Industry News

Mistral AI and Ericsson today announced a partnership to apply advanced AI to real telecom challenges with a clear goal to make networks smarter, more efficient, and more trusted.

The collaboration combines Mistral AI’s model customization capabilities with Ericsson’s R&D and network expertise, with Ericsson acting as a design partner for the platform. The work targets high-impact use cases that speed software delivery and strengthen network performance, including automation of legacy code translation, AI-assisted development for 6G research, and custom AI agents for complex workflows in Ericsson’s Networks organization.

Mistral AI and Ericsson will jointly research and co-develop AI agents tailored to Ericsson’s data and engineering environments, bringing data closer to AI and enabling faster decision-making in product development and deployment. The companies aim to set new benchmarks for secure, high-performing, and resilient telecom infrastructure, aligning AI innovation with the requirements of carrier-grade networks.

This is a collaboration grounded in complementary strengths, Mistral AI’s cutting-edge foundation models and tooling, and Ericsson’s decades of radio, cloud, and network systems experience, proven at global scale. Together, the partnership focuses on AI for networks, not AI in isolation, to deliver measurable outcomes for customers.

Marjorie Janiewicz, Chief Revenue Officer at Mistral AI says: “This partnership with Ericsson isn’t just about applying AI to telecom, it’s about transforming networks from the ground up. By combining our frontier models with Ericsson’s unmatched expertise in radio, cloud, and carrier-grade systems, we’re customizing models that have deep domain knowledge and accelerate modernization. Together, we’re setting a new standard for what AI can achieve in telecom: networks that are more resilient, more responsive, and ready for the future of connectivity.”

Dag Lindbo. Head of AI & Emerging Technologies, Business Area Networks, at Ericsson, says: “At Ericsson, AI for networks is about precision, not hype. With Mistral AI, we apply advanced models where they matter most. From accelerating code migration to informing 6G research and building trustworthy AI agents, this collaboration helps us improve time to value for customers while strengthening performance and resilience across the network.”

Source : www.ericsson.com

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called on interested industry stakeholders to make written submissions to the commission on the ongoing review of National Telecommunications Policy (NTP) 2000.

NCC said the consultation paper had been published on the commission’s website. It set Friday, March 20, 2026, as the deadline for all submissions.

The consultation process, in exercise of the commission’s functions under the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003, and upon the activation of the provisions of Section 24 (1) of the Act on conducting consultative processes for the review of policies, is the first step in the public consultation process to guide the review of the subsisting NTP 2000. 

The review of NTP followed the inauguration of a Ministerial Steering Committee (MSC) and a Ministerial Technical Committee (MTC) by Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, to commence the process of reviewing NTP 2000.

The policy review will also align with the minister’s Strategic Blueprint – Accelerating Our Collective Prosperity through Technical Efficiency – which states that the ministry will drive the review of Telecoms Policy to account for core issues, such as spectrum management, universal access, broadband penetration, net neutrality, and quality of service (QoS).

The consultation process and its outcome will support the work of MSC and Implementation Committee (IC) in coming up with a reviewed policy that will meet the current challenges of the communications sector and keep up with the rapid and dynamic changes since the current NTP was issued 25 years ago.

Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said, in the published consultation paper, that the process will lead to the development of the first draft of NTP 2026 to replace the existing NTP 2000, following 25 years of implementation. 

The draft will also undergo further consultations to enable stakeholders to make more input before a final draft is subjected to the statutory policy approval and validation processes. 

Maida said, “The NTP 2000 has been instrumental to advancing Nigeria’s telecom sector from where it was 25 years ago – from a mere 500,000 lines to almost 180 million active mobile connections as of December 2026.  One of the gaps that the revised policy seeks to address is the increased demand for data services and its externalities.

“This is a first step in the consultation process and there will be other layers of engagements, to ensure that the final draft accommodates varied expertise, feedback and inputs from a cross section of stakeholders.”

Maida implored stakeholders to take the opportunity to participate in developing the policy that will take the communications sector to the next level after the immeasurable successes attained since 2000.

