March 2025

ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin highlighted the importance of global connectivity, AI governance, and sustainability, emphasizing the need for industry-wide collaboration to tackle pressing digital challenges.

Speaking to Mobile World Live, Bogdan-Martin acknowledged the growing complexity of discussions around connectivity but remained optimistic about progress. “Everyone, whether it’s industry or government, believes in the power of connectivity. So, we’re focused on that goal to connect the unconnected,” she stated.

However, she noted that bridging the digital divide remains a major challenge, with 2.6 billion people remaining in “digital darkness.” The ITU estimates that bridging this connectivity gap will likely require about $1.6 trillion in investment, with a focus on building infrastructure, ensuring affordability, and creating digital skills.

In addition, Bogdan-Martin highlighted AI’s role in climate action, emphasizing that while AI is an “energy-hungry and water-thirsty” technology, it can also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions when implemented effectively. She pointed to the ITU’s efforts in advancing green digital standards and initiatives like the Green Digital Action Coalition launched at COP29, which attracted around 1,000 signatories.

Addressing the digital gender gap, the ITU chief noted that fewer women work in the digital and AI sectors. “We’re pushing to get girls excited about careers in the STEM field,” she said, stressing the need to ensure access to economic opportunities through digital inclusion.

Bogdan-Martin urged a range of stakeholders, including governments, telecom operators, satellite providers, and academic actors, to take collective action, stating that digital access is critical to economic growth and resilience. She pointed to the ITU’s Partner2Connect initiative, which secured $73 billion in commitments towards bridging the connectivity gap and aims to hit $100 billion by next year.

Ultimately, despite the challenges, she stated, “I am optimistic, because we see commitments being made.”

Source: Mobile World Live

Meta Platforms’ long-term Asia-Pacific VP Dan Neary announced his departure from the company, ending a tenure which delivered growth across key markets over a 12-year period, Bloomberg reported.

The news agency stated Neary detailed his plan to leave in a note to staff, with a representative clarifying the decision was for personal reasons.

Neary told Bloomberg he would remain on hand for “a few months”, to help Meta Platforms find and transition to a replacement.

Bloomberg reported Neary took on the VP post in 2013 and oversaw “rapid” growth of Meta Platforms’ businesses in key nations including Australia, China and elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

Figures provided to Bloomberg by Simon Kemp, chief analyst with research report depository DataReportal, showed Asia-Pacific now contributes more to Meta Platforms’ title Facebook’s global advertising reach than when Neary joined.

Earlier this week, Neary took to social media to highlight Meta Platforms’ latest AI products to match brands with content creators, Bloomberg noted.

Source: Mobile World

Nairobi — Despite geopolitical and trade tensions, Kenyan CEOs remain optimistic about economic growth, with 60 percent expecting global improvement and 48 percent expressing confidence in the local economy, according to PwC’s 2025 CEO Survey released today.

While optimism prevails, business leaders cite inflation (35 percent), macroeconomic volatility (28 percent), geopolitical conflicts (25 percent), and cyber risks (25 percent) as key concerns.

Still, 65 percent believe their businesses will thrive for over a decade, driven by strategic reinvention, AI adoption, and sustainability investments.

Kenyan CEOs are actively integrating AI to boost efficiency and decision-making. The survey reveals that 50 percent trust AI in key processes and 50 percent expect AI integration in tech platforms, among others.

From automating tasks to improving customer experiences, AI is a major pillar of future business strategy.

To adapt to evolving market conditions, CEOs are developing new products (48 percent), targeting new customer bases (43 percent) and exploring alternative market channels (43 percent).

Sustainability is becoming a business priority, with 42 percent reporting increased revenue from climate-friendly investments and 26 percent citing cost reductions from sustainability measures

However, 50 percent of CEOs have yet to invest in climate-friendly initiatives, citing regulatory hurdles (33 percent), low external demand (23 percent), and financing challenges (23 percent).

PwC Eastern Africa’s Regional Senior Partner Peter Ngahu emphasized the need for reinvention and climate adaptation, stating:

“Kenyan CEOs are focused on innovation to remain competitive, but climate change is posing serious challenges to agriculture, food security, and livelihoods. Coordinated efforts in adaptation and mitigation strategies are crucial for resilience.”

Source: Extensia

State-owned operator Eswatini Mobile announced the launch of 5G in the kingdom on Monday, March 24. This initiative could support the government’s digital transformation ambitions, as it seeks to integrate the technology to make digital services more efficient and accessible.

“The launch of 5G is not just about improving internet speeds; it marks a fundamental shift in how Emaswati connect, communicate, and conduct business. From improving educational opportunities to driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and empowering communities, 5G is set to transform every aspect of life in the kingdom,” the state-owned company said in a statement.

