170 million people in remote areas across more than 80 countries, exceeding its pledge to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Partner2Connect (P2C) Digital Coalition. The company had committed in 2022 to connect 120 million people by 2025.

The announcement was made by Yang Chaobin, CEO of Huawei ICT BG, at the TECH Cares Forum in Barcelona, where he thanked Huawei’s telecom customers and partners for their collaborative efforts. The forum brought together around 80 guests from governments, industries, partner organizations, and international bodies to discuss advancing digital inclusion in the AI era.

“High-speed digital networks and robust computing capabilities are essential foundations for an inclusive and sustainable AI era.”

– Yang Chaobin, CEO, Huawei ICT BG

He highlighted that Huawei’s work brings improved access to healthcare, education, and financial services for remote communities.

Cosmas Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, praised Huawei’s efforts, noting:

“Connecting the rural and underserved communities requires innovative business models, inclusivity and the effective use of communication resources as well as community engagement, and sustained investment in local capacity. I applaud Huawei’s commitment to universal and meaningful connectivity and I am proud of our strong and successful partnership.”

– Cosmas Zavazava, Director, ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau

To address the digital skills gap, Huawei has partnered with governments and organizations through initiatives such as Skills on Wheels, which has trained over 130,000 people in 21 countries since 2019, supporting youth, women, and underserved communities in digital literacy and STEM education.

Marina Madale, Executive of Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN Group, highlighted the importance of rural connectivity, device affordability, and AI-ready skills, calling connectivity “foundational infrastructure for Africa’s growth.”

Huawei has also advanced rural network innovation, continuously upgrading its Rural Series solutions since 2017. The recently launched RuralCow solution, supported by MTN Nigeria, extends coverage to villages of around 1,500 residents, contributing to the achievement of the 170 million connected individuals while supporting local economic development.

The TECH Cares Forum concluded with all participants emphasizing the need for continued collaboration among governments, operators, international organizations, and enterprises to advance digital inclusion. Huawei reaffirmed its commitment to driving innovation in rural networks, expanding open partnerships, and accelerating digital skills empowerment to foster a more equitable and sustainable digital world.

SOURCE : www.techafricanews.com

Ghana has recorded one of the most significant improvements in Africa in the 2025 editions of the Digital Nations and Society Index (DNSI) and the Digital Policy and Regulatory Index (DPRI), according to findings presented at the GSMA Ministerial Programme at the ongoing Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

This achievement is specifically because Ghana abolished the “obnoxious” E-Levy and also recently granted technology neutrality to all telecom operators in the country.

The Digital Africa Index report was formally presented on March 2, 2026 by the Senior Director of Economics at GSMA Intelligence, Kalvin Bahia, who highlighted Ghana as the highest-improving country in Africa in 2025 across the composite index framework.

Ghana Among Africa’s Top Digital Performers In his presentation, Mr. Bahia underscored that Ghana recorded the strongest year-on-year improvement among African countries assessed in 2025, saying that Ghana is one of only five African countries to achieve a composite score above 50%, a threshold associated with more advanced and enabling digital ecosystems.

He noted that the country’s gains were driven by measurable improvements in both digital adoption (DNSI) and policy and regulatory effectiveness (DPRI).

The DNSI measures the real-world integration of digital technologies by consumers, businesses and governments, while the DPRI evaluates the quality, implementation and effectiveness of digital policy and regulatory frameworks.

Crossing the 50% composite mark places Ghana in a select group of African economies demonstrating relatively mature digital ecosystems and sustained reform momentum.

Policy Drivers Behind Ghana’s 2025 Improvement

The GSMA analysis highlighted two major reforms as central to Ghana’s accelerated progress – Technology Neutrality in Spectrum Licensing and the Repeal of Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy).

Technology Neutrality

Ghana’s recent transition to a technology-neutral licensing framework significantly improved regulatory flexibility and spectrum efficiency.

By allowing operators to refarm existing spectrum bands (900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz) for advanced mobile broadband services, and extending neutrality to all operators in 2025, Ghana improved network quality and 4G expansion, reduced regulatory distortions, enhanced competitive parity and strengthened investor confidence.

