MobileMoney Ltd CEO Shaibu Haruna named ‘CEO of the Year-Fintech’ at 4th Ghana CEO Awards.

The CEO of MobileMoney Limited, Shaibu Haruna, has been awarded the CEO of the Year – Fintech at the prestigious 4th Ghana CEO Vision and Awards, held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra.

The award recognises Shaibu’s outstanding leadership, innovation, and transformative impact within the Fintech sector.

Under his leadership, MobileMoney Ltd has strengthened its position as a digital finance leader, accelerating financial inclusion and driving customer-focused innovation across Ghana.

Expressing his appreciation after receiving the award, Mr Haruna said, “This recognition is a testament to the incredible work of the MobileMoney Ltd team and the entire MTN Ghana team.

“We remain committed to delivering cutting-edge digital financial solutions that empower individuals, businesses, and communities across Ghana and beyond.”

He dedicated the Award to MoMo customers and the various stakeholder groups whose partnership, loyalty and commitment in using the MoMo platform have contributed to deepening financial inclusion in Ghana.

Shaibu Haruna is a seasoned executive with over two and a half decades of commercial experience in

His expertise spans Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Automobile, Financial Services, E-Commerce, and Telecoms.

The past 18 years of his career has been in telecoms/digital services where he led channel and business transformation/turnaround in Ghana, Uganda, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia markets.

A greater part of his telecommunications career has been with MTN, where he spearheaded the highly rated distribution model for MTN in Ghana, which has since been replicated across the majority of  MTN Group markets.

In 2022, Shaibu was appointed the Chief Executive Officer of MobileMoney LTD, a subsidiary of Scancom Plc (MTN Ghana) and market leader of digital financial services.

Since its launch in 2009, MobileMoney LTD has remained committed to driving financial inclusion and contributed significantly to shaping the future of digital payments and unlocking economic opportunities for its customers.

The Ghana CEO Vision and Awards is organised by Globe Productions Ltd to celebrate top-performing chief executives across more than 30 sectors to project their visionary leadership and measurable impact.

Source: Joy Business

Residents commend MTN for community engagement, call for continuous service improvements in Tsito.

Residents of Tsito in the Volta Region have expressed appreciation to MTN Ghana for making time to directly engage with them through a dedicated community forum aimed at deepening relationships and addressing customer concerns.

Participants described the initiative as timely and commendable, noting that MTN remains one of the most accessible and widely used networks in the area.

They acknowledged the company’s ongoing investments in network infrastructure and digital services that have supported personal, business, and financial transactions across the community.

“We are happy MTN came to sit with us, not just to talk, but to listen. It shows they care about what we go through as customers,” one resident shared during the open forum.

The event, held over the weekend, brought together MTN’s leadership team, led by Kennedy Kofi Ofosuhene, Corporate Services Advisor for Southern Ghana, and Alex Acheampong, Territory Sales Controller for Ho West. The session formed part of MTN’s wider customer engagement strategy to connect with communities at the grassroots level.

MTN Assures Community of Continued Support and Service Enhancements

Addressing participants, Mr. Ofosuhene thanked the residents for their loyalty and acknowledged the important role the community plays in MTN’s success in the region.

“You have been with us for many years — using our network, supporting our business, and trusting us with your most important connections. We are here because your voice matters,” he said.

He explained that the purpose of the forum was to provide a platform for open dialogue where customers could share their experiences, challenges, and expectations, while MTN also provided clarity on service-related concerns.

“This engagement is part of our culture of listening, learning, and acting. Every concern raised here will be taken seriously and followed up on. We have a team on the ground to assist you immediately, and others will be escalated to the appropriate departments,” Mr. Ofosuhene assured.

Mr. Alex Acheampong added that customer feedback remains one of the most important tools in shaping MTN’s operational decisions, especially at the regional and community levels.

“Your suggestions help us to improve our services and tailor them to your needs. We are committed to walking this journey with you,” he noted.

Key Issues Raised by the Community

While residents praised MTN for the outreach, they also raised a number of issues for consideration, including:

Network Quality and Internet Stability: Some users noted intermittent challenges with voice calls and internet speed and called for network optimization in specific parts of Tsito.

