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.
The leadership of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) has paid a courtesy visit to the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications (GCT) to discuss collaborative efforts aimed at growing and strengthening Ghana’s telecommunications and digital financial ecosystem.
Led by Dr. Tanko Rashid Computer, CEO of GIFEC, the delegation included Deputy CEO Abdul Aziz Mohammed, along with key team members Henry Agyemang Boateng, Ruth Azantilow, Alhaji Yahaya Zakaria Osman, Fredrick Kojo Aidoo, and Vincent Amponsah. The meeting brought to the fore the need for increased collaboration to bridge Ghana’s digital divide, enhance rural telephony, promote Girls in ICT initiatives and support governments’ One Million Coders Initiative.
Strengthening Collaboration to Advance Ghana’s Digital Agenda
During the discussions, the CEO of the Chamber, while welcoming the GIFEC team, emphasized the strong and cordial relationship between the Chamber and GIFEC. He highlighted that members of the Chamber sit on GIFEC’s board, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to supporting GIFEC’s mandate.
The Chamber reiterated its full support for GIFEC’s initiatives, particularly efforts to bridge the existing telecom usage deficit in underserved communities. The discussion also explored how Ghana has become a leading example of how Universal Service Funds (USF) are managed to drive national digital transformation.
Growing the Industry to Sustain GIFEC’s Mandate
The meeting also explored long-term strategies to expand Ghana’s telecom and digital financial sector. On his part, the CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, together with his management team made up of David Aryeetey, Alaina Dedry-Amuzu and Bobbie Osei, pledged to work closely with GIFEC to find sustainable solutions that support universal access to connectivity while ensuring financial viability for all players.
Key suggestions included:
– Encouraging industry-wide growth.
– Strengthening mobile money and digital financial services to create revenue streams in underserved communities.
– Investing in fixed broadband infrastructure to enhance connectivity and economic opportunities.
As Ghana continues its push toward a digitally inclusive economy, partnerships between GIFEC and industry leaders like the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications will be critical in bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to digital services for all citizens.
he Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the Electronic Money Issuers (EMIs) Chamber of Ghana have congratulated the newly appointed Chairpersons and members of the Information and Communications Committee and the Finance Committee of Parliament.
Mr Bandim Abed-Nego Azumah is the appointed Chairperson of the Information and Communications Committee of Parliament and Mr Isaac Adongo, the appointed Chairperson of the Finance Committee of Parliament.
This was indicated in a press release signed by Mr Louis Bobbie Osei, Regulatory and Research Manager, of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the Electronic Money Issuers (EMIs) Chamber of Ghana and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Koforidua.
He said as Ghana accelerates its digital transformation, the work of these two committees becomes increasingly urgent and their decisions will be critical in shaping policies that directly impact the Telecommunications and Digital Finance industries.
The two Chambers urge both committees to prioritize strategic policies and legislative support in these industries to accelerate Ghana’s economic growth and development.
Mr Osei, said the Telecommunications and Digital Finance sectors are not just industries but enablers of economic prosperity, financial inclusion, and national development.
Telecommunications powers Ghana’s digital economy, connecting businesses, communities, and government services, and digital Finance is revolutionizing transactions, expanding financial access, and driving innovation in commerce and entrepreneurship, he noted.
He said, “for Ghana to fully realize its economic and digital potential, these sectors must be supported through progressive policies, investment-friendly regulations, and infrastructure development.”
He recommended that, the Information and Communications and Finance Committees must ensure a policy environment that encourages investment and innovation in telecommunications and digital finance.
He said the committees must support regulatory frameworks that drive financial inclusion, improve digital security, and expand broadband access.
The committees must work with industry stakeholders to eliminate barriers to infrastructure development and technological advancement.
Other recommendations were that the committees must lead policy and laws to protect telecommunication infrastructure, and champion policies that reduce the cost of doing business in these industries to promote affordability and accessibility for all Ghanaians.
Mr Osei, said the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the EMIs Chamber of Ghana are committed to working closely with both committees.
This collaboration will ensure that the right policies, regulations, and industry collaborations are in place to drive sustainable growth, job creation, and a digitally inclusive Ghana, and the committees can be reassured of our unwavering support and commitment, he stated.
He emphasised that the two Chambers look forward to engaging with the leadership and members of both committees in the near future to discuss strategic partnerships and actionable solutions that will position Ghana as a leader in telecommunications, digital payments, and technological advancement.
The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the Electronic Money Issuers (EMIs) Chamber of Ghana have called on Parliament to prioritize the telecommunications and digital finance sectors in national policymaking to accelerate Ghana’s economic transformation.