This reform directly improved Ghana’s DPRI score, particularly in regulatory design and market competitiveness metrics.

Repeal of the Electronic Transfer Levy

The abolition of the E-Levy in 2025 removed a cost barrier to digital financial transactions.

GSMA’s findings linked the repeal to increased mobile money usage, higher digital transaction volumes, reduced reliance on cash and improved consumer trust in digital payments.

The removal of the levy strengthened Ghana’s DNSI performance, particularly in digital financial inclusion and consumer adoption indicators.

A Data-Driven Digital Transformation Agenda

Speaking at the Ministerial Programme in Barcelona, Mr. Bahia emphasized that Africa’s digital development depends not only on infrastructure rollout but also on enabling policy frameworks that unlock adoption and innovation.

A statement from the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation said Ghana’s 2025 performance demonstrates the measurable impact of regulatory reform, importance of affordability in driving adoption, value of evidence-based policymaking and effectiveness of aligning spectrum policy with market realities.

Positioning Ghana as a Regional Digital Leader

By achieving the highest improvement on the continent and joining the group of African countries scoring above 50% on the composite index, Ghana has reinforced its standing as one of West Africa’s leading digital reformers, the statement said.

The Government’s continued focus on regulatory modernization, infrastructure flexibility, and inclusive digital finance is expected to further consolidate gains in future editions of the GSMA indices, it added.

Source : www.myjoyonline.com

Ghana’s wholesale 4G and 5G operator, Next Gen Infraco (NGIC), has commenced full commercial operations, marking a significant milestone in the country’s digital development agenda.

Next Gen InfraCo (NGIC) has received formal confirmation from the National Communications Authority (NCA) that it has satisfied the requirements to commence commercial wholesale 4G/5G operations under its licence. Following inspections and technical validation processes, the Authority confirmed that NGIC is cleared to proceed in accordance with its Wholesale Electronic Communications Infrastructure Licence. With that confirmation, Ghana’s shared 4G/5G platform is now live in selected locations in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and other key areas, with nationwide expansion progressing in phases.

A structural shift in Ghana’s 5G framework

Ghana adopted a wholesale-first infrastructure model designed to coordinate national deployment while maintaining competition at the retail level.

Under this framework:

• NGIC builds and operates the shared 4G/5G radio and core network infrastructure.

• Licensed Mobile Network Operators connect to the platform and provide retail services directly to consumers and businesses.

Tenu Awoonor, Chief Executive Officer of NGIC, said: “Today, Ghana moves from 5G ambition to 5G execution. The shared backbone is commercially active and positioned to scale.

“This structure allows infrastructure investment to be coordinated nationally while preserving innovation and competition at the retail layer.”

Speaking on the operational transition, Nenyi George Andah, Chief Operating Officer of NGIC, noted that the focus now shifts to disciplined expansion. “The backbone is active. The framework is clear. The responsibility now is execution – scaling coverage in a coordinated and sustainable manner.

“Separating wholesale infrastructure from retail service delivery is a strategic decision. It enables faster national reach and more efficient capital deployment.”

The NCA’s confirmation signals regulatory alignment and operational readiness. With services now live in selected parts of Accra, Kumasi and Tamale, NGIC’s next phase will focus on expanding nationwide in line with licence obligations and national policy objectives.

Mustapha Salah, Head of Central West and East Africa, Mobile Networks at Nokia, said: “Nokia is proud to partner with NGIC in Ghana as a technology partner to introduce the country’s first neutral-host (shared) 4G/5G network.

“This wholesale network model, provided by NGIC, enables all mobile operators in Ghana with a smart and prudent approach to bring high-speed data to consumers, while bringing in new service models to the enterprise segment. With a future-ready architecture underpinned by advanced security, the new shared mobile broadband network will drive socio-economic growth and bridge the digital divide in the coming years in Ghana.”

SOURCE : www.intelligentcio.com