GIFEC strengthens ties with AT Ghana to enhance rural connectivity

GIFEC

The acting Administrator of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), Dr. Sofo Tanko Rashid-Computer, has paid a courtesy call on the Chief Executive Officer of AT Ghana, Mr. Leo Skarlatos, as part of ongoing efforts to foster stronger collaboration between GIFEC and AT Ghana in addressing rural connectivity challenges across the country.

The high-level engagement centered on improving telecommunication infrastructure in unserved and underserved communities, enhancing the performance of AT Ghana sites under the Ghana Rural Telephony and Digital Inclusion Project (GRT&DIP), and exploring innovative ways to drive digital transformation.

During the meeting, the Administrator highlighted the significance of partnerships in accelerating Ghana’s digital inclusion agenda. He emphasized that GIFEC, through its various projects, has been working to bridge the digital divide by ensuring that every Ghanaian, regardless of location, has access to affordable and reliable telecommunications services. However, he noted that achieving this goal requires the active participation of key industry stakeholders like AT Ghana.

A key focus of the discussion was the operational challenges faced by AT Ghana’s sites under the GRT&DIP. The administrator called for stronger technical and infrastructural support from AT Ghana to enhance the efficiency of these sites, ensuring seamless connectivity for the thousands of people who rely on them for communication and digital services. He stressed the need for periodic assessments and collaborative interventions to optimize service delivery in rural areas.

Furthermore, Dr. Tanko Rashid-Computer reiterated the importance of sustained financial support from telecommunications companies towards GIFEC’s mandate. He urged AT Ghana to redeem its statutory 1% contribution to GIFEC, which is crucial for sustaining initiatives that expand digital access. These contributions, he noted, enable GIFEC to deploy critical infrastructure, provide ICT training, and roll out digital skills programs that empower individuals and businesses in remote areas.

Beyond rural connectivity, the discussion also touched on the government’s broader vision for digital transformation. The Administrator briefed the AT Ghana CEO on the proposed amendment to the Communications Act, which established GIFEC, aligning with H.E. the President’s vision to transform the Fund into a Digital Economy and Innovation Development Fund. This new framework will position GIFEC as a key enabler of Ghana’s digital economy by providing financial support for innovative technology-driven projects, equipping millennials and Gen-Zs with entrepreneurial skills, and fostering economic growth through digital innovation.

In response, the CEO of AT Ghana, Mr. Leo Skarlatos, expressed his company’s unwavering commitment to supporting GIFEC’s mission. He acknowledged the challenges facing the telecommunications industry but reaffirmed AT Ghana’s dedication to fulfilling its obligations, including redeeming its contributions to GIFEC. He also pledged AT Ghana support in implementing innovative solutions to enhance rural connectivity, such as deploying alternative power solutions for remote cell sites, leveraging emerging technologies to optimize network performance, and exploring new financing models for sustainable infrastructure development.

Recognizing the need for continuous engagement, both parties agreed to hold further meetings to deepen collaboration and refine strategies for achieving shared goals. Mr. Leo Skarlatos assured GIFEC of their willingness to partner on future projects that align with Ghana’s digital transformation agenda, including potential initiatives that will expand broadband penetration, improve mobile network coverage, and facilitate ICT capacity-building programs in rural areas.

The GIFEC delegation at the meeting included the acting Deputy Administrator, Hon. Abdul-Aziz Mohammed; Director of Operations and Ag. Director of Administration & HR, Alhaji Yahaya Zakaria Osman; the Director of Finance, Mr. Henry Agyeman Boateng; Senior Manager and PA to the Administrator, Ms. Ruth Ayiintimii Azantilow; Head of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Fredrick Kojo Aidoo; and Mr. Vincent Owusu Amponsah.

Present for AT Ghana included Mr. Emmanuel Owusu, the Chief Technical Officer (CTO), Chief Legal & Regulatory Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Adjei, and Benjamin Bagyio Adu, Head of Communications and Media Engagement.

Source: My Joy Online


Airtel CEO Credits Focused Strategy for Financial Turnaround

Airtel

Bharti Airtel CEO Gopal Vittal attributed the company’s financial turnaround to a focused capital allocation strategy aimed at improving service quality. Speaking at MWC25 Barcelona, he said Airtel is “obsessed about experience” and is pursuing partnerships that add value for customers.

Vittal explained Airtel made a bold decision to target the top 40% of customers who generate nearly 80% of industry revenue, positioning the company for growth amid market consolidation. He described the earlier environment as a “competitive onslaught,” with revenues plunging 30% and ten operators exiting the market.