The two Chambers, in a statement congratulating Hon. Bandim Abed-Nego Azumah and Hon. Isaac Adongo, the newly appointed Chairpersons of the Information and Communications Committee and the Finance Committee of Parliament, emphasized the critical role of these committees in shaping policies that directly impact Ghana’s digital economy.
Telecom and Digital Finance: Key Drivers of Growth
The telecommunications and digital finance sectors are not just industries—they are the foundation of Ghana’s digital economy, providing connectivity, financial inclusion, and digital services to millions.
Telecommunications connects businesses, communities, and government services, enabling e-commerce, digital education, and remote work.
Digital Finance is revolutionizing transactions, expanding financial access, and fostering innovation in trade and entrepreneurship.
The Chambers stressed that for Ghana to fully realize its economic and digital potential, these sectors must receive strong legislative support, progressive policies, and investment-friendly regulations.
Urgent Call for Policy Action
The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the EMIs Chamber of Ghana urged the two parliamentary committees to:
Ensure a policy environment that encourages investment and innovation in telecommunications and digital finance.
Support regulatory frameworks that promote financial inclusion, enhance digital security, and expand broadband access.
Work with industry stakeholders to eliminate barriers to infrastructure development and technological advancement.
Lead policy efforts to protect telecommunications infrastructure and ensure network resilience.
Champion policies that reduce the cost of doing business in these sectors, making digital services more accessible to all Ghanaians.
A Commitment to Collaboration
The Chambers reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with both committees to ensure that the right policies, regulations, and industry partnerships are in place to drive sustainable growth, job creation, and digital inclusion.
“We look forward to engaging with the leadership and members of both committees in the near future to explore strategic partnerships and actionable solutions that will position Ghana as a leader in telecommunications, digital payments, and technological innovation,” the statement concluded.
The Electronic Money Issuers (EMIs) Chamber of Ghana has strongly condemned the recent spate of violent attacks against mobile money agents, calling for urgent intervention to protect their lives and livelihoods. The Chamber extended its condolences to the families of agents who have been killed in these incidents, emphasizing that their role in Ghana’s financial ecosystem is invaluable and must be safeguarded.
Expressing deep concern over the escalating attacks, the Chamber has called on the President, the Interior and Finance Ministers, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana to take immediate action. They urged law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts in apprehending the perpetrators and ensuring justice for the victims.
As part of its response, the EMIs Chamber is engaging with the leadership of the Ghana Police Service to explore effective security solutions. Additionally, discussions will be held with the Bank of Ghana to strengthen the Agent Registry and implement security measures to enhance the safety of mobile money agents.
The Chamber also debunked the misconception that mobile money agents carry large amounts of cash, warning that such misinformation makes them easy targets for criminals. They stressed that mobile money transactions are predominantly digital, with minimal cash handling.
To mitigate risks, the Chamber advised agents to adopt precautionary measures, including closing their shops early, avoiding carrying large sums of cash, installing CCTV cameras and alarm systems, and maintaining close contact with local police stations.
The Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to working with the government, security agencies, and stakeholders to address these security threats. It urged swift and decisive action to prevent further loss of life and ensure the safety of mobile money agents, who play a critical role in Ghana’s digital financial transformation.
In the rural community of Sefwi Bekwai, where healthcare once felt like a distant privilege, a single day marked a turning point for hundreds. Kyei, a local farmer from Bakokurom, had long grappled with the fear of illness striking his three children.
For years, even Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) seemed unattainable-until February 19, 2024, when Telecel Ghana Foundation’s Healthfest brought free medical care and NHIS enrollment to his doorstep.
The outreach, a collaboration between Telecel Ghana Foundation, Ghana Health Service, and the Divine Mother & Child Foundation (DMAC), provided critical services to over 500 residents, including free screenings for hypertension, diabetes, malaria, typhoid, and hepatitis B. For Kyei, the event meant securing NHIS coverage for his family without cost. “Now, when my children cough at night, I won’t panic,” he said, holding his new registration card. His relief echoed among 358 others who gained insurance access that day.
The initiative exposed systemic gaps in rural healthcare, where cost, distance, and distrust often deter treatment. Margaret Yankey, a mother who endured months of untreated malaria, typified the struggle. “I kept telling myself, ‘It’ll pass,” she admitted. At Healthfest, she received diagnosis and medication-a lifeline she’d lacked.
Healthcare workers underscored the urgency. Rebecca Nkrumah, a physician assistant, identified undiagnosed hypertension and diabetes cases, noting how rural residents often normalize symptoms until crises strike. Midwife Amanda Owusu Serwaa highlighted maternal care challenges: “When women are turned away by costs after walking miles, it’s a failure. This event bridges that gap.”
