Dr. Aminu Maida, CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Annika Hahn-Englund, signed a grant agreement with SWEDFUND last week to fund a crowdsourcing quality of experience project.
SWEDFUND is Sweden’s development finance institution that invests in viable and sustainable projects in low and middle-income countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.
On the Nigerian initiative, the NCC stated that it will use real-time data to provide insights into user experience and network performance.
It went on to say this will help inform regulatory decisions and guide the expansion of connectivity in underserved areas across Nigeria.
The NCC added: “It will empower the NCC to monitor network performance in real-time, identifying and addressing issues such as dropped calls, slow internet speeds, and weak coverage.
“With such valuable data, the NCC will hold telecom providers more accountable, ensuring better service delivery for consumers.
“This is a significant step toward enhancing connectivity in Nigeria and has the potential to set a benchmark across Africa.”
A Google release of latest updates to its Gemini generative AI product was overshadowed by reports the company had become the latest US tech giant to ditch diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) goals to pander to the nation’s new President.
The Wall Street Journal led the way, reporting Google told staff it planned to drop recruitment targets involving groups which traditionally were not well represented.
Google also intends to appraise some elements of its DEI programmes, the newspaper wrote.
Forbes explained Google told staff about the move yesterday (5 February), outlining an intention to continue to support “underrepresented staff”, while reconsidering its stance on broader DEI programmes and reporting.
In a video accompanying Google’s 2024 Diversity Annual Report, chief diversity officer Melonie Parker argued the company had learned “making space for diverse perspectives and experiences is inseparable from innovation”.
The report summarised Google’s work in 2023, its 25th anniversary year and one in which Parker said it doubled its efforts to create “a workplace where everyone feels supported”.
“At Google, we’ve seen how the best of technology empowers people of all backgrounds.”
Parker highlighted the creation of “equitable pathways in tech education”, increasing “access to technology” and backing of organisations which advanced “equity in their neighbourhoods and the world beyond them”.
Gemini 2.0 Details of Google’s DEI move broke the same day it advanced development of its Gemini 2.0 Flash agentic AI model by making it widely available through its related API in its various developer studios.
Koray Kavukcuoglu, CTO of Google DeepMind, stated in a blog the release means developers “can now build production applications” using the model, with availability coming two months after the company released an experimental edition.
Google also released an experimental version of its related coding performance and complex prompts model Gemini 2.0 Pro, along with previewing a slimline version of its Flash product which Kavukcuoglu described as its “most cost-efficient model yet”.
The data protection watchdog in South Korea issued a warning to consumers about using the new Chinese AI platform DeepSeek, following a number of ministries blocking its use by employees, Yonhap News Agency reported.
Due to concerns over the start-up’s data management practices, the Personal Information Protection Commission said it is reviewing how the service uses personal data and urged caution when using the generative AI tool.
The commission stated in a briefing it is cooperating with other data protection organisation around the world, including the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office, the news agency wrote.
Earlier in the week, South Korea’s industry, foreign and defence ministries blocked internal assess to the service after the government advised ministries and agencies to use caution when using AI services including DeepSeek and ChatGPT.
Australia’s government announced on February 4 all DeepSeek products, applications and services would be immediately removed from government networks.
Italy and Taiwan also moved to block the AI service.
The European Union (EU) unveiled fresh guidelines under its AI Act focusing on prohibited uses of the technology, as it pushes forward with the regulatory framework that has attracted opposition from industry heavyweights.
The AI Act, first unveiled in 2023, categorises AI technologies into minimal, transparency, high, or unacceptable risk levels, moving to ban systems that pose a threat to safety and fundamental rights. The latest measures, released by the European Commission on Tuesday (4 February), provide detailed guidance on how the rules will apply.
Under the new guidelines, which came into effect from 2 February, AI systems that carry out “manipulative, exploitative, social control or surveillance practices” are barred from the EU. This includes AI practices such as predictive social scoring, mass biometric surveillance and scraping internet sources or CCTV footage to build facial recognition databases.