He highlighted that Airtel’s revenue share has grown from 29% to over 40% in the last 8–9 years, and its market capitalization has surged from $20 billion to nearly $120 billion.

Source: Mobile World Live

MTN, Axxess Offer Affordable Fixed-5G Packages

5G

MTN and Axxess have emerged among the most affordable fixed 5G providers in South Africa, according to a MyBroadband analysis. Mobile operators like MTN, Rain, and Telkom continue to invest heavily in 5G infrastructure to expand coverage across major metros.

MTN’s new Shesh@Home Internet packages offer 5G access for under R400/month. The Shesh@200 plan (R329) provides full-speed 5G for 100GB, then throttles to 10Mbps for another 100GB, and 512Kbps thereafter. The Shesh@600 plan (R399) offers 5G for 300GB, followed by 20Mbps for 300GB, and then 512Kbps.

Axxess follows with MTN Home Standard 5G at R449/month and Vodacom Home Standard 5G at R495/month, offering higher FUP thresholds—300GB and 250GB, respectively—before speeds reduce to 2Mbps.

Telkom offers the highest data threshold in the sub-R500 range, with its 5G Internet 40Mbps plan providing 1TB at full speed, then 4Mbps for 50GB, and 2Mbps thereafter.

FUPs help manage network congestion by reducing speeds after set data limits, ensuring consistent connectivity for all users.

Source: Extensia

Huawei Powers Madagascar’s Rural Connectivity Push in Ambitious Village Network Rollout

Huawei

The Malagasy government plans to connect more than 1,600 villages to telecommunications services, in partnership with Chinese technology company Huawei. This initiative aims to accelerate the country’s digital transformation. The project was revealed last week by Stéphanie Delmotte (pictured), Minister of Digital Development, Posts and Telecommunications, during an interview with Huawei.

The village coverage project will follow the “Digital Menabe Project,” which aims to connect 200,000 people in the Menabe region and for which a partnership agreement has already been signed with Huawei. The Malagasy government is also targeting coverage in 95% of remote rural areas. For example, Ms. Delmotte praised Huawei’s solutions, including “Rural Star ,” which are “technologically advanced, offer wide coverage, are cost-effective, easy to deploy, and perfectly suited to large-scale deployment.”

According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the 4G network covered only 33% of the Malagasy population, estimated at around 31.2 million in 2023. 2G and 3G covered 88.5% and 68.2%, respectively, while the 5G coverage rate was 6.12%. Regarding usage, the ITU estimates the internet penetration rate at 20.6% of the population. The organization indicates that 38.1% of Malagasy people own a mobile phone, reflecting the mobile phone penetration rate.

“We must therefore start by improving network coverage in remote areas. In collaboration with major players in the telecommunications sector, such as Huawei, we have implemented a program of innovative initiatives to ensure that no region is left behind in the digital world,” the minister said.

It should be noted, however, that the minister did not specify the implementation timeline for the program to connect villages to telecom services. Furthermore, beyond deploying infrastructure and expanding network coverage, the Malagasy government will need to address the obstacles limiting the effective adoption of these services by the population. These challenges include accessibility to terminals (phones and smartphones), the high cost of services, and the lack of digital skills.

Source: Extensia

Tanzania: Telecom operators under pressure to expand network coverage

Telecom

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

Mobile Money: 5 types of fraud that are weakening the sector (GSMA)

Mobile Money

By 2023, 310 mobile financial services were already active worldwide. Sub-Saharan Africa was home to more than half of these. The continent, which has a low rate of banking access, sees this solution as an asset for financial inclusion, especially in rural areas.

Mobile Money, a money transfer service via mobile phones, is now a recurring target of fraudulent and cybercriminal attacks, laments the Global Mobile Operators Association (GSMA). The service, which has earned its place as a lever for economic growth for many telecom operators such as Orange, MTN, Safaricom, and Airtel since 2007, and is a flagship solution for financial inclusion in Africa, is experiencing an increase in these attacks, according to 84% of professionals in the Mobile Money ecosystem surveyed by GSMA. These are people in middle or senior management positions with in-depth knowledge of—and experience with—Mobile Money fraud.

In its study of 34 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, published in March 2024, the Association indicates that five main types of threats against Mobile Money have been identified in order of importance:

Identity theft

Impersonating another person, real or not, and/or representing an entity for the purpose of deceiving others. The person or entity that the imposter claims to be or represents may be genuine, fictitious, or created from a mixture of genuine and/or fictitious information (e.g., pretending to be a member of a family in difficulty and asking relatives for money transfers).