Since 2014, Telecel Ghana Foundation has leveraged Healthfest to tackle rural healthcare “blind spots,” blending immediate treatment with long-term solutions like NHIS enrollment. Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, Head of Sustainability & External Communications at Telecel Ghana Foundation, emphasized partnerships as key: “By combining DMAC’s grassroots reach with our resources, we’re making healthcare a right, not a privilege.”
The program’s success lies in its dual approach: addressing emergencies while dismantling systemic barriers. For Kyei, it meant security; for Margaret, renewed health. As Ghana’s rural communities grapple with access, Healthfest offers a blueprint for transforming care-one village at a time.
Accra, Ghana – The leadership of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and its members have paid a courtesy call on the newly appointed Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, to congratulate him on his new role and offer their full support in advancing Ghana’s digital economy.
The meeting, held at the Ministry’s offices in Accra, provided a platform for engaging discussions on key industry challenges, policy directions, and opportunities for collaboration between the government and the critical telecommunications industry. In attendance from the Chamber were all the CEOs and country managers of MTN, Telecel, AT, ATC, Helios Ghana, CSquared, Ericsson and Huawei. The Minister was accompanies by some of his leadership team as well as the Acting DG of the NCA and some of his leadership team members.
Telecom Industry Lays Out Key Concerns
During the engagement, the Chamber and its members—comprising Ghana’s leading telecom operators and service providers—highlighted several critical issues impacting the industry. These included but are not limited to the following:
🔹 Protection of Telecom Infrastructure – Members expressed concern over the rising cases of fibre optic cable cuts, theft of telecom batteries, and vandalism of critical infrastructure, which have disrupted services and increased operational costs.
🔹 Access to Telecom Sites – The industry highlighted challenges with local chiefs and landowners demanding excessive fees or blocking access to telecom installations, leading to service disruptions and higher costs.
🔹 High Taxation on the Sector – The Chamber noted that telecom companies pay over 42% of their revenue in taxes, levies, and fees, and urged the government to review sector-specific taxes to encourage investment and affordability for consumers.
🔹 Spectrum Allocation & Network Congestion – The telecom companies appealed for additional spectrum releases to address increasing data demand, improve service quality, and expand connectivity nationwide.
Minister Samuel George Commits to Strong Collaboration
In response, Hon. Samuel Nartey George reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the telecom industry to address pressing concerns and advance Ghana’s digital transformation agenda.
“We recognize the critical role of telecommunications in Ghana’s economic development. Our focus is to build a digital economy that benefits all, and we will ensure that the industry has the necessary support to thrive,” he stated.
The Minister outlined several key action points for industry collaboration. Below are a few:
Regular Engagements – He assured the Chamber that the Ministry will hold and also facilitate regular formal engagements with key stakeholders to maintain open communication and collaborative problem-solving.
Infrastructure Protection Laws – Hon. Samuel George expressed strong support for drafting and enforcing harsher penalties against fibre optic cable vandalism and telecom equipment theft among others.
Industry Support for National Digital Programs – The Minister urged telecom operators to play an active role in the government’s “One Million Coders Program”, which aims to train Ghanaian youth in digital skills and software development.
The leadership of the Chamber, went on to present a copy of its Telecommunications Industry Optic Fibre Minimum Specifications and Standards Manual which sets out the minimum industry specification and standards for the deployment of fibre optic cables in Ghana. The self-regulatory document was developed by benchmarking industry standards from Europe, Egypt and countries with successful fibre deployment systems and the experience of the Ghanaian operators.
On his part Hon. George, assured the Chamber that the standards will be carefully considered by the NCA and incorporated where possible into the Authority’s standards going forward.
A Shared Vision for Digital Growth
The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications welcomed the Minister’s vision for the sector and pledged its commitment to supporting national digitalization efforts. The Chamber’s leadership assured the Minister that they would work collaboratively with the government to drive technological innovation, enhance digital infrastructure, and support policies that foster economic growth.
As Ghana continues to navigate its digital transformation journey, this meeting marked a crucial step in aligning the goals of government and industry to build a more connected, inclusive, and competitive digital economy.
Cell C is planning to launch 5G services in South Africa in the next couple of months as its financial turnaround plan gains traction.
CEO Jorge Mendes told TechCentral in an interview on Thursday that the company is at an advanced stage of preparing to launch 5G to its subscribers – and it plans to use the technology to deliver both 5G on smartphones and to offer a range of new, 5G-based fixed-wireless broadband solutions with large data bundles that compete with fibre.