In a study published in 2021, the American technology company Dell Technologies already explained that 5G guarantees transmission speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G or previous networks, as well as reduced latencies and an unprecedented level of network capacity. The company adds that this technology will pave the way for even more advanced and innovative applications, enabling increased connectivity in real time and at any time, thus facilitating the digital transformation of various sectors.

Meanwhile, Eswatini was ranked 113th in the world by the United Nations according to the e-Government Development Index (EGDI) in 2024. The kingdom recorded a score of 0.6081 out of 1. This is above the African average (0.4247 out of 1), but below the world average (0.6382 out of 1).

Furthermore, a 2024 study by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) found that Eswatini’s digital readiness is “systematic,” meaning the country is making structured progress in key areas of digital transformation based on identified priorities. “With an overall score of 2.6, Eswatini demonstrates progress across several dimensions of digital development, while highlighting areas requiring additional attention and investment.”

It’s worth remembering, however, that to seize the digital transformation opportunities offered by 5G, Eswatini authorities must invest in expanding the country’s network. Currently, the latest-generation mobile technology is only available in the cities of Matsapha and Manzini. Moreover, Swedish company Ericsson estimates the basic cost of deploying 5G in a country at between $3 billion and $8 billion. The Swedish company adds that an additional investment of 20 to 35 percent is then required to expand network coverage across the country.

Authorities also need to address the issue of 5G adoption, which requires compatible smartphones. The high cost of these devices could hamper 5G adoption and limit the use of digital services, whether government-sponsored or offered by startups.

Source: Agency EcoFin(extensia)

The CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications has described the repeal of the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) as a positive development that will benefit Ghanaians and the telecom sector.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Wednesday, March 26, Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey commended the government for following through on its promise to abolish the tax.

Dr. Ashigbey revealed that the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has scheduled a meeting with telecom operators on Friday, March 29, to discuss the technical processes required to implement the repeal.

“The GRA has invited us for a meeting, so we'll have a meeting on Friday morning. After that, as we await the President to assent to the bill, we will also be getting the guidelines around this repeal.”

He stated that the removal of the E-Levy requires technical adjustments to various systems, ensuring a smooth transition without disrupting mobile money and other electronic transactions.

Read also: E-levy was a massive error committed by Ofori-Atta, it was a bad policy – Dr. Ashigbey

“There will be some technical work that has to be done to make sure that we can reset E-Levy to zero. The thing about it is that it has effects on various systems as well. So all of that work will be done.”

While acknowledging the urgency of implementing the repeal, he stressed the need for caution to avoid unintended consequences.

“Because we know that this is something that will inure to the benefit of our customers, we want to do it quickly. But we also have to make sure we don’t have any unintended consequences,” Dr Ashibey added.

Parliament passed the E-Levy repeal bill on Wednesday, March 26, and it now awaits President John Mahama’s assent.

Source: Prince Adu-Owusu ( My JoyOnline)

MasterCard is seeking to leverage Ethio Telecoms’ telebirr platform to enhance digital financial services across Ethiopia.

The collaboration, which aims to significantly expand financial inclusion and promote sustainable economic growth, was discussed during a strategic meeting between Ethio Telecom’s CEO, Frehiwot Tamru, and a MasterCard delegation led by Mark Elliott, president of MasterCard Africa.

The meeting focused on identifying collaborative opportunities to leverage both Ethio Telecom’s Telebirr platform and Mastercard’s global financial solutions. 

By combining these resources, the partners aim to create new and accessible digital financial services to drive local and regional economic progress.

Tamru, the CEO of Ethio Telecom, one of Africa’s largest mobile operator with 77.7 million voice call subscribers and 43.5 million mobile data users, emphasised the company’s commitment to this transformative initiative. 

She highlighted Ethio Telecom’s extensive customer base and robust infrastructure as key assets that will unlock new opportunities for millions of Ethiopians. 

Additionally, she showcased Telebirr’s digital capabilities, noting its significant impact on enhancing user experiences. 

By enabling users to perform a range of digital financial services, such as money transfers and bill payments, directly from their mobile devices, Tamru underlined that Telebirr has played a crucial role in advancing financial inclusion in Ethiopia.

Elliott echoed these sentiments when he praised Ethio Telecom’s impressive customer growth. 

He emphasised the partnership’s potential and expressed confidence that this collaboration would open doors for greater financial inclusion in Ethiopia. 

According to an Ethio Telecom LinkedIn post, Elliott also reaffirmed MasterCard’s desire to work closely with Ethio Telecom to drive these changes.

“Both leaders committed to accelerating the implementation of this transformative collaboration, which is expected to significantly enhance Ethiopia’s competitiveness in the global digital economy while fostering an inclusive financial environment that promotes sustainable growth and wealth creation across the country,” the post reads.

Source: Extensia