Industry News

The Tunisian government is considering a collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to facilitate the population’s access to 5G phones. This initiative is part of a strengthening of partnerships between Tunisia and the ITU, a topic at the heart of discussions between Sofiene Hemissi (pictured, center), Minister of Communication Technologies, and Doreen Bogdan-Martin (pictured, right), Secretary-General of the ITU, at the Summit for Action on Artificial Intelligence, held on February 10-11 in Paris.

The collaboration is expected to facilitate the adoption of the country’s recently launched 5G services, which require compatible phones. The Global Association of Mobile Phone Operators (GSMA) said in its report “5G in Africa: Realising the Potential” that cost is a major barrier that could deter consumers from adopting 5G. The organization estimates that 5G-compatible smartphones are now available from $150 from several manufacturers, but this price remains prohibitive for most consumers in Africa, especially if they have to pay for the device in one go.

“While device prices are falling, they remain significantly higher than 2G, 3G and 4G devices. In Africa, 5G adoption will depend on the affordability of devices. While smartphone financing programmes are primarily driven by the private sector, governments and policymakers have a role to play in creating an enabling environment for these initiatives – for example, by allowing operators to offer carrier-locked phones to mitigate the risks associated with device financing,” the GSMA said.

It is not yet clear what concrete measures will be put in place to facilitate the adoption of 5G phones. It is important to remember that the accessibility of 5G smartphones is not the only obstacle to the adoption of this technology. According to the GSMA, the cost of plans is one of the main obstacles to mobile internet. In addition, network coverage can also slow its adoption, as services are generally deployed first in major cities before being gradually extended to the rest of the country.

Source: Agency EcoFin

South Africa’s parliamentary portfolio committee on communications (PCC) on communications and digital technologies adopted a bold stand this month, recommending that spectrum be allocated to state-owned firms on an open access basis.

The move by the PPC comes as demand for broadband service across the continent continues to rise.

Broadband Infraco, a licensed state-owned telecoms company, welcomed the decision, which coincides with its goal to increase market efficiency in the long-distance connectivity segment by enhancing available long-distance network infrastructure.

According to the business, “the PCC’s decision to provide spectrum to the State Digital Infrastructure Companies (SDIC) or any of the required SOEs on an open-access basis will go a long way towards offering cost-effective broadband services to marginalised populations. BBI welcomes this initiative and will collaborate with important stakeholders to achieve this goal.”

It continued, “Broadband Infraco applauds the PCC leadership in paving the way to resolve matters of national significance and is committed to expanding digital infrastructure accessibility and skills, thereby supporting the broader goals of the 4th Industrial Revolution and bridging the digital divide.”

BBI said its strategy focus includes several important areas to provide a complete and inclusive approach, including collaboration with regulatory organisations, collaborations with SMMEs, digitisation of government services, bridging the digital gap, and leveraging state broadband assets to benefit the country.

It went on to explain, “Duplication of telecom infrastructure makes broadband services more expensive. The PPC position, which includes prioritising the consolidation of state-owned fibre assets housed within other SOEs such as Eskom, Transnet, PRASA, Sanral, and others, will make a substantial impact in delivering digital services to all corners of the nation.”

Source: IT Web

Ethio telecom, Ethiopia’s leading telecom and digital solutions provider, continues its nationwide 5G expansion with the launch of 5G services in Jimma City.

This milestone is a significant step in the company’s mission to accelerate Ethiopia’s digital transformation, ensuring high-speed connectivity and unlocking new opportunities for innovation and economic growth.

Since launching Ethiopia’s first 5G network in Addis Ababa in 2022, our company has expanded 5G to twelve cities, including Addis Ababa, Adama, Jigjiga, Dire Dawa, Harar, Bahir Dar, Hawassa, Wolaita Sodo, Hosaena, Arba Minch, Bishoftu and today, Jimma.

With today’s launch in Jimma, Ethio telecom is further strengthening its commitment to enhancing digital accessibility and enabling Ethiopia to harness the full potential of next-generation connectivity.

This launch meets the growing data and internet demands of individuals, businesses, and industries, enhancing service reliability and digital solutions.