NTP 2000 marked a major progression from older policies, aiming for liberalisation, modernisation, and competition under the then nascent democratic government. NTP replaced the 1998 Policy and successfully paved the way for the growth of mobile telephony and the eventual NCA 2003 by focusing on market deregulation and stakeholder consultation.

source : www.arise.tv

Nigeria’s telecom sector recorded a significant milestone, with total telecom subscriptions hitting over 112 million in December 2025 and internet penetration rising to 51.97%. This marks the first time more than half of the country’s population had active broadband connections, reflecting steady growth in the sector over the past year. Data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) shows that broadband subscriptions have grown consistently throughout 2025, rising from 91.5 million in October 2024 to 112.6 million by December 2025. While the month-on-month growth has been gradual, averaging around 2-3 million new subscriptions per month, the overall trend highlights sustained demand for digital connectivity across urban and rural areas. Interestingly, broadband penetration figures have followed a slightly different pattern than subscription growth. The penetration rate, representing the percentage of the population with broadband access, climbed from 42.2% in October 2024 to just under 52% in December 2025. Despite subscription increases, penetration growth slowed at mid-year, hovering around 48% from June to August 2025, suggesting that population growth and uneven distribution across regions may be moderating the pace at which Nigerians gain access to high-speed internet. This growth underscores the role of both infrastructure expansion and policy initiatives in improving internet accessibility. Mobile broadband remains the dominant contributor to these numbers, as telecom operators continue to expand 4G and 5G coverage nationwide. However, the data also signals opportunities for further growth, particularly in rural and underserved regions where penetration lags behind the national average. With Nigeria’s broadband market now firmly above the 50% penetration mark, stakeholders, including policymakers, investors, and tech companies, have a clearer view of the country’s digital readiness. As more Nigerians come online, opportunities for digital commerce, fintech adoption, and online services are set to expand, making broadband not just a utility but a key enabler of economic growth. 

Source: www.independent.ng

MTN Congo has reportedly connected to the 2Africa subsea cable system, bolstering its international connectivity and reducing the risk of future service disruptions. 

The operator has linked into the cable at the port city of Pointe-Noire in the Republic of Congo – enhancing the resilience of its core infrastructure.

Several African markets experienced major connectivity outages in 2024 after an anchor dragged across subsea cables off the coast of West Africa, with the WACS system among the most severely affected. The incident highlighted the risks of relying heavily on a single international route.

By connecting to the 2Africa system, MTN Congo gains a direct link to London as well as two additional international routes via South Africa and Nigeria. The added capacity and route diversity are expected to improve network reliability and service quality, supporting smoother streaming, stronger cloud performance and more stable mobile financial services.

According to Ecofin Agency, Congolese government data shows that 3.5 million of the country’s six million citizens use the internet daily, representing a penetration rate of 58.3%.W

The move follows reports last month that the Congolese government was seeking to diversify the country’s subsea cable capacity, amid concerns over its heavy reliance on the WACS cable, which has suffered multiple outages in recent years.

Source : www.samenacouncil.org

Ghana and Nigeria have agreed to build a formal bilateral cybercrime enforcement framework following a string of intelligence-led operations that resulted in the arrest of at least 242 Nigerian nationals across the Greater Accra Region since December, with Accra making clear it intends to make Ghana structurally unattractive as a base for organised cyber fraud.

Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George met Nigerian High Commissioner Ambassador Ibok Ete Ekwe Iban in Accra on Sunday February 16 to review the outcomes of the crackdowns and agree on practical steps the two countries will take together to protect the digital space. Ambassador Ibok Ete Ekwe Iban expressed concern over the scale of the arrests and pledged Nigeria’s commitment to tackling the root causes of cybercrime, while stressing the importance of protecting law-abiding Nigerians and maintaining the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries.

The diplomatic meeting came after a sequence of escalating operations. In December 2025, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) of Ghana, working with National Security and the Ghana Police Service, arrested 48 suspected Nigerian cybercrime operatives in the Dawhenya area of the Ningo-Prampram constituency. Days later, a second operation resulted in the arrest of 141 Nigerians across Tabora and Lashibi, with investigators recovering 38 laptops and 150 mobile phones believed to have been used in cyber-related financial crimes. A Ghanaian landlord who allegedly housed approximately 100 of the suspects was also arrested.

