Telecoms Chamber

The National Communications Authority (NCA), under the auspices of the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations (MoCDTI) and in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), marked World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) 2025 under the theme “Gender Equality in Digital Transformation.”

Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister for MoCDTI, highlighted the alignment of the theme with Sustainable Development Goal 5 and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to gender-inclusive digital policies. He emphasized that the Girls in ICT Programme is a strategic national initiative aimed at equipping girls with STEM skills, not a charitable gesture.

On data affordability, the Minister announced that the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has been commissioned to conduct an independent study on tariffs to guide policy decisions and ensure a reduction in data prices by year-end.

Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for MoGCSP, also pledged continued efforts to promote digital rights and empowerment for women and girls.

Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, Acting Director General of the NCA, underscored the government’s commitment to a digitally inclusive Ghana. He announced enhanced consumer protection efforts, including improved service monitoring, billing verification, complaints management, and device regulation.

Reading a message on behalf of the ITU Secretary-General, Mr. Suleman Salifu, Deputy Director General (Technical Operations) at the NCA, stressed the urgency of closing the digital skills and access gap for women and girls globally.

UNESCO Representative Edmond Moukala, speaking on behalf of the UN Secretary-General, stated that gender disparities in the digital space have real consequences, hampering innovation and sustainable development.

The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Mrs. Etta Mosore, NCA’s Deputy Director General (Managerial Operations), with notable all-female speakers including Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai (CEO of Telecel Ghana), Estelle Akofio-Sowah (CSquared), and Vera Karikari Bediako (MoGCSP).

The celebration concluded with a flag-hoisting ceremony led by Hon. Samuel George, supported by the Ghana Army.

Source: National Communications Authority (NCA)

Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has unveiled plans to channel $50 million from the Fintech Development Fund into startups and innovation-driven businesses, aiming to build a sustainable innovation ecosystem backed by an Act of Parliament.

Speaking during a meeting with a delegation from the African Council of Graduates, the Minister emphasized the Ministry’s role as a facilitator—“the wind in the sails” of government—empowering other ministries through technology and digital support. Examples include leveraging meteorological data for agriculture and collaborating across sectors to scale initiatives.

Key focus areas include:

• Digital skills development through initiatives like One Million Coders
• Support for innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in agriculture and agro-processing
• Adoption of drone and data analytics technologies to boost efficiency
• Startup support through incubators and accelerators

The African Council of Graduates proposed a formal MoU with the Ministry, focusing on youth empowerment via digital training and innovation. Discussions also explored equipping students before graduation with digital competencies to reduce unemployment.

Minister George reiterated the need for cross-sector collaboration, highlighting digitalization as a catalyst for economic growth, education, and improved quality of life in Ghana.

Source: TechAfrica News
Via: Extensia.Tech

The Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) convened top public and private sector leaders at the Africa CEO Forum 2025 to fast-track Africa’s digital transformation. The high-level GABI Bridge side event was held under the theme “Connect. Empower. Prosper: The Big Push for Digital Africa.”

The session brought together decision-makers from government, finance, industry, and technology to explore how the continent can build inclusive digital infrastructure, nurture innovation ecosystems, and unlock new opportunities within the digital economy.

In her opening remarks, Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact, emphasized the urgency of collective action:

“Africa’s digital future must be inclusive, sustainable, and African-led. This is not just a technological imperative – it’s an economic and social necessity.”

Highlights from the GABI Bridge Session:

• Urgent Push for Infrastructure Investment:
  Stakeholders stressed the importance of coordinated public-private financing models to expand connectivity, especially in underserved rural areas.
• Collaboration Across Sectors:
  Speakers underscored the role of strong public-private partnerships in enhancing regulatory frameworks and promoting sustainable digital transformation.
• Empowering Local Innovation:
  The session called for enabling environments for startups through regulatory reforms, access to funding, and support for Africa’s homegrown tech talent.
• Boosting Intra-African Trade via Digital Platforms:
  Harmonizing digital regulations is seen as key to unlocking the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), particularly in e-commerce and digital transactions.
• Preparing Youth for the Digital Age:
  Educational systems must be modernized through curriculum upgrades, teacher training, and tech-industry collaboration to equip youth with future-ready skills.

The GABI Bridge concluded with a rallying call to turn ideas into action—transforming commitments into investment, partnerships into platforms, and ambition into measurable progress for Africa’s digital future.