The network is now available in Jimma City, particularly around Jimma Zone Administration Office, Ethio telecom South West Regional Office, Ferenj Arada, Central Hotel, Haile Hotel and Stadium Area, Dololo Hotel, Firomsis Hospital, Central Merkato, Kochi, Jimma University, Mizan and Boye areas.

Ethio telecom’s 5G network delivers speeds of up to 10 Gbps with ultra-low latency as low as 1 millisecond, supporting up to 1 million devices per square kilometer. This cutting-edge technology is designed to meet the rapidly growing data and internet demands of individuals, enterprises, and industries.

The expansion facilitates online education and training, fostering innovation and job creation for startups while bridging the digital divide through increased smartphone access.

5G technology transforms key sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, education, manufacturing, transport, mining and entertainment. By modernizing operations, it boosts productivity and creates new revenue opportunities, serving as a catalyst for economic growth and strengthening Ethiopia’s position in the global digital economy.

To access these services, customers will need 5G-compatible devices. We invite customers to upgrade their SIM cards if needed and to explore available 5G-supported devices at service centers.

Source: TechAfrica News

Huawei selected Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur to launch its double-fold Mate XT to the international market, after releasing the device in its home market in September 2024.

Unlike the Chinese version which runs Huawei’s Harmony OS, the international edition employs the Android-based EMUI.

The display measures 10.2 inches when fully opened and the device weighs 298 grams, about 50 per cent more than a standard smartphone.

Huawei states it is the world’s largest and thinnest foldable, at 3.6mm folded and 2.9mm unfolded.

The company only provided the price for the 16GB+1TB storage option, at €3,499. At launch, the same model in China was priced CNY21,999 (€2,889).

Counterpoint Research director Marc Einstein told Mobile World Live the Mate XT is “an impressive piece of hardware”, with Huawei trying to set a higher bar for what a flagship smartphone should look like.

He suggested the company is making a statement by marketing one of the priciest smartphones on the market, showing it can out innovate Apple despite continued US sanctions as reflected in its Ultimate Design tagline for the series.

Einstein added while users might be enthralled with the device, they are likely to be less enthusiastic about the very high price and lack of access to applications.

Huawei speakers did not mention the sensitive topic of the chip set-up. The Chinese version runs its Kirin 9 chipset.

The device uses three batteries, one in each panel measuring 1.9mm thick and producing a combined capacity of 5600mAh.

Huawei is running an advertising campaign throughout Kuala Lumpur.

During the event, Huawei also unveiled the MatePad Pro 13.2 and is new FreeArc earbuds featuring what the company describes as an ergonomic and breathable design.

Source: Mobile World Live

Siemens Digital Industries Software readied an automated workflow for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp’s (TSMC) high-performance wafers used in mobile and other computing applications, advancing an existing collaboration.

The workflow was developed for TSMC’s InFO packaging technology, an integration method which delivers high-density interconnection and performance in silicon in 2D or 3D arrangements.

Siemens employed its Innovator 3D IC product, which it separately explains is a cockpit technology developed “for the planning and heterogeneous integration of ASICs and chiplets” which is at the cutting edge of semiconductor packaging technologies and substrates.

The TSMC set up also uses Siemens’ Xpedition Package Designer software, covering single- and multi-die or chiplet configurations.

AJ Incorvaia, SVP of Electronic Board Systems at Siemens Digital Industries Software, said its cockpit and software “provide customers with an expanding number of design avenues”, helping to tackle growing complexity in chip design.

Incorvaia added the combination with TSMC’s advanced packaging platforms means the arrangement enables “our many mutual customers to achieve truly remarkable and industry-disrupting innovations”.

Source: Mobile World Live

Tunisie Télécom, Ooredoo Tunisie, and Orange Tunisie have officially launched their 5G services, marking a new era of high-speed connectivity in Tunisia.

The rollout follows the operators’ acquisition of 5G licenses in December, granting them approval to establish and operate next-generation mobile networks across the country.

With comprehensive coverage and cutting-edge technology, we are preparing a revolution in connectivity to meet the needs of businesses, entrepreneurs, content creators, gamers, students and many more.

