Meta-owned Instagram is ramping up efforts to protect younger users by using AI to verify the ages of teens across the U.S. The new system is designed to detect fake birthdates and ensure that underage users are placed into Teen Accounts, which offer a more secure and age-appropriate online experience.
While Instagram has used AI for age estimation before, this update marks a more proactive approach. If the system suspects a user under 16 is using a false date of birth, it will automatically shift them to a Teen Account with restricted features. These accounts limit interactions with unknown adults, reduce personalized ads, and increase privacy settings by default.
Instagram says it is refining the technology to improve accuracy and avoid misclassifying users, and teens will be able to adjust their settings if an error occurs. The platform also plans to notify parents with tips on how to talk to their teens about using their real age online.
Teen Accounts were first introduced on Instagram in 2024 and have now been rolled out to Facebook and Messenger as of April 8. Meta reports that over 54 million teens have been enrolled so far, with 97% of users aged 13–15 choosing to stay within the protected environment.
Ericsson has announced plans to localize production of all its passive antennas for the Indian market by June 2025. The initiative, in partnership with VVDN Technologies, aims to strengthen Ericsson’s ability to serve local telecom operators, support ongoing 5G rollouts, and diversify its global manufacturing footprint.
By shifting production to India, Ericsson will be able to respond more quickly to changing market demands while enhancing the resilience of its supply chain. Mikael Eriksson, Head of Ericsson Antenna System, noted that expanding manufacturing in India allows the company to deliver cutting-edge technology faster and closer to where next-generation networks are being built.
Nitin Bansal, MD of Ericsson India, highlighted that localized manufacturing will ensure quicker deployments, improved responsiveness, and better protection for customers against external disruptions.
In addition to serving the domestic market, a significant portion of the antennas produced in India will be exported, further positioning the country as a key strategic hub within Ericsson’s global supply chain. The company currently operates other manufacturing facilities in Mexico, Romania, China, and the US, and has been active in India since 1994.
MTN Group has teamed up with Meta to improve voice and video call quality on real-time apps like WhatsApp across 12 African markets. The collaboration focuses on optimizing network performance through data analytics, testing, and targeted interventions to ensure a more stable and seamless user experience.
Since MWC 2024, both teams have worked to fine-tune network and app interactions. Nigeria is the first country to benefit, with early results showing a 50% improvement in key performance indicators.
MTN Nigeria’s CTO, Yahaya Ibrahim, praised the enhanced user experience, while Meta’s Diego Marí highlighted the partnership’s role in delivering advanced, efficient solutions.
MTN Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the launch of “MTN SME Accelerate.” This year-long initiative, themed “Business Done Smarter, Faster, and Better,” aims to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of SMEs.
During the launch, Stephen Blewett, CEO of MTN Ghana, stated, “MTN is deeply invested in empowering SMEs. We understand the vital role they play in driving economic growth and job creation throughout Africa.” He emphasized the need for essential tools, resources, and support for these businesses to thrive in the digital age.
Angela Mensah Poku, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of MTN, highlighted that SMEs encounter several challenges, including digitization, access to credit, and a lack of capacity. She emphasized MTN’s commitment to extending the SME initiative from a month-long program to a year-long initiative. This change aims to ensure sustained engagement with the sector to ensure successful outcomes.
As part of its support for women in the SME sector, the launch also introduced the “MTN Adwumapa Bundle,” a package designed specifically for women-led SMEs. This special bundle, one of many specialized offerings available throughout the year, aims to facilitate network connections and provide exclusive access to market opportunities, including SME fairs and pop-up shops.
In her address, Ms. Margaret Ansei, CEO of the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), shared her agency’s plan to deepen the integration of technology into the operations of SMEs. She commended MTN for this initiative and expressed GEA’s commitment to partnering with MTN Business to grow SMEs and support Ghana’s economic development.
Under the “MTN Accelerate” initiative, MTN Ghana will roll out various programs aimed at empowering Ghanaian SMEs to expand and operate sustainably. Planned initiatives include expanded market activations and capacity-building sessions for SMEs in both formal and informal sectors. Additionally, there will be leadership trainings specifically for women in business. The initiative will culminate at the end of the year with an awards event called the MTN SME GROW AFRICA Awards (SMEGA Awards), which will recognize and assess the performance of SMEs over the year.