Mobile Money Functionality: There were reports of delays when sending money to other numbers, while self-deposits typically go through faster. Users also requested upgrades to the MoMo App for improved performance during high-volume transactions.

Customer Service Accessibility: Community members appealed for the establishment of a local MTN Customer Service Point to make it easier to resolve service issues without travelling to Ho.

Clarity on Services and Offers: Residents expressed the need for better communication on MTN services such as “Mashap ” and “Jara,” to better understand their benefits and usage.

Claiming MoMo Funds of Deceased Account Holders: A participant, Abla, respectfully sought guidance on how next of kin can access Mobile Money accounts of deceased relatives. MTN promised to follow up and make the process clearer and more accessible to the public.

Commitment to Action

MTN officials assured the community that the feedback provided would guide internal reviews and customer support improvements.

Dedicated customer service agents were available on-site during the event to assist attendees with immediate concerns, and others were directed to the appropriate support channels for resolution.

“Our goal is to serve you better — and that starts with listening. We appreciate your trust, and we will keep engaging you regularly,” Mr. Ofosuhene concluded.

The Tsito forum is one of many ongoing engagements MTN is undertaking across Ghana as part of its broader strategy to place customers at the centre of its operations.

Source: Ivy Setordjie (My JoyOnline)

Telecel Ghana CEO Patricia Obo-Nai Wins Double Honour at 4th Ghana CEO Awards

Ing. Mrs. Patricia Obo-Nai

Patricia Obo-Nai, CEO of Telecel Ghana, has been honoured with two top awards—Telecom CEO of the Year and Female CEO of the Year—at the 4th Ghana CEO Vision and Awards held on July 27, 2025, at the Kempinski Hotel, Accra.

Organised by Globe Productions in partnership with the Graphic Communications Group, the awards celebrate executive excellence in leadership, innovation, and national impact across more than 30 sectors, including finance, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and the creative industries.

This year’s ceremony, themed “Positioning CEOs as Catalysts for Attracting Investment and Tourism to Ghana,” brought together diplomats, government officials, traditional leaders, and top CEOs to spotlight the role of private sector leadership in Ghana’s economic growth and international appeal.

Receiving her award from His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse, Patricia Obo-Nai dedicated her win to her team and Telecel customers, stating:

“This award belongs to our cherished customers and the dedicated team at Telecel, who work tirelessly each day to connect people and make an impact. Leadership is most meaningful when it improves lives and opens doors for the next generation.”

The selection was based on criteria including strategic vision, corporate growth, innovation, and contributions to Ghana’s development.

In his remarks, Latif Abubakar, CEO of Globe Productions, described the event as a celebration of CEOs who are driving business profitability while shaping Ghana’s image as an investment and tourism destination.

Representing the Presidency, Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampoe Addo challenged corporate leaders to act as economic diplomats, building confidence and partnerships that advance the country’s progress.

Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Dzifa Gomashie, added that the real impact of leadership lies in the transformation leaders create and the legacies they leave behind.

Patricia Obo-Nai’s recognition reflects her influential role in driving digital transformation, promoting digital inclusion, and contributing to Ghana’s socio-economic development.

Source: My Joy Online

Ericsson, Global Operators Finalise 50:50 API Joint Venture

Ericsson

By Kavit Majithia

Ericsson has officially completed the formation of a 50:50 joint venture with 12 major global telecom operators to advance the use and development of network APIs through its API-focused subsidiary, Aduna.

The participating operators—AT&T, Bharti Airtel, Deutsche Telekom, KDDI, Orange, Reliance Jio, Singtel, Telefónica, Telstra, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Vodafone—have taken a combined 50% equity stake in Aduna. Ericsson retains the remaining 50%, marking a significant milestone in the company’s vision for open, programmable networks.

Aduna, operational since September 2024, aims to foster an ecosystem that includes developers, hyperscalers, and other industry players. It is working to establish standardized APIs through alignment with the CAMARA open source project and the GSMA’s Open Gateway initiative.