– Excerpt from Ooredoo Tunisie’s Announcement

Source: extensia.tech

EdVentures, the investment arm of Nahdet Misr Group, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is driving transformation in Egypt’s EdTech sector through the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship. The entrepreneurship acceleration program is designed to foster innovation, support the growth of EdTech startups, and expand access to education through technology-driven solutions.

Ten months after the launch of the Fellowship, the inaugural cohort has achieved significant impact, expanding learner reach by 147,200—a 30% increase. This milestone underscores the program’s effectiveness in scaling EdTech solutions and enhancing access to quality education.

Transformative Growth Across Key Sectors

The program has driven remarkable expansion, demonstrating its positive impact on both startups and learners:

• Of the 147,200 learners reached during the acceleration period, 82% were young people, highlighting the startups’ pivotal role in shaping the future of education in Egypt.
• Women accounted for 61.5% of learners reached through the startups’ solutions, underscoring their increasing influence in education and technology.
• 50% of the first cohort’s startups are led by women and youth, with 66.6% of founders aged 18-35, reinforcing the Fellowship’s commitment to youth empowerment.
• Employment at supported startups grew by 56%, showcasing the Fellowship’s impact on job creation.
• 6,550 learners with disabilities benefited from solutions developed by four startups, emphasizing the initiative’s dedication to inclusive and accessible education.

Dalia Ibrahim, CEO of EdVentures, expressed her pride in the Fellowship’s achievements, stating:

We are incredibly proud of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship and the outstanding results achieved by our first cohort of startups. In just ten months, we have seen significant growth in EdTech adoption, youth empowerment, and job creation. These impressive milestones reaffirm our commitment to nurturing innovation in education and providing meaningful support to promising entrepreneurs in the sector. Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome the upcoming two cohorts and expand our impact even further. We are pleased to announce that applications for the second cohort will officially open at the beginning of March 2025. We look forward to supporting more EdTech start-ups in their journey to transform learning experiences across Egypt and beyond.

– Dalia Ibrahim, CEO, EdVentures

Rodwell Mangisi, Acting Director at the Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning at the Mastercard Foundation, also emphasized the foundation’s commitment to empowering youth across Africa through education, stating:

As our first partner in North Africa to implement the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, the opportunities for growth in Egypt’s EdTech sector are limitless. As we continue to partner with EdVentures, we challenge entrepreneurs to prioritize relevance and access for impact. While technology makes life easier for us all, it makes everything possible for those without access and opens pathways for them to learn and prosper.

– Rodwell Mangisi, Acting Director at the Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning, Mastercard Foundation

Expanding Access & Strengthening Collaboration

Beyond business development, the Fellowship introduced LEAPS roadshows across multiple governorates, engaging a predominantly youth audience (61% female, average age 23) to raise awareness about EdTech’s transformative potential.

Additionally, participating startups were connected with global and local organizations, further strengthening their influence within Egypt’s EdTech ecosystem.

As part of the acceleration support, each of the Fellows will receive $60,000 in equity-free investment, totaling $660,000 for the eleven startups, to empower them to scale their operations and accelerate their growth.

Meet the 11 Startups Shaping the Future of EdTech

The 11 high-potential startups, that made it to the 2024 cohort of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship in Egypt are:

• Armstrong – An interactive e-learning platform for STEM education.
• 5 Quarters – A specialized learning app for dental students.
• Business بالعربي – A podcast focused on self-development and skill-building.
• Career 180 – A platform offering career development and recruitment solutions.
• Deaf Gain – Consultancy services for the deaf and hard of hearing.
• iSchool – Teaching coding and AI to children aged 6-17.
• Maharet Tefl – An app designed to enhance speech and language skills in children.
• Nafham by Tayro – An online learning platform.
• OTO Courses – Offers English language courses and other educational content.
• Science Street – A platform that promotes scientific literacy.
• Bayt Alkhyata – A digital platform for learning sewing skills.