Attendees at the event included the Bulgarian Consul to Ghana, H.E. Nico van Staalduinen; H.E. Jean Claude Galea Mallia, Ambassador of Malta to Ghana; Her Royal Majesty Nana Esi Ninsin VIII, Queen Mother of Ekumfi; Dr. Joe Tackie, Board Chair of SME GrowAfrica & AfCFTA
Policy Network; Madam Saalai Manikam, SMEGA Board Member; and Charles Polet from OneAfrica.
MTN Business is focused on delivering innovative telecommunications solutions, tailored to the evolving needs of businesses. Some services for SMEs include: The Yello Biz service, MTN Business Messenger, SME Plus, Business Manager, Microsoft 365 suite and Business Website. Customers can engage MTN on any of these platforms toll free 100, call 0244308111, email at mtnbusiness.gh@mtn.com. Visit: mtn.com.gh/business or any MTN Office for your Yello Biz and stay connected everywhere you go.
Guest Speaker- CEO of GEA-Madam Margaret Ansei
Chief Enterprise Business Officer- Angela Mensah- Poku giving a welcome address
MTN Group is preparing to sell an additional 11% stake in MTN Nigeria to local investors, aiming to deepen local ownership and reduce its shareholding from 76% to 65%. The move builds on its 2021 sale of 575 million shares, part of a broader strategy to localize ownership across Nigeria, Ghana, and Uganda.
Group Chairman Ralph Mupita indicated the offer will launch once MTN Nigeria’s financial position stabilizes amid a challenging macroeconomic environment. Inflation in Nigeria rose to 33.1% in 2024, with the naira depreciating significantly against the dollar.
Despite these headwinds, MTN Nigeria reported a 36.1% increase in revenue to N3.36 trillion (USD 2.1 billion) in 2024. However, the company posted a net loss of N400.43 billion and has suspended dividend payments for the year.
MTN says it remains committed to sustainable growth and will continue to adapt to economic shifts while engaging stakeholders on future developments.
Cameroon’s Telecommunications Regulatory Board (TRB) is set to recover over $52 million in unpaid license fees and penalties from telecom operators, citing persistent regulatory non-compliance.
The TRB says the move aims to reinforce accountability, ensure adherence to market rules, and promote fair competition. “We are operationalizing the treasury’s preferential right to collect these long-standing debts,” said TRB board chair Justine Diffo after a recent meeting.
While no companies were officially named, industry sources suggest major players like MTN Cameroon, Orange Cameroon, and Camtel could be affected. These operators have previously faced sanctions for issues including poor network quality and incomplete SIM registrations.
The debt recovery initiative aligns with broader government efforts to improve digital sector governance, address consumer concerns over service quality, and attract greater infrastructure investment.
Zimbabwe’s telecoms regulator, POTRAZ, is calling for mandatory handset registration to enhance mobile money security and combat rising cybercrime. Speaking recently, engineer Hasha Myambo said the initiative would complement the country’s existing SIM card database by creating a national registry of mobile phone IMEI numbers.
The proposed system would allow authorities to block stolen or lost devices, helping reduce theft and prevent unauthorized network access. Myambo emphasized the need for stronger safeguards as more citizens come online and face digital threats.
POTRAZ is also engaging with ICT stakeholders to develop a national strategy that integrates digital tools into the country’s economic and social development, with a renewed focus on collaboration over regulation.
Ethio Telecom is driving a large-scale expansion of digital infrastructure, furthering their vision to be a leading provider of telecom and digital solutions. This expansion embraces the citizens’ rapidly growing demand for communication and digital solutions, supports the community’s sustainable growth and economic benefit, and creates a powerful platform to achieve the country’s digital transformation journey.
Beyond infrastructure construction, Ethio Telecom undertook proactive, study-based regional restructuring aimed at serving customers more closely, enhancing service delivery efficiency and customer experience, and increasing access to rapidly growing digital services. Based on this process and the understanding of the exciting potential market demand of the Southeast region, Ethio Telecom has now made structural adjustments aimed at generating significant economic benefits for both the region and the country.