Source: Extensia.tech | Original source: APO

Accra, Ghana – Ghana recorded 5,600 incidents of fibre optic cable cuts in 2024, resulting in an estimated financial loss of US$9.2 million (over GH¢138 million) to the telecommunications industry, according to Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications.

Dr. Ashigbey made the disclosure at the 24th edition of the Chamber’s Knowledge Forum, held in Accra under the theme “Leveraging Fibre for Accelerated Development.” The event was attended by key industry stakeholders, including the Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA) and representatives from various telecom operators.

A key highlight of the forum was the launch of the Telecommunications Industry Optic Fibre Minimum Specifications and Standards Manual, aimed at harmonising the deployment of fibre optic infrastructure nationwide.

In his address, Dr. Ashigbey underscored the far-reaching consequences of the rampant fibre cuts, noting that beyond the direct financial burden, the damage had severe implications for service delivery, business continuity, and public trust. He revealed that the cumulative time spent restoring these damages in 2024 exceeded 432 days.

“The average cost per fibre cut stood at approximately US$23,000, and in many instances, these cuts occurred repeatedly in the same locations, compounding the disruption,” he stated.

He stressed that the losses affected not only telecom companies but also small businesses, banks, emergency response services, and digital education delivery.

Causes of Fibre Cuts

Dr. Ashigbey identified road construction activities as the leading cause, responsible for 20.68% of all cuts. Other contributing factors included:

• Theft and vandalism (13.98%), often due to the mistaken belief that fibre cables contain copper
• Activities by private developers
• Drain construction, farming, flooding, and fire
• Accidental damage by other utility companies such as Ghana Water and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG)

He emphasized the vulnerability of Ghana’s digital backbone and called for a coordinated national response to protect it.

Call to Action

While acknowledging ongoing support from the NCA, Cyber Security Authority, and the Ministry of Communications, Digitalisation and Innovation, Dr. Ashigbey urged deeper collaboration with road agencies, utility service providers, and local assemblies.

He proposed several measures, including:

• Mandatory relocation of telecom infrastructure in new road construction projects
• Strict enforcement of excavation permit regulations
• Creation of dedicated utility coordination units within infrastructure agencies

“We must treat telecom infrastructure as critical national infrastructure. Every dollar spent on repairing fibre cuts could be used to expand connectivity to underserved communities,” he added.

Dr. Ashigbey concluded by appealing to the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation to champion legislation consolidating existing frameworks to safeguard telecom infrastructure. He also called on the Ministers for the Interior and Attorney General to support enforcement efforts against those responsible for damaging the network.

Source: GNA

Zambia’s e-government division, the SMART Zambia Institute, is improving trade facilitation and revenue collection by deploying six internet connection stations at the Nakonde border post in Muchinga province.

According to SMART Zambia, the initiative intends to improve internet connectivity for Zambia Revenue Authority activities, resulting in faster cargo clearance and greater efficiency.

The initiative is part of Zambia’s larger attempts to use technology and increase trade facilitation, which aligns with the government’s objective of increasing regional trade and economic integration.

The move comes as Zambia implements a number of efforts to boost the country’s ICT sector, including the ZamFree Initiative, which offers free public WiFi in certain towns, and Zambia’s first National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, which encourages safe AI use.

“In a bid to bolster trade facilitation and revenue collection, the SMART Zambia Muchinga province team has successfully deployed six internet access points at the Nakonde border post,” said SMART Zambia. 

Source: IT Web

In February 2025, the government of the Republic of Congo appointed a director general to head the National Agency for Information Systems Security (ANSSI). He was received by his supervisory minister.

In the Republic of Congo, the government has allocated a budget of 800 million CFA francs (approximately USD 1.3 million) for the operations of the National Agency for Information Systems Security (ANSSI). This was announced by Léon Juste Ibombo, the Congolese Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy, during a meeting last week with the agency’s director general, Oboulhas Tsahat Conrad Onésime, appointed in February.

This budget will allow ANSSI to deploy its infrastructure, recruit qualified personnel, and design appropriate cybersecurity strategies. The objective is to strengthen the protection of information systems against growing cyber threats, thereby ensuring data security and trust in the national digital ecosystem.

Placed under the supervision of the Presidency of the Republic and administered by the Ministry of the Digital Economy, the Agency is responsible for supervising and coordinating national cybersecurity, managing digital incidents and threats, responding to cyberattacks, and ensuring the protection of the country’s digital infrastructure.