Beyond investment, the operator partners are contributing commercial support, deep industry relationships, and expertise in telecom and developer engagement.

Since its launch, Aduna’s ecosystem has grown to include additional operators such as SoftBank Corp and NTT Docomo, as well as tech giants like Microsoft and Syniverse.

Anthony Bartolo, CEO of Aduna, celebrated the transaction’s closing as a crucial milestone:

“In just ten months we have built an impressive ecosystem comprising the biggest names in telecoms and the wider ICT industry. The closing provides renewed motivation for Aduna to accelerate the adoption of network APIs by developers on a global scale.”

Source: Mobile World Live

US National Security Experts Oppose Nvidia’s H20 Chip Sales to China

NVIDIA

By Mike Robuck

A coalition of 20 U.S. national security experts has strongly opposed the decision to allow Nvidia to resume sales of its H20 AI chip to China, warning it poses a serious threat to U.S. economic and military superiority in artificial intelligence (AI).

In a letter addressed to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on July 28, the experts criticized the move as a “strategic misstep,” stressing that the H20 chip—though redesigned to comply with October 2023 export controls under President Joe Biden—remains a potent accelerator for China’s AI ambitions.

The H20, optimized for AI inference tasks, was specifically tailored to bypass U.S. export restrictions. According to the letter, the chip surpasses even the high-performance H100, which is currently restricted due to its cutting-edge capabilities.

The experts warned that allowing H20 sales to China would not only reduce availability for U.S. developers but also potentially bolster China’s military AI development, thereby weakening the integrity of U.S. export controls. “This is not a question of trade. It is a question of national security,” the letter asserted.

Signatories include prominent figures such as Matt Pottinger, former Deputy National Security Advisor under President Trump, Stewart Baker, a former Homeland Security official; and David Feith, a former National Security Council member.

The opposition comes amid heightened scrutiny of U.S.-China tech competition. Last week, the Trump campaign unveiled an AI Action Plan aimed at reinforcing U.S. leadership in the field. Meanwhile, a House panel on China has also urged the Commerce Department to halt Nvidia’s sales to the Chinese market.

Source: Mobile World Live

MTN Ghana Empowers Youth with Mentorship and Digital Skills Training

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The MTN Ghana Foundation reinforced its commitment to youth empowerment and digital transformation at the 2025 National Youth Mentorship Summit, held at the University of Ghana Business School. The event drew about 800 students and young professionals for sessions on mentorship, digital readiness, and leadership.

Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, MTN Ghana’s Senior Manager for Corporate Communications, underscored the company’s focus on equipping youth with digital tools and soft skills for success in a connected world. She encouraged participants to “stretch” beyond their comfort zones to achieve excellence.

A key feature of MTN’s participation was a spotlight on the MTN Skills Academy, which offers free training in data analytics, cybersecurity, and career development. Ebenezer Terkpeh, Education Portfolio Advisor, revealed the Academy aims to reach over 10,000 youth in Ghana with globally certified digital training.

Albert Prempeh Kusi, convener of the summit, commended MTN Ghana for its sustained investment in youth development, noting the impact of initiatives like the Skills Academy and national mentorship collaborations.

Source: Business Ghana | July 2025

Tanzania Launches TTCL Strategy to Advance Digital Inclusion and Development

The Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation (TTCL) has unveiled a new Three-Year Business Strategic Plan (2025/26–2027/28) aimed at enhancing digital inclusion and national development through modern, accessible communication services.

Presented to the Ministry of Information, Communication, and Information Technology in Dodoma, the strategy was introduced by TTCL Director General Moremi Marwa. He noted the plan’s core focus is to improve the quality of life for Tanzanians by providing reliable, inclusive, and future-ready digital infrastructure.

The strategy positions TTCL as a self-sustaining, efficient, and value-generating institution aligned with national development goals. It also signals TTCL’s readiness to adapt to global ICT trends while ensuring all citizens benefit from affordable, high-quality connectivity.

Permanent Secretary Mohammed Khamis Abdulla, who chaired the session, reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for TTCL’s transformation agenda.