Social engineering

Impersonating someone else to manipulate the target into disclosing information, granting unauthorized access, or performing certain actions that lead to fraud. This type of fraud involves identity theft and deception (a fake Mobile Money agent requesting personal information to update SIM card identification).

Mobile money fraud 1

Infographic: The Main Types of Threats to Mobile Money

Insider fraud

A current or former employee, contractor, or business partner of the Mobile Money service provider implements a fraudulent scheme by taking advantage of their knowledge, skills, experience, or insider access.

SIM swap fraud

A form of identity theft where one person assumes the identity of another by taking over their phone number and/or mobile money account or wallet.

Cyber ​​fraud

Intrusion into the Mobile Money service by hacking the computer system or using a Trojan horse (link sent to a user that introduces malware when clicked)

Fraud and insider threats emerged as a major concern among professionals surveyed by GSMA. Ninety-four percent of them said they were concerned about insider fraud perpetrated by both internal and external parties. Collusion with external fraudsters to commit fraud was identified as the primary insider fraud scheme.

Ali Baba’s Cave

Mobile Money’s growing appeal to fraudsters is explained by the significant volume of financial transactions carried out each year. In 2023, the service already recorded 1.7 billion accounts worldwide, accounting for 85 billion transactions and over $1 trillion in funds transferred. Sub-Saharan Africa alone accounted for 835 million accounts, accounting for 62 billion transactions and $912 billion in funds transferred. This amount of money makes Mobile Money a target for many fraudsters and cybercriminals of all kinds.

Mobile money 2 copy fraudInfographic: The players most impacted by mobile money fraud 

Aware of this illicit interest in Mobile Money, many players operating in the business sector and in the security sector (telecom operators, Fintech, Interpol, etc.) are increasing campaigns and calls to raise awareness among users about good practices to observe. They insist on the need to never share security codes, because even legitimate companies do not ask for them; always check the authenticity of messages and links received and contact the service via its official channels in case of doubt; always use secure applications downloaded only from certified platforms; activate two-factor authentication (2FA) to increase your security margin; regularly monitor your transactions to detect any suspicious activity and report it.

An essential collaboration

Given the dynamic nature of mobile money and the growing threat of fraud in this sector, GSMA recommends that telecom operators invest more in anti-fraud programs, cutting-edge technologies that support security such as artificial intelligence and rigorous monitoring of third parties (agents, technology providers and other third parties). The Association calls on governments to update and improve legal frameworks to address the specific nuances of mobile money fraud, ensuring that laws are robust enough to enable effective prosecution in such cases. Importantly, the collaboration of different stakeholders on various measures, including awareness programs and information sharing, data protection and regular assessment of vulnerabilities that not only jeopardize the mobile money sector, but the entire financial ecosystem.

Source: Extensia

Huawei unveils foldable sporting Harmony OS 5

Huawei-Pura-X-launch-China-1

richard-yu-230-copy-png-650

Huawei introduced the Pura X to the Chinese market, a flip-style foldable which is the first smartphone to come with the latest version of its Harmony OS.

The Pura X runs Huawei’s Harmony OS 5.0.1 and features AI assistant Xiaoyi, which uses models from the vendor’s Pangu and DeepSeek.

Xiaoyi can be used for tasks including managing calls, downloading videos and automatically generating video logs.

The latest device in the Pura series features a wider form-factor than typical flip phones, Huawei noted, incorporating a 16:10 aspect ratio for its 6.3-inch internal display.

On the outside, its 3.5-inch cover display is designed for users to manage brief interactions including answering calls, navigating music and viewing notifications without having to unfold the device.

It sports a 40MP ultra-wide and 8MP telephoto lens offering 3.5-times optical zoom, with a 10.7MP front camera.

Sales are due to commence in China on 30 March at price of CNY7,499 ($1,036) for the standard version offering 12GB of RAM and 256GB storage.

A variant featuring 1TB of storage and 16GB of RAM is set to retail for CNY9,999.

In a translated statement on the launch Huawei executive director and consumer group CEO Richard Yu (pictured) hailed the device as breaking “the boundaries of traditional device forms, offering an e-book-like reading experience, tablet-level immersive viewing and the compact convenience of a foldable phone”.