The legislation also mandates transparency requirements for companies developing “high-risk” AI systems, which servepublic servicefunctions including healthcare, credit-scoring, and migration. Developers of more advanced AI models face even stricter obligations including mandatory human oversight of AI systems and risk assessments.
National regulators will oversee the enforcement of the act, with non-compliant companies facing hefty financial penalties of up to €35 million or higher with respect to their global annual revenue. Companies engaging in prohibited AI practices could also be hit with a ban from operating in the EU.
However, the framework exempts select areas from its scope including national security tasks, third-country authorities or international organisations using AI for law enforcement, and pre-market AI research and development.
Industry pushback Several tech giants including Meta Platforms have raised concerns over the stringent regulations, arguing they could crush AI innovation and investment. In response to the latest announcement, head of global affairs at Meta, Joel Kaplan, announced the company will not join the EU’s AI Code of Practice, calling it “unworkable” and claiming it imposes unnecessary burdens on open-source AI models.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has warned the EU against targeting US tech companies, while hinting at possible retaliatory measures targeting businesses in the bloc. “We have some very big complaints with the EU,” he said last month.
Despite the criticism, an EU official told Financial Times the regulatory body’s stance on AI remains firm. “What we can do is ensure that it is as innovation-friendly as possible, and that’s what we’re doing right now,” he added.
Senior Google executives defended a shift in its AI ethics policy which opens the door for its technology to be used in military applications as a change necessary to defend the principles of democracy.
Various news outlets noted updated Google AI Principles omit wording about employing the technology for harmful purposes including weapons development or surveillance which had been fundamental to its approach since 2018.
Bloomberg, BBC News and others noted Google’s latest principles drop a commitment to ensure AI was not used in ways “likely to cause” harm, pointing to weapons development as a key example.
In a blog, the tech giant’s SVP of research, labs, technology and society James Manyika, and Demis Hassabis, CEO and co-founder of Google DeepMind, delved deeply into the company’s AI credentials and transparency, but added the ongoing development of the technology required it to adapt.
The executives noted emerging AI capabilities “may present new risks”, because it had evolved from being a “niche research topic in the laboratory to a technology that is becoming as pervasive as mobile phones and the internet itself”, which is used by “billions of people”.
They argued governments, companies and other organisations should work together to develop principles which promote national security, among other goals.
Experts told Bloomberg the reworked governance principles would likely lead to AI being used in more nefarious ways, though the news outlet noted Google’s move comes at a time of a broader hardening of attitudes among large technology players, including the removal of fact checking and diversity programmes.
Orange signed a contract extension with Nokia to upgrade its 5G radio infrastructure in France, a deal which includes a trial of the vendor’s cloud RAN solutions to assess a transition of the operator’s network towards the technology.
The agreement marks another big deal struck by Nokia this week, after it agreed an extension with US operator AT&T to upgrade the company’s voice core and aid a network automation push.
Under the latest four-year agreement, Nokia noted it would supply Orange France with equipment from its open-RAN compliant 5G Airscale portfolio, all powered by its ReefShark System-on-Chip technology to provide “superior coverage and capacity”.
Nokia added it would also supply AI-powered network management services, supporting all radio and mobile core technologies.
On the cloud RAN aspect of the deal, Nokia explained it is already helping global operators transition to a more-cloud based network approach. Orange will trial its anyRAN system, allowing the operator to assess “strategic options” for RAN evolution with purpose-built hybrid or cloud RAN solutions.
Nokia is starting to see traction with its 5G cloud RAN offering. It deployed the service for Finnish vendor Elisa at the end of 2024, a move the companies claimed as a European first.
Emmanuel Lugagne Delpon, CTO at Orange France stated the deal with Nokia would support its “pioneering efforts to drive superior customer experience further, reduce our environmental footprint and make our network as energy efficient as possible”.
5G is being positioned as the future of connectivity —powering everything from AI-driven industries to smart agriculture and autonomous systems. It’s fast, efficient, and capable of transforming economies. In Sub-Saharan Africa, 5G’s contribution to the economy is projected to reach $10 billion by 2030 (GSMA), accounting for 6% of the overall economic impact of mobile. By the end of 2023, global 5G connections had surpassed 1.5 billion, making it the fastest-growing mobile technology in history.