The largest single operation came on January 16 and 17, 2026, when a joint task force comprising National Security Operations, the CSA, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Ghana Police Service SWAT Unit conducted simultaneous raids at five locations in East Legon Hills, Afienya, Kwabenya, Weija and Tuba, netting 53 Nigerian nationals. Of those arrested, nine were identified as principal suspects allegedly linked to coordinating and executing cybercrime activities, while 44 others were assessed as victims of human trafficking and cybercrime exploitation found operating laptops inside apartments. Searches recovered 52 mobile phones, 62 laptop computers and two pump-action guns.

Minister George disclosed that some individuals arrested in earlier operations have already been profiled by the Ghana Immigration Service in collaboration with INTERPOL and handed over to Nigerian law enforcement at the Seme border, while others currently face criminal prosecution before Ghanaian courts.

The minister has urged foreign nationals to exercise caution before accepting invitations to Ghana from fellow nationals, particularly those promising employment or financial opportunities that have increasingly been used as recruitment tools for organised cybercrime syndicates. Both governments indicated that a structured cooperation arrangement, covering border security, intelligence sharing and cross-border prosecution, is now being developed.

Source : www.newsghana.com.gh

Communications ministry cites national security, competition and market impact concerns

MTN’s bid to acquire IHS Towers will be subjected to a “thorough assessment,” a statement from Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, said on Tuesday.

“Given the strategic importance of telecommunications infrastructure to national security, economic growth, financial services, innovation, and social inclusion, and to ensure strategic actions by private sector operators are in line with the market development agenda under the Renewed Hope policy directions of the President, the Ministry will undertake a thorough assessment of this development in collaboration with the relevant regulatory authorities to review its impact on the sector,” it read.

MTN Group on Tuesday announced plans to complete a full acquisition of the remaining 75% of IHS for $2.2 billion— US$1.1 billion in cash on IHS’s balance sheet, along with available liquidity and debt from MTN. The telecommunications company will pay $8.5 per share, in an all-cash deal that values the IHS Towers at $6.2 billion.

The telco currently owns 24.7% of IHS Towers and intends to take the company private once the transaction is completed. The deal would consolidate ownership of one of the most critical layers of Nigeria’s telecoms value chain under its largest mobile network operator.

IHS Towers is one of the largest independent tower companies globally, operating more than 37,000 towers across Africa and Latin America. Earlier in the day, it disclosed the sale of its Latin American assets to Macquarie Asset Management for approximately $952 million, signalling a retreat from the region and sharpening its focus on core African markets ahead of the proposed buyout.

However, the proposed sale has raised questions in Nigeria, where IHS provides tower infrastructure not only to MTN but also to rival operators, including Airtel Nigeria. With MTN currently controlling about 52% of the country’s mobile market, integrating both network services and tower infrastructure could shift competitive dynamics.

Tower companies typically operate as neutral entities. Any change in that structure, therefore, would need safeguards to preserve fair access, pricing transparency, and service quality across the industry.

The ministry’s review is expected to examine competition concerns, infrastructure sharing obligations, and broader implications for investment and digital inclusion. Regulators may also consider whether additional conditions are necessary to maintain a level playing field.

Source : www.techpoint.africa

• Collaboration simplifies access to advanced money movement solutions for telecom service providers, fintechs and banks
• Strengthens digital ecosystems across emerging and developed markets
• Increases financial digital inclusion for unbanked and underbanked communities

Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) and Mastercard today announce a collaboration to reshape how money moves across the world. By integrating the Ericsson Fintech Platform (Mobile Financial Services) with Mastercard Move – Mastercard’s portfolio of money movement solutions – the collaboration will empower telecom service providers, banks, and fintechs to expand digital wallet capabilities, launch new payment services, and reach unbanked or underbanked communities. 

Ericsson’s pre-integrated application programming interfaces (APIs), cloud-native deployment and compliance-ready infrastructure simplifies fintech connectivity to Mastercard Move.

These capabilities reduce technology complexity, lower operational barriers (by simplifying integration, deployment and compliance) and accelerate time to market for new payment services – all aimed at catalyzing innovation and growth in the sector.

The Ericsson-Mastercard collaboration transforms how financial services are built, delivered and scaled. It creates new revenue streams and strengthens digital ecosystems across emerging and developed markets. 

Financial inclusion and accessibility are key focuses of the collaboration. Mastercard Move enables money movement across 200 countries and territories, connecting more than 17 billion endpoints, and supporting transactions in 150 currencies.