Last year, EdVentures announced a five-year partnership with the Mastercard Foundation to launch the EdTech Fellowship program, a strategic initiative targeting EdTech solutions looking to address the continent’s educational challenges using technology by:

• Driving digital innovation
• Expanding access to quality education
• Empowering youth and fostering job creation

By aligning with global education and technology trends, the Fellowship is creating a lasting impact on Egypt’s education system, digital transformation, and economic growth, paving the way for a more inclusive and tech-driven future of learning.

Source: extensia.tech

South Korea’s data protection watchdog ordered app stores to suspend downloads of DeepSeek’s AI platform, sparked by concerns over the start-up’s data management practices, The Korea Herald reported.

The country’s Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPS) stated the suspension will remain in force until DeepSeek strengthens its privacy policies to comply with the country’s laws, the newspaper wrote.

The AI company reportedly admitted it neglected some of the agency’s data protecting rules.

While the DeepSeek app is no longer available for download from the Apple App Store and Google Play, users who had already installed it can continue using it.

The service is also accessible in Korea via DeepSeek’s website.

Earlier this month PIPC said it was reviewing how DeepSeek uses personal data and urged caution when using the generative AI tool.

In response to the probe, DeepSeek appointed a local company as its legal representative, The Korea Herald noted.

The move followed the country’s industry, foreign and defence ministries blocking internal access to the service after the government advised ministries and agencies to use caution when using AI services including DeepSeek and ChatGPT.

Source: Mobile World Live

Huawei revealed it signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide technologies including AI, IoT and private 5G for a massive airport being built by the King Salman International Airport Development Company (KSIADC) in Saudi Arabia.

The companies signed the MoU during the recent LEAP2025 technology event held in Riyadh from 9 February to 12 February, though released details today (17 February).

Huawei and KSIADC promised to “revolutionise airport operations and passenger experiences” by employing the vendor’s ICT expertise in the King Salman International Airport, a facility set to span 57 square km, six runways and terminals, a cargo and logistics centre, and private hubs.

The companies stated the collaboration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 digital goals, arguing such technology partnerships are now critical in “shaping the future of industries”.

Simon Zousiyi, deputy CEO of Huawei Saudi (pictured, right), said the MoU highlights the company’s credentials in the aviation ICT sector and the pair would set “a new standard for smart airports globally”.

KSIADC VP of digital innovation Linda Schucroft (pictured, left), added the target is to “set new benchmarks for innovation in the aviation sector”.

The companies stated they intend to develop a digital guest platform using AI to smooth passenger interactions including navigation, along with providing personalised services.

Smart infrastructure, private networks and IoT are set to bolster airport operations, and the pair also plan to explore predictive analysis and advanced biometric systems.

Source: Mobile World Live

Multinational technology conglomerate Meta has formally announced what it calls its most ambitious subsea cable endeavour yet: Project Waterworth, which will reach five major continents and span over 50,000 kilometres, making it the world’s longest subsea cable project. It will, says Meta, use the highest-capacity technology available.

Project Waterworth will bring connectivity to the US, India, Brazil, South Africa and other key regions.

Meta says it will be a multi-billion dollar, multi-year investment to strengthen the scale and reliability of the world’s digital highways by opening three new oceanic corridors with the abundant, high-speed connectivity needed to drive AI innovation around the world.

As the Data Centre Dynamics website points out, however, specific route details, costs and timelines have not yet been shared.

What Meta does say is that the project demonstrates how it is continuing to advance engineering design to maintain cable resilience, enabling it to build the longest 24 fibre pair cable project in the world and enhance overall speed of deployment.

Meta says it is also deploying first-of-its-kind routing, maximising the cable laid in deep water — at depths up to 7,000 metres — and using enhanced burial techniques in high-risk fault areas, such as shallow waters near the coast, to avoid damage from ship anchors and other hazards.

The announcement was heavily covered by the Indian press reporting on the recent US-India Joint Leaders’ Statement – of which Meta’s news was apparently a part – after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US.

This cable investment, Business Today suggested, underscores Meta’s focus on India’s growing digital landscape, while the Joint Leaders’ Statement was said to highlight India’s plans to invest in undersea cable maintenance and financing in the Indian Ocean, using trusted vendors.

Source: extensia.tech