But while the rest of the world surges ahead with 5G, Sub-Saharan Africa still faces a different reality—one where 3G remains the primary network for millions of people, and 4G adoption is progressing at a considerably steady pace, and some are even still using 2G. As of 2023, only about 31% of mobile connections in Sub-Saharan Africa were on 4G and 1.2% on 5G (though expected to increase to 50% and 17% respectively by 2030). This seemingly slow transition isn’t just about infrastructure; high device costs, affordability barriers, and uneven network coverage mean that for many, even 4G remains out of reach.
So, how do we talk about 5G’s potential when millions of Africans are still unconnected?
The reality is, we can’t just skip steps. A rapid push for 5G won’t automatically bridge the digital divide—in fact, it could make it worse. If millions remain stuck on 2G and 3G while 5G networks expand in isolated pockets, we risk widening the connectivity gap rather than closing it. Before we embrace the promise of 5G, we need to ensure that existing technology—particularly 4G—is maximized to bring as many people online as possible.
In this #TechTalkThursday, we’ll explore why striking a balance is crucial, advancing 5G while ensuring that 4G reaches its full potential in Africa.
The Current Landscape: Where Africa Stands Today
While much of the world has moved on to 4G and 5G, Sub-Saharan Africa remains a 3G-dominated region. According to GSMA, a staggering 60% of online users in Sub-Saharan Africa still rely on 3G technology, which is slower, less energy-efficient, and limits access to digital services like mobile banking, e-learning, and telemedicine. Although 4G adoption is on the rise, it is not happening fast enough to drive the kind of digital transformation needed to close the connectivity gap.
The growth of 4G across the continent has been constrained by two major obstacles: affordability and coverage. Even as mobile operators expand their 4G networks, many Africans cannot afford 4G-enabled devices, which remain out of reach for lower-income households. Additionally, rural areas are still underserved, with large parts of the population lacking access to reliable 4G networks. Yet, despite these challenges, 4G is expected to become the dominant mobile technology in Africa by the end of the decade. The shift is happening, but not fast enough to bridge the digital divide before 5G begins to take center stage.
On the other hand, the promise of 5G is beginning to take shape in Africa, but it remains a story of limited deployment rather than widespread adoption. South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya are expected to account for more than half of all 5G connections in Africa by 2030, according to GSMA. However, across much of the region, 5G remains in the trial and early rollout phase, with infrastructure, device affordability, and demand still posing major obstacles. For many telecom operators, the focus is still on expanding 4G coverage before making large-scale investments in 5G.
This makes sense: while 5G is the future, most Africans are still making the transition from 3G to 4G, not from 4G to 5G.
Why 5G Might Not Be the “Immediate” Answer
While 5G undoubtedly has its advantages, it might not necessarily be the immediate answer to Africa’s digital divide. The infrastructure demands alone pose a significant challenge—5G requires dense fiber networks, extensive tower upgrades, and higher energy consumption, all of which come at a steep cost.
As Angela Wamola, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa says in an interview with TechAfrica News, “Investment is still needed at the 4G level to support the consumer, but even greater investment is required for the future, focusing on 5G and beyond.”
Device affordability is another major barrier to its adoption. The median income in many African countries makes 5G-capable smartphones an unaffordable luxury for the average consumer. Even as prices gradually decline, the reality is that millions still struggle to afford even entry-level 4G devices, keeping next-generation connectivity out of reach for the majority.
For telecom operators, prioritizing 5G in regions where even 4G coverage remains patchy is neither financially nor logistically viable.
“I think the main challenges to rolling out 5G will continue to be the core challenges we face on our network. The cost of rolling out the network is substantial. Vodacom has pledged another 60 billion Rand over the next five years, committing about 10 billion Rand a year to the network, as we have done for the past five years. This investment is crucial, but much of what we have is imported, and the exchange rate plays a significant role in that”
– Sitho Mdalose, CEO, Vodacom South Africa
Beyond infrastructure and affordability, the practical use cases for 5G in Africa don’t yet align with the continent’s most pressing connectivity needs. While industries in wealthier nations are exploring 5G-powered smart factories, autonomous vehicles, and AR/VR applications, Africa’s digital priorities remain far more fundamental—mobile banking, e-learning, e-health, and small business digitization. Pushing 5G in markets where basic internet access is still a privilege risks creating a two-tier digital economy, where wealthier urban centers race ahead while rural and underserved communities remain stuck on outdated networks.