The existing Southeast Region office, based in Adama, successfully covered a vast territory stretching from Bishoftu to the edge of East Bale, serving numerous towns, woredas, kebeles, and a large population. It effectively oversaw numerous mobile sites, extensive telecom infrastructure, and 128 service centers. Furthermore, the recent undertaking of significant large-scale network expansion and modernization works, including the construction of additional state-of-the-art 4G LTE Advanced network sites, created favorable conditions and wonderful potential for organizing this additional region.
Therefore, in order to better serve the customers, fully utilize the huge telecom and digital infrastructure developed in the area, and provide truly inclusive and efficient service, Ethio Telecom has established a new ‘South South-East’ region.
The new South South-East Region office, based in the welcoming city of Bale Robe, encompasses 3 administrative zones (Bale Zone, East Bale Zone, and part of West Arsi Zone), 29 woredas, 38 towns, and 471 rural kebeles. The new region is well-equipped with numerous mobile and fixed-line service sites deployed through recent large-scale telecom infrastructure expansion projects, service centers designed with accessibility in mind, and a dedicated team of human resources.
The areas administered by the new region boast extensive crop and flower farms, major industrial parks, significant livestock resources, rapidly growing towns, and various attractive tourism destinations. Therefore, this closer connection, combined with equipping the area with technology and digital solutions, will provide a notable boost to stimulating the country’s vibrant digital economy, reaching beyond the region itself.
The successful launch of operations for the South South-East Region office not only enables Ethio Telecom to serve customers closely, providing them with a superior experience, but also helps facilitate faster administrative decisions and streamline operational tasks. Furthermore, through dynamic collaborations with local government institutions, partners, and startups, we look forward to introducing impactful, problem-solving, and lifestyle-modernizing digital solutions and telebirr services for the local community. This commitment ensures inclusive and sustainable economic benefits and plays a vital role in powering the bright future of Digital Ethiopia.
Ghana’s journey toward a cash-light economy is progressing, though digital payment adoption among businesses remains uneven. A new report by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) and the ReFinD initiative reveals that 37% of firms nationwide use digital platforms, with usage highest in Greater Accra and other regional capitals.
While agriculture lags in adoption, the study—part of the 2024 Integrated Business Establishment Survey (IBES)—points to significant growth opportunities. Barriers such as limited digital literacy, security concerns, and taxation challenges like the e-levy are slowing uptake, especially among small enterprises.
Despite these hurdles, businesses using merchant accounts report better efficiency and revenue growth. Notably, female managers are associated with improved firm performance, though many women-led businesses still face capital constraints.
“This large gap between individual and business use tells us there’s strong potential if we address the barriers,” said Francis Annan, ReFinD co-lead. Professor Peter Quartey of ISSER echoed this, noting recent strides and the need to tackle existing constraints.
The report calls for expanded digital infrastructure, cybersecurity improvements, targeted incentives for female-led businesses, and stronger public-private collaboration. Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, stressed the need for inclusive financial products and deeper community engagement.
With smartphone penetration already high in areas like Wa, the path forward lies in boosting education, outreach, and tailored solutions—paving the way for a more digitally inclusive business environment in Ghana.
Ghana’s Digital Minister met with American Towers executives to enhance partnerships supporting digital infrastructure growth and national connectivity objectives.
Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP), recently met with American Towers leadership to strengthen collaboration and acknowledge their support in Ghana’s digital infrastructure development
Present at the meeting were:
Marek Busfy – CEO, ATC Africa and Asia; Ashutosh Singh – CEO ATC Ghana; Lucretia Fontaine – Director, Public Affairs, ATC Africa; Nasreen Sooliman – Chief of Staff, ATC Africa; Enid Kanor – Executive Head of Legal, ATC Ghana; Bright Owusu Bempah – Chief Financial Officer, ATC Ghana; Akua Twumasi – Manager, Public Affairs, ATC Ghana; Madam Esther Cobbah – CEO, Stratcomm Africa
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