It faces several challenges, including the need to train cybersecurity experts, raise awareness of IT security issues among institutions and the general public, and strengthen coordination between relevant stakeholders. According to the 2024 edition of the International Telecommunications Union’s “Global Cybersecurity Index,” the Republic of Congo is in Tier 4, with a score of 27.61 out of 100, highlighting the extent of efforts still needed to improve its cybersecurity.

Source: Extensia

On May 13, 2023, Tanzanian telecom operators signed agreements with the government to expand their networks in rural areas. A total of 713 constituencies were identified as priority targets for new telecom infrastructure.

Tanzanian telecom operators have until May 12 to complete the deployment of 758 new communication towers in rural areas, a project that is already 55% complete. The deadline was set last week by Jerry Silaa (pictured), Minister of ICT. If met, the deadline could significantly improve the country’s network coverage.

Indeed, according to data from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), 3G and 4G networks covered 85% and 58% respectively of the population estimated at around 66.6 million in 2023. 2G, on the other hand, covered 98% of Tanzanians.

“President Samia [Suluhu, Ed.] has allocated 126 billion shillings [$47.8 million, Ed.] for the construction of 758 communication towers in rural areas, which will significantly reduce the network coverage gap in the country ,” Mr. Silaa said on Saturday, March 15, during the inspection visit to a construction site in the country.

Expanding network coverage could lead to improved adoption of telecom services, especially since the government is targeting approximately 8.5 million beneficiaries. Currently, the ITU estimates that about 74.5 percent of the Tanzanian population owns a mobile phone, which gives a rough idea of ​​mobile phone penetration in the country. As for mobile internet, the organization estimates the penetration rate at 31.9 percent. Moreover, the Global Mobile Operators Association (GSMA) has estimated that 40 million Tanzanians have no access to mobile internet at all.

It’s worth remembering, however, that expanding network coverage alone isn’t enough to ensure people adopt telecom services. The government must therefore address the factors that affect this. For example, for mobile internet, the GSMA has identified barriers such as the high cost of compatible devices, a lack of digital skills, the price of data plans, the relevance of the content and services offered, security concerns, and the quality of the user experience.

Source: Extensia

he Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the Electronic Money Issuers (EMIs) Chamber of Ghana have congratulated the newly appointed Chairpersons and members of the Information and Communications Committee and the Finance Committee of Parliament.

Mr Bandim Abed-Nego Azumah is the appointed Chairperson of the Information and Communications Committee of Parliament and Mr Isaac Adongo, the appointed Chairperson of the Finance Committee of Parliament.

This was indicated in a press release signed by Mr Louis Bobbie Osei, Regulatory and Research Manager, of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the Electronic Money Issuers (EMIs) Chamber of Ghana and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Koforidua.

He said as Ghana accelerates its digital transformation, the work of these two committees becomes increasingly urgent and their decisions will be critical in shaping policies that directly impact the Telecommunications and Digital Finance industries.

The two Chambers urge both committees to prioritize strategic policies and legislative support in these industries to accelerate Ghana’s economic growth and development.

Mr Osei, said the Telecommunications and Digital Finance sectors are not just industries but enablers of economic prosperity, financial inclusion, and national development.

Telecommunications powers Ghana’s digital economy, connecting businesses, communities, and government services, and digital Finance is revolutionizing transactions, expanding financial access, and driving innovation in commerce and entrepreneurship, he noted.

He said, “for Ghana to fully realize its economic and digital potential, these sectors must be supported through progressive policies, investment-friendly regulations, and infrastructure development.”

He recommended that, the Information and Communications and Finance Committees must ensure a policy environment that encourages investment and innovation in telecommunications and digital finance.

He said the committees must support regulatory frameworks that drive financial inclusion, improve digital security, and expand broadband access.

The committees must work with industry stakeholders to eliminate barriers to infrastructure development and technological advancement.

Other recommendations were that the committees must lead policy and laws to protect telecommunication infrastructure, and champion policies that reduce the cost of doing business in these industries to promote affordability and accessibility for all Ghanaians.

Mr Osei, said the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the EMIs Chamber of Ghana are committed to working closely with both committees.

This collaboration will ensure that the right policies, regulations, and industry collaborations are in place to drive sustainable growth, job creation, and a digitally inclusive Ghana, and the committees can be reassured of our unwavering support and commitment, he stated.

He emphasised that the two Chambers look forward to engaging with the leadership and members of both committees in the near future to discuss strategic partnerships and actionable solutions that will position Ghana as a leader in telecommunications, digital payments, and technological advancement.

Source: GNA