Source: Tech Africa News |

Econet Embraces AI and Expands 5G to Drive Growth in Zimbabwe

AI

Econet Wireless is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and expanded 5G infrastructure to boost network demand and improve service delivery across Zimbabwe.

In its latest trade update for the quarter ending May 31, company secretary Tatenda Ngowe revealed that Econet has accelerated its shift to a services-led model, integrating AI-driven tools with upgraded network infrastructure and digital platforms to deepen customer insights.

“AI-based applications are becoming core to our processes, enabling us to understand usage patterns and deliver hyper-personalized services,” Ngowe stated.

As a result of these innovations, Econet reported a significant rise in performance metrics—data traffic more than doubled year-on-year, while voice volumes rose by 44%, driven by rising demand for digital connectivity and an expanding ecosystem of services.

To support this growth, Econet deployed 20 new network sites and broadened its 5G coverage across the country. The company underscored that data services will remain central to the future of telecoms in Zimbabwe, presenting major opportunities for long-term value creation.

Source: IT Web Africa |

Tanzania and Kenya Launch Cross-Border Fibre Link to Boost Regional Connectivity

Tanzania and Kenya have jointly inaugurated a terrestrial fibre optic interconnection linking Dar es Salaam to Mombasa via the Lunga Lunga/Horohoro border—marking a strategic step toward regional digital integration.

The initiative, led by the Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation and Kenya’s ICT Authority, is designed to enhance internet access through secure and resilient cross-border infrastructure. It connects Tanzania’s National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB) to Kenya’s submarine cable landings in Mombasa, strengthening the interoperability of both countries’ networks.

“We are reviewing our service delivery policies between the two countries to ensure citizens benefit from high-quality and affordable communication services,” said Jerry Silaa, Tanzania’s Minister of Information, Communication, and Information Technology, at the launch on July 18.

This new link reduces Tanzania’s reliance on foreign submarine infrastructure, expands international internet access, and supports ambitions for regional economic and digital integration. It comes as Kenya, with an internet penetration rate of 48%—representing approximately 27.4 million users—leverages its well-established undersea cable capacity in Mombasa.

The fibre interconnection is also expected to spur cross-border e-commerce, promote digital inclusion, and improve data security across the region. As East African nations move to harmonize their digital infrastructures, this bilateral partnership exemplifies how cooperative frameworks can accelerate the delivery of essential digital services and attract ICT investment.

Source: Agence Ecofin|

Helios Towers Urges Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in One Million Coders Programme

Helios Tower

Helios Towers Ghana has called on stakeholders to ensure that persons with disabilities (PWDs) are fully included in the government’s flagship One Million Coders programme. The appeal was made by the company’s Managing Director, Kweku Frempong, during a coding literacy event at the Demonstration School for the Deaf in Mampong-Akuapem.

“It is commendable to promote digitisation for the able-bodied, but it is far more impactful to also carry along our less-abled brothers and sisters,” Frempong stated, emphasizing that digital inclusion must be intentional and widespread.

Echoing the call, Setumte D. Ametewee, Headmaster of the Demonstration School for the Deaf, urged the government to implement targeted measures to include students with disabilities in the national coding agenda. He also appealed for support in the form of IT equipment to aid coding instruction at the school.

The event formed part of the Coding Caravan initiative, now in its fourth year, organized by the Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGH) in collaboration with the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and sponsored by Helios Towers Ghana. This year’s theme, “Breaking Barriers: Coding, Leadership and Inclusion for All,” emphasized the need to bridge the digital divide for learners with disabilities.

Speaking to the media, Louis Bobbie Osei, Research and Regulatory Manager at the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, reinforced the importance of digital access for special needs students. “We believe that beyond able-bodied students, special needs students also deserve to have access to this knowledge,” he said, calling on private sector partners to support sustained learning opportunities.

With PWDs estimated to make up about 8% of Ghana’s population, stakeholders argue that excluding them from the One Million Coders initiative would undermine its national impact. The call for inclusion aims to unlock the full potential of Ghana’s human capital through equitable digital empowerment.

Source: B&FT (Business & Financial Times)