News update Telecoms and ICT in Africa - Issue no. 876 – 12 May 2017
Top Story
Africa: 102 mobile operators have launched 4G-LTE services in 43 countries, says new report
12 May 2017
Balancing Act has finalized its report on 4G/LTE network rollouts in Africa. 4G/LTE will affect the lives of Africa’s citizens, and how business will be carried out; 43 countries in Africa have some kind of 4G/LTE coverage. Find out more>>
Telecoms
UTL set for liquidation, hundreds to lose jobs
12 May 2017
In a press release last week, Mr Twebaze sought to assure creditors that the company would address their concerns. At a recent news conference convened after government successfully placed UTL…
Telecoms
Kenya: CA Gives Company Multibillion-Shilling Licence Without Auction
12 May 2017
The public could lose Sh5.2 billion after the telecommunications regulator "gifted" a local company a multibillion-shilling licence to operate another mobile phone service. Already, telecommunications companies have written to Mr…
Internet
Internet Learning Is Set As The Next Frontier For Education In Africa
12 May 2017
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and the Internet, in particular, can have a transformative effect on education in Africa, says a report launched today by the Internet Society. At the…
Internet
Project to connect 22 million South Africans to internet
12 May 2017
A new initiative launched by government and the private sector in Durban today will aim to connect millions of South Africans to the internet over the next two years. Dubbed,…
Internet
Uganda: Cheap Smartphones Push Up Data Usage
12 May 2017
Uganda's internet users have increased over the last five years as availability of cheap internet-enabled smartphones deepened penetration of data services, according to a report by Jumia, an online retail…
Internet
Zambia counts the cost of expensive data services
12 May 2017
The number of mobile internet users in Zambia has dropped from 6.1 million to 5.2 million in just one year, despite growth in mobile phone subscriptions. According to the Minister…
Internet
Telecom Namibia expands broadband reach
12 May 2017
In an effort to increase customer satisfaction, Telecom Namibia has deployed WiMAX wireless technology to expand its network coverage at Lüderitz and Ondangwa, as well as in rural areas of…
Internet
Inmarsat and Actility deploy city-wide Internet of Things network in Kigali to support smart city initiative
12 May 2017
The LoRaWAN infrastructure will enable the development of innovative IoT applications for Smart Africa’s flagship smart city project in Kigali, Rwanda 11 May 2017: Inmarsat will deploy LoRaWAN (a form…
Computing
FibreCo’s Open Access Hosting Facilities Boosts Connectivity for WACS
12 May 2017
As Internet connectivity needs continue to grow exponentially, the move towards cloud-based services and big data requirements increases. Through its drive to unleashing connectivity by delivering innovative solutions using efficient…
Computing
South Africa: ZTE to offer youth ICT training
12 May 2017
ZTE South Africa aims to employ 10 Electrical Engineering and Computer Science graduates for a year, during which time they will receive a market-related stipend. ZTE South Africa aims…
Money Transfer
Ghana launches $2.6m remittance grant facility
12 May 2017
Ghana, in collaboration with Switzerland, on Friday launched a Remittance Grant Facility (RGF) of $2.6 million to provide financial assistance to companies to develop innovative remittance products and services at…
Money Transfer
Sudanese experts warn against use of mobile phones money transfer in terrorism financing
12 May 2017
Several Sudanese bankers Saturday have warned against the use of credit transfer via mobile phone in terrorism financing in light of the lack of control over the volume of funds…
Money Transfer
M-Pesa card tipped to ease money payments
12 May 2017
Safaricom has launched a tap-and-go M-Pesa card intended to ease mobile money payments in a bid to grow revenues. The M-Pesa card will allow customers to make payments at retail…
Money Transfer
In brief
12 May 2017
The Kenyan government said subscribers could send and receive money between different telecommunication networks in July, following an agreement to implement interoperability among the service providers. ICT Secretary, Joe Mucheru,…
Mergers, Acquisitions and Financial Results
MWeb sale to IS gets regulatory nod
12 May 2017
The Competition Commission has recommended the approval of Internet Solutions’ (IS’s) acquisition of Internet service provider MWeb.The Competition Commission has recommended the approval of Internet Solutions’ (IS’s) acquisition of Internet…
Mergers, Acquisitions and Financial Results
BringCom to Acquire Uganda Privately Owned Network Service Provider, Datanet
12 May 2017
BringCom Incorporated, a leading provider of connectivity solutions to developing countries, announced that it has reached a tentative agreement to acquire Datanet.Com, LLC. Established in 1999, Datanet is a network…
Mergers, Acquisitions and Financial Results
Talks between Etisalat and lenders on Nigeria debt deal stall
12 May 2017
Negotiations between Etisalat Nigeria, the local mobile unit of UAE telecoms group Emirates Telecommunications Corporation (Etisalat), and its lenders on a deal to restructure a USD1.2 billion loan have stalled,…
Mergers, Acquisitions and Financial Results
In brief
12 May 2017
MTN said on Monday that it has agreed, on a non-binding and preliminary basis for now, to invest R540m into Iranian fixed broadband provider Iranian Net. The investment will give…
Digital Content
Social Media Campaigners Mark Chibok Girls Release
12 May 2017
Bring back our girls campaigners chant slogans during a protest calling on the government to rescue the remaining kidnapped girls of the government secondary school who were abducted almost three…
Digital Content
YouTube ‘actively’ reexamining 10,000 views rule in Africa
12 May 2017
Global video sharing platform YouTube may review its 10,000 views monetisation rule in various markets, YouTube EMEA Director Ben Wilson has said – this coming nearly a month after the…
Digital Content
Opera doubles down on Africa with $100M plan to make its browser a media platform
12 May 2017
Opera, the Norwegian browser-maker that was sold to a Chinese consortium last year, is doubling down on the African market after it announced plans to invest $100 million to grow…
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People
12 May 2017
Liquid Telecom Kenya has announced the appointment of former Airtel Kenya CEO Adil Youssefi as its new Chief Executive. Mr Adil will succeed Ben Roberts, who will become board Chairman…
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Events
12 May 2017
Information Technology Innovations For Economic Diversification: The Role of Youths 3rd - 7th July 2017University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State The National Conference is an annual event that bring…