Ericsson’s fintech platform operates in 22 countries, serving more than 120 million active users and processing more than four billion transactions every month across digital wallets, payments, remittances, lending, and loyalty services – all backed by enterprise-grade security.

Mastercard Move’s integration into Ericsson’s Fintech Platform aims to accelerate the adoption of digital payments and expand participation in the digital economy. The global rollout will begin in the Middle East and Africa, where demand for mobile money, remittances and interoperable payment services is particularly strong. 

Pratik Khowala, Global Head of Transfer Solutions, Mastercard, says: “Mastercard Move empowers payment service providers to shape the future of money movement – delivering fast, secure and transparent transfers for individuals and businesses worldwide. By integrating with Ericsson’s fintech platform, we’re opening new pathways for telecom operators, financial institutions and fintechs to scale innovative payment services, reach underserved communities and unlock fresh revenue streams. This collaboration not only meets the rising demand for digital cross-border payments, but also accelerates progress toward a more connected, inclusive and dynamic global digital economy.”

Pavan Bachwal, Head of Mobile Financial Services, Ericsson, says: “Joining forces with Mastercard marks a bold step toward the future of money movement. Combining Ericsson’s trusted, scalable platform with Mastercard Move enables our customers to launch secure and efficient payment solutions faster than we ever have before. Together, we are driving financial inclusion, accelerating innovation, and creating new growth opportunities across the globe.”

Source : www.ericsson.com

After emerging as the best-performing operating company (OpCo) at the MTN Global Leadership Gathering (GLG) 2026, MTN Ghana is now setting its sights on higher peaks in 2026.

Speaking exclusively on his vision for the year, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stephen Blewett detailed a comprehensive strategy aimed at improving customer experience, expanding digital services and strengthening the company’s contribution to Ghana’s digital ecosystem.

Building on success: 

“It’s satisfying to accomplish a goal, yet the real work lies in setting the next one.”

“For 2026, our primary focus is enhancing the customer experience, understanding customer needs, and responding meaningfully. We are listening closely to customer feedback and taking steps to address customer needs ”.

Deepening Ghana’s digital ecosystem

A key element of MTN Ghana’s 2026 strategy is the expansion of digital services and the strengthening of the country’s digital ecosystem.

“The digital world is evolving rapidly, and we want to ensure that more Ghanaians have access to it,” Mr. Blewett said.

This includes enhancing home broadband products, expanding self-service options via mobile applications and supporting small and medium enterprises, particularly women-led businesses.

Mr. Blewett emphasized that digital inclusion is not only a convenience but also a tool for economic and social empowerment.

“Connectivity in rural areas goes beyond convenience; it is about inclusion — access to financial services, education, healthcare information, and economic opportunity. We must ensure that no community is left behind.”

Innovation at the core

Innovation remains central to MTN Ghana’s growth plans.

Mr. Blewett revealed that MTN Ghana is preparing internal strategy engagements to explore ways of leading innovation in Ghana.

“We are challenging ourselves to push boundaries, to ensure innovation is not just a buzzword but something that genuinely improves the lives of our customers,” he said.

“Innovation is about creating meaningful value that brings our customers closer to us,” he added.

MTN Ghana’s ambition to position the country as a leader in the digital future.

Investing in people and infrastructure

Mr. Blewett highlighted the company’s long-term investments as a key factor in sustaining leadership.

“Over the past five years, including during periods of high inflation and economic strain, we have invested approximately $1 billion into the Ghanaian economy,” he said.

“Telecommunications is not an industry where you build quickly and walk away. Continuous investment in infrastructure, technology, and our people is critical.”

The CEO emphasized that MTN Ghana’s workforce is a cornerstone of its strategy.

Network expansion and quality

Physical infrastructure will also be a major priority in 2026. Mr. Blewett explained that the network must continue to grow and adapt to changing population densities and digital usage patterns. “Communities are spreading further, new residential zones are emerging, and digital demand is rising. We need to roll out new sites, upgrade existing infrastructure, and improve coverage in both urban centres and underserved rural areas.”

Network quality, he said, is not just a technical concern but also a measure of MTN’s commitment to customers.

“Every improvement we make translates into better access to services that matter — from financial transactions to education and healthcare information.”