The real danger isn’t just slow 5G adoption but it’s rushing into 5G while millions remain disconnected or struggling on 3G. If digital transformation is truly about inclusion, then the smarter path is clear: maximize the potential of 4G first, then build towards 5G when the ecosystem is ready. Bridging the gap isn’t just about technology—it’s about ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital economy.
The Smart Approach: Advancing 5G While Strengthening 4G
Africa’s digital transformation doesn’t need to be an either-or-scenario between 4G and 5G, but rather a careful balancing act that ensures progress without leaving vast swaths of the population behind. To achieve meaningful digital inclusion, we must first expand 4G access, lower the barriers to affordability, and introduce 5G rollouts strategically—in high-demand areas while strengthening the foundation elsewhere.
To effectively tackle affordability barriers, a more coordinated approach is required, with local manufacturing playing a key role. By producing affordable smartphones within the continent, the cost of imports could be significantly reduced, passing those savings directly to consumers. Additionally, programs like Kenya’s Safaricom “LipaLater” financing plan, which allows consumers to pay for devices in instalments, can make 4G smartphones more accessible to low-income users.
“The affordability of devices is crucial, and at Vodacom, we’ve explored several solutions to address this, including our ‘easy to own’ innovation, which allows consumers to pay daily installments for a smartphone, starting at as little as 8.50 Rand per day. As you pay, it provides both data and the ability to use and unlock the smartphone.”
– Sitho Mdlalose, CEO of Vodacom South Africa
This approach should be complemented by government and operator subsidies to ensure broader affordability. Moreover, taxes on devices should be reassessed to reduce the financial burden on consumers, and the high cost of data must also be addressed to make mobile internet more affordable for all.
“If we can solve the challenge around the affordability of 4G devices, we can leapfrog even those customers still on 2G—representing the 44% who have never accessed mobile broadband—straight into 4G. This would allow them to benefit from the infrastructure that’s already developed, helping to close the gap across Sub-Saharan Africa, where there is still a long road ahead in terms of digital access.”
– Angela Wamola, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, GSMA
But device affordability is only part of the equation. 4G infrastructure expansion is crucial for ensuring that no one is left out of the digital revolution. Many rural areas remain disconnected, not because people lack the desire to connect, but because deploying infrastructure in remote locations is cost prohibitive. Governments, alongside telecom providers, must direct more Universal Service Fund (USF) resources toward these areas, encouraging network expansion where it matters most. Universal Service Funds (USFs) in this case have largely underperformed in many African countries, with substantial portions of allocated resources remaining unspent or misdirected, hindering efforts to expand connectivity in underserved and rural areas where it is needed most.
“Insights from the GSMA report on Universal Service Funds in Africa indicate that the funds are underperforming and have become ineffective tools to close the coverage gap, signaling the need for reforms”
– Caroline Mbugua, HSC, Senior Director, Public Policy and Communications, Sub-Saharan Africa, GSMA
There is also the opportunity to repurpose existing 3G spectrum for 4G use, maximizing network efficiency and expanding coverage without requiring entirely new infrastructure. By sharing towers and collaborating with local entities, telecom companies can lower deployment costs, allowing them to focus on connecting more people, not just urban elites.
Maximizing the potential of 4G is not just about providing faster speeds; it’s about unlocking new economic and social opportunities. In agriculture, farmers can access real-time market prices and weather information via mobile phones, helping them make better decisions. In healthcare, telemedicine can bring urban specialists to rural clinics, providing much-needed expertise where it’s most needed. Education, too, stands to benefit, with digital literacy programs and e-learning platforms helping to bridge the gap for students who would otherwise be left behind. Strengthening 4G connectivity now will set the stage for future growth, ensuring that when 5G does arrive, it doesn’t just cater to a privileged few but builds on a connected base that can fully take advantage of the next wave of digital transformation.