Cell C’s 5G launch plans come after a period of intense negotiations with network partners MTN and Vodacom, which operate the last-mile infrastructure that connects consumers to the company’s core network. Mendes said those discussions have progressed well and that Cell C is confident it will be able to launch a 5G offering that makes commercial sense.This is very, very exciting and is a different place from where we were 24 months ago on the technology side
He said Vodacom and MTN have proved to be good partners and that there is mutual respect between the three operators, despite the fact that they compete head-on in the marketplace for a share of consumers’ wallets.
Mendes said Cell C’s decision, taken several years ago, to shut down its own radio access network in favour of outsourcing that function to Vodacom and MTN has worked well. Not only has it significantly reduced the company’s capital expenditure, it has also greatly improved Cell C’s network quality, he said.
Cell C has spent the past 18 months deploying a Mocn – multi-operator network core – roaming system, which has allowed it to create a virtual representation of its network on top of either MTN or Vodacom’s infrastructure.
VoLTE
This, according to Mendes, has given Cell C significantly greater control over where it directs user traffic, allowing it to lower costs and be more efficient.
It is also aggressively moving voice calls off old circuit-switched technology and onto an internet protocol-based technology known as VoLTE that routes calls over 4G/LTE.
“This is very, very exciting and is a different place from where we were 24 months ago on the technology side,” said Mendes.
Zimbabwean Internet Service Provider (ISP) Dandemutande is planning to build a USD 15 million data centre in the country. The company made the commitment under the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Partner2Connect programme, which was revealed on Tuesday, February 18, via a post on X.
The technical capabilities of the data center have not been specified, but it is confirmed that it will be Tier 3. This standard guarantees a redundant infrastructure with multiple paths for power supply and cooling, thus limiting theoretical downtime to just 1.6 hours per year. In addition, the data center will be carrier-neutral, meaning that different providers will be able to host their infrastructure there without restriction.
“The data centre will provide high-quality, reliable and scalable services in the SADC [Southern African Development Community] region , creating jobs and economic activity, while contributing to the local tax base. It will target underserved segments such as small businesses, content providers, financial institutions, government agencies and healthcare providers,” the ITU explains on its website.
Dandemutande has committed to completing the data centre by 1 June 2026. The facility is expected to boost the ISP’s capacity to “meet the growing demand for data services driven by digital transformation and economic growth”. The ITU estimates internet penetration in Zimbabwe, where the population was 16.3 million in 2023, at 32.6%, according to the World Bank. In this segment, the company faces competition from telecom operators (TelOne, Econet, NetOne and Telecel) and satellite internet service provider Starlink.
In addition to strengthening its telecom infrastructure, Dandemutande is positioning itself in the fast-growing data center market. According to data portal Statista, the data center market revenue in Southern Africa is expected to reach USD 1.42 billion in 2025. This figure is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.14% over the period 2025-2029 to reach USD 1.73 billion.
The newly appointed Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA) Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, has assured the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications of enhanced collaboration to drive industry growth. In a meeting with the Chamber’s leadership, the NCA boss emphasized strengthening regulatory engagement, improving policy implementation, and fostering a more cooperative relationship with telecommunications industry.
According to him, growth in Ghana’s telecommunications industry can be achieved if all stakeholders including regulators, policy makers, companies and customers, collaborate effectively.
The leadership of the Chamber welcomed the commitment, expressing optimism about greater industry-government synergy to address sector challenges and enhance digital transformation efforts.
He made the remarks during a courtesy call on him and his leadership team at the NCA Tower in Accra on Wednesday February 19th, 2025, by a high-powered delegation from the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, led by its Chairperson and CEO of Telecel Ghana, Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai.
Key Matters Discussed
The meeting, between the two teams, focused on strengthening collaboration with the NCA to support the Authority in achieving its goals. Other issued discussed include the following;
Protection of telecommunications infrastructure across the country
Ending the incessant destruction of fiber optic cables
Review of the cost of power to industry members
Review of the numerous taxes and fees affecting the growth of the industry
Collaboration to enhance advocacy on key matters
Honoring payment obligations to support the NCA
Stakeholder collaboration to address growth-hindering constraints for Ghana’s telecommunication industry and the digital ecosystem as a whole
The leadership of the Chamber, went on to present a copy of its Telecommunications Industry Optic Fibre Minimum Specifications and Standards Manual which sets out the minimum industry specification and standards for the deployment of fibre optic cables in Ghana. The self-regulatory document was developed by benchmarking industry standards from Europe, Egypt and countries with successful fibre deployment systems and the experience of the Ghanaian operators.
On his part Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, assured the Chamber that the standards will be considered and added to the list of standards the NCA will be sharing with the Ghana Standards Authority, to be adopted as Ghana’s standards for this year.
Ongoing Collaboration and Next Steps
All parties agreed to structure regular engagements and maintain open channels for technical discussions and collaborative work that will inure to the benefit of the final consumer.