Collaborating for a digital Ghana

Beyond infrastructure and innovation, Mr. Blewett stressed the importance of collaboration.

“We are here to partner — with all stakeholders, and communities — toward a shared goal: making Ghana a leader in the digital era.”

He noted that while challenges are inevitable, MTN Ghana’s motivated team, clear strategy, and a stable macroeconomic environment provide confidence in the company’s ability to continue investing, innovating, and driving digital transformation.

Looking forward

In closing, Mr. Blewett said that MTN Ghana’s message is simple: progress comes from sustained effort, innovation, and commitment to the customer.

“We will continue to strengthen our network, deepen digital services, support small businesses, and innovate. Our goal is to ensure that MTN Ghana not only remains a leader in telecommunications but also contributes meaningfully to Ghana’s digital future.”

With a clear roadmap, a motivated workforce, and the backing of one of Africa’s leading telecom groups, MTN Ghana appears poised to continue setting benchmarks for excellence, innovation, and customer service in the country and beyond.

source : www.newscenta.com

The initiative introduces “419” as the official shortcode for reporting fraud-related cases across all MTN platforms, including voice and data connectivity, Mobile Money (MoMo) and other digital solutions.

Customers can simply dial 419 to alert the company to suspected fraud for immediate review and action.

According to MTN Ghana, the move forms part of its broader efforts to protect customers, strengthen security systems and reinforce public confidence in digital and financial services.

Commenting on the launch, Chief Customer Relations Officer Jemima Kotei Walsh said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to safeguarding users against fraud.

“The introduction of MTN Y’ello Protect 419 demonstrates our commitment to protecting our customers from fraud. By providing a simple and memorable shortcode, we are empowering consumers to take proactive steps in reporting fraud or anything that looks suspicious. We want to strengthen public trust, enhance customer protection and support our efforts to create a safer digital ecosystem for all,” she stated.

She further urged customers and the general public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious calls, messages or transactions by dialling 419.

Fraud continues to pose significant risks within the telecommunications and digital financial services sectors. MTN Ghana says the new reporting channel is intended to encourage vigilance while enabling faster response and resolution of cases.

source : www.3news.com

MTN Ghana has donated office equipment to the Ministry of Climate Change and Sustainability to support the Ministry’s operational setup and strengthen collaboration on national climate action.

Presenting the items, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Ghana, Ms. Adwoa Wiafe, said sustainability remained central to the company’s long-term strategy. She noted that as a leading international company operating in Ghana, MTN was committed to ensuring that its growth aligned with environmental responsibility and national development goals.

“We believe sustainability must be at the heart of business operations. For us, it is about ensuring long-term growth while contributing meaningfully to climate resilience and environmental protection,” she said.

Ms. Wiafe highlighted some of MTN’s recent sustainability initiatives, including the introduction of electric vehicles and biodegradable SIMs within its operations, aimed at reducing environmental impact. She also referenced the company’s Sustainability Week, which coincided with global climate discussions , and commended the Ministry for its participation and support.

She explained that the donation followed earlier engagements with the Ministry to understand its immediate needs as a newly established office. The items presented included computers, projectors and screens to aid administrative and technical work.

Receiving the donation, the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Hon. Issifu Seidu, expressed gratitude to MTN Ghana and described the gesture as a demonstration of corporate leadership.

He revealed that the Ministry had spent its initial months establishing its institutional framework, including the formation of a Technical Working Committee made up of representatives from various ministries. The committee meets monthly to coordinate sectoral climate initiatives and develop a unified national climate action platform.

Hon. Seidu used the occasion to formally invite MTN Ghana to nominate a representative to join the Technical Working Committee, emphasising the importance of private sector participation in shaping national climate policy.

“We cannot tackle climate change in isolation. It affects every sector of the economy. Collaboration with the private sector is crucial to ensuring policy coherence, monitoring and evaluation, and building a strong national conversation around climate action,” he stated.

The minister further outlined plans to establish climate and sustainability units across ministries, promote climate-focused engagement at the district assembly level through a bottom-up approach, and create a Climate and Sustainability Hub to serve as a national centre of excellence for research, coordination and capacity building.

He also disclosed plans to organise a National Climate Business Forum to deepen private sector involvement in adaptation and sustainability initiatives.

Source : www.businessghana.com