The approach to 5G must be deliberate, not rushed. Instead of a blanket rollout, targeted deployments in specific areas—such as industrial hubs, ports, or tech campuses—where 5G can drive the most immediate impact should be prioritized. For example, in South Africa, the mining sector has already started testing 5G to enable smart mining solutions and increase safety through real-time data monitoring.
For Africa to truly benefit from the promise of 5G, the path must be inclusive and pragmatic, focused on first ensuring every African is connected to the technologies they need to improve their lives.
Angela Wamola, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, GSMA. (Image: Supplied)
As African leaders gather in Tanzania for the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit, the continent stands at a crossroads. Nearly 600 million Africans—roughly half the population—lack access to electricity, representing 83% of the global electricity access deficit.
This energy gap is not just a barrier to development; it is a missed opportunity to leapfrog traditional energy systems and embrace a sustainable, digitally enabled future.
The Summit, hosted by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, the African Union, the African Development Bank Group, and the World Bank Group, is a pivotal moment to address this challenge.
But achieving the ambitious goal of providing 300 million Africans with electricity access by 2030 will require more than just infrastructure investments.
It will demand innovative thinking, cross-sector collaboration, and a recognition of the synergies between energy and digital connectivity.
The Dual Challenge: Energy and Digital Inclusion
Africa’s energy gap is deeply intertwined with its digital divide. Mobile networks are the backbone of connectivity, enabling access to education, healthcare, financial services, and commerce.
Yet, these networks rely on reliable and sustainable energy to function. In rural and underserved areas, where energy access is most limited, mobile operators often depend on diesel generators—a costly, polluting, and inefficient solution.
The report reveals that while Sub-Saharan Africa has immense potential for renewable energy, only about 10% of mobile operators’ energy consumption in the region comes from renewables.
This is despite the fact that renewable energy solutions, such as solar and mini-grids, are not only environmentally sustainable but also economically viable in the long term.
The Energy Inefficiency of Africa’s Mobile Networks
One of the key findings of our report is the energy inefficiency of Africa’s mobile networks, which are still heavily reliant on 3G technology.
Transitioning to 4G and 5G is not just a matter of improving connectivity; it is also a key step toward reducing energy consumption and operational costs.
By modernising their networks and adopting energy-efficient architectures, mobile operators can play a leading role in Africa’s energy transition.
However, this transition requires more than just technological upgrades. It demands a fundamental shift in how we approach energy access and digital inclusion.
Mobile operators, governments, and development partners must work together to create an enabling environment for renewable energy adoption and digital transformation.
Innovative Financing Models: Unlocking Renewable Energy Potential
One of the most promising avenues for scaling renewable energy solutions in Africa is through innovative financing models. Two models, in particular, stand out.
The first is the Energy Service Company (ESCO) Model, which allows mobile operators to outsource their energy needs to specialized companies.
These companies provide renewable energy solutions through long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs), reducing upfront costs for operators while ensuring reliable and sustainable energy supply.
The second is the Anchor Business Customer (ABC) Model, where mobile operators or tower companies act as anchor tenants for mini-grid projects.
These mini-grids provide a stable demand base for renewable energy, which can then extend power to surrounding communities, creating a virtuous cycle of energy access and economic development.
These models have already shown promise in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, and Nigeria, where mobile operators are partnering with renewable energy providers to power their networks and support rural electrification.
A Blueprint for Action: Recommendations for Stakeholders
To accelerate progress toward universal energy access, we need a concerted effort from all stakeholders.
Governments can play a crucial role by zero-rating import duties on green energy equipment, offering tax incentives and subsidies for renewable energy projects, and designating telecom infrastructure as critical national infrastructure.
Reforming energy market designs to speed up permissions for renewable energy projects and grid expansions is also essential.
Mobile operators, for their part, must modernize their networks to improve energy efficiency and transition from 3G to 4G and 5G.