By Amiya Johar

Source: www.mobileworldlive.com

Safaricom Ethiopia Teams Up with GSMA to Tackle Digital Access Gaps

Safaricom

Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia PLC hosted a dynamic workshop session with GSMA at their headquarters, focusing on advancing digital inclusion within the communities.

This collaborative effort specifically addressed the critical usage and gender gaps that persist in digital access, ensuring that our strategies are inclusive and impactful. Our dedicated employees from the Consumer Business Unit (CBU) actively participated, gaining valuable insights and recommendations from GSMA experts on overcoming key barriers such as handset affordability and digital literacy—factors essential for fostering a more inclusive digital landscape.

– Excerpt from Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia PLC’s Announcement

During the workshop, the team engaged in brainstorming sessions to develop scalable and commercially sustainable solutions.

By prioritizing key actions and outlining a high-level implementation roadmap, we aim to empower individuals and communities to fully participate in the digital revolution. This initiative marks a significant step toward creating a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

– Excerpt from Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia PLC’s Announcement

Source: Tech Africa News

SoftBank makes $6.5B move for chip designer Ampere

SoftBank

SoftBank Group sealed a deal to acquire US-based chip designer Ampere Computing for $6.5 billion, a company it stated produces high-performance, energy efficient AI compute based on the Arm platform.

In a statement, SoftBank explained the deal aligns with its broader strategic vision and commitment to driving innovation in AI and computing, with the transaction expected to close in the second half of 2025.

SoftBank chair and CEO Masayoshi Son said Ampere’s expertise in chips and high-performance computing “deepens our commitment to AI innovation in the US”.

Ampere founder and CEO Renee James added: “This is a fantastic outcome for our team and we are excited to drive forward our AmpereOne roadmap for high performance Arm processors and AI.”

The acquisition has been approved by SoftBank’s board and will be made through its subsidiary Corp Silver Bands 6 (US), which will purchase all shares of the company based in Santa Clara.

After completion, Ampere will become an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary and retain its name and headquarters.

The deal is subject to standard regulatory approvals including antitrust clearance by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US, along with the satisfaction or waiver of other closing conditions.

SoftBank holds a majority stake in UK-based chip design company Arm.

Source: Mobile World Live

HMD lauds enduring Nokia brand appeal

Nokia

A senior figure at Nokia licensee Human Mobile Devices (HMD) insisted there was still broad demand for feature phones sporting the Finnish giant’s logo years after the brand’s consumer heyday, while citing positive early progress with devices launched under its own name.

HMD SVP for Europe and ANZ James Robinson (pictured) told Mobile World Live the Nokia brand still had “huge demand” in the feature phone space, but when it came to smartphones its own name had been introduced partly in a bid to appeal to younger consumers.

He noted its research had uncovered “a lot of people who were buying Nokia smartphones were somewhat older, so we needed to actually address how do we get into a fresh young audience and that’s where the HMD brand came from”.

In the feature phone space, he pointed to good sales of Nokia-branded devices across numerous markets and demographics.

“The audience is really broad: we sold 2 million feature phones in India in one month. We have a huge audience across Africa, in the UK Eton [College] bought Nokia 105s…and they issued them [to students]”.

He also noted progress with basic devices being used for events including music festivals where smartphones might get damaged and as safer options for children, with parents one of its current target markets.

Nokia noted in its annual report for 2024 HMD signed an exclusive licensing agreement to use its brand in 2016 which expires “by March 2026”.

Figures released at the end of 2024 showed the Finnish vendor held a 10 per cent stake in HMD.

Discussing the relationship between the two and the current agreement, Robinson said Nokia is “a very good partner of ours” along with being a shareholder.

“I can’t really speculate about what happens beyond the end of the contract, other than there’s still huge demand for Nokia devices.”

Own brand progress
In recent years, the company has spread its wings beyond Nokia with a number of white label and partner releases including with Mattel, Heineken and FC Barcelona.

It also pushed feature and smartphones under its own brand.

Robinson said HMD was “quite pleased” in the own-brand push, with “some markets better than others”.

He noted there is “obviously a lot of competition in that sub-$500 space at the moment and it just takes time to build these brands”.

“The US has been outstanding”.

“In Kenya we’ve done more sales over there with the HMD brand than we’ve done on Nokia”.

“We’ve done better than expected and when we benchmark ourselves against other brands that have introduced products to markets like Europe, we’d be on par or better than their performance”.

He also noted “in India we’ve doubled our feature phone sales since we introduced the HMD brand. It just enables us to play in different channels or with different partners than we do with Nokia and that makes sense creates a bit more choice”.

Source: Mobile World Live