Collaboration with international development financial institutions (DFIs) to secure funding for renewable energy projects is another critical step. Sharing tower location data to guide integrated energy planning will ensure that renewable energy investments are directed to areas with the greatest need.
Development partners can scale blended finance models that combine public and private funding to de-risk renewable energy investments.
Supporting capacity-building initiatives to train local communities and businesses in renewable energy technologies, as well as promoting cross-sector collaboration between the energy and digital sectors, will maximize impact.
The private sector, too, has a role to play. Investing in renewable energy solutions that align with corporate sustainability goals and ESG commitments is a start.
Exploring partnerships with mobile operators to leverage their infrastructure and customer base for energy access projects, and adopting innovative business models such as pay-as-you-go (PAYG) systems, will make renewable energy affordable for low-income households.
Civil society organizations can advocate for policy reforms that support renewable energy adoption and digital inclusion. Raising awareness of the benefits of renewable energy and digital connectivity for rural communities, and monitoring and evaluating the impact of energy and digital projects, will ensure they deliver tangible benefits.
The Path Forward: Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
The Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit is more than just a gathering of leaders; it is a call to action.
To achieve the ambitious goal of providing 300 million Africans with electricity access by 2030, we need to think differently. We need to recognize that energy is central to achieving digital objectives, and digitalization is central to achieving energy objectives.
This is particularly true in countries like DRC, Nigeria, and South Africa, where both energy and digital infrastructure gaps are significant.
At the GSMA, we are committed to supporting Africa’s energy and digital transformation. By leveraging the power of mobile networks and renewable energy, we can unlock new opportunities for economic growth, improve quality of life, and ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age.
We urge all stakeholders—governments, development partners, private sector players, and civil society—to join forces and take concrete steps toward a future where every African has access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy. Together, we can power Africa’s future.
Senior Executives of Telecel Ghana have paid an annual New Year’s courtesy visit to the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi to extend warm wishes to the Asantehene, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The visit, a long-standing tradition, saw Telecel Ghana’s executives present their respects to the revered Ashanti monarch as well as seek his support and guidance for the new year.
The delegation was led by Chief Executive Officer Patricia Obo-Nai, along with the Head of Foundation, Sustainability, and External Communications, Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, and the Executive Head for the Ashanti Region, Kwaku Asiedu.
Obo-Nai conveyed Telecel Ghana’s continued commitment to strengthening the existing relationship with Asantehene and the people of the Ashanti Region.
“We are grateful for the longstanding support, guidance and blessings we have received from Otumfuo and the Manhyia Palace leadership over the years. We remain committed to the partnership with Asanteman for mutual growth and development.”
Receiving the delegation at the Manhyia Palace, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said he was grateful for the courtesy visit and the enduring partnership with the telco over the years. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II also commended Obo-Nai for her leadership and called for more investment to grow the business.
One of the major areas of partnership is the annual Asantehene Golf Tournament, with its 68th edition set to take place later this year.
The golf tournament brings together amateur and professional golfers to compete in the championships. As the headline sponsor for seven consecutive years, Telecel Ghana assured Asantehene of its consistent support for the golf tournament.
Beyond golf, Telecel Ghana dedicates an entire month, known as Ashanti Month, to rewarding its customers in the region, engaging local businesses, supporting community health and celebrating the rich culture and history of the Ashanti region.
The visit underscores the strong bond between the telecommunications company and the Ashanti Kingdom, and it marks another year of collaboration aimed at driving positive change in the region.
MTN Zambia has introduced Call Natasha, its first AI-powered customer service agent, in partnership with blackNgreen. This smart assistant is designed to reduce wait times by providing instant, tailored responses to customer inquiries, including financial literacy tips and general information.
Built on the EVA AI platform, Call Natasha continuously learns from interactions to improve accuracy and efficiency, making AI-driven customer support a viable alternative to traditional call centers.
This initiative aligns with Zambia’s broader digital transformation agenda, positioning the country alongside other African nations like Nigeria and Kenya in AI adoption. As mobile and internet penetration expands, AI-powered solutions like Call Natasha play a crucial role in bridging digital divides and enhancing business efficiency.
