MTN is set to introduce new services enabling users to send money internationally and businesses to accept payments through a dedicated app, signaling a strategic move into South Africa's rapidly growing fintech sector.
Telecom Operators
VodaPay Wallet Teams Up With Bidvest Bank
Vodacom Financial and Digital Lifestyle Services has partnered with Bidvest Bank to power the VodaPay Wallet. This collaboration enables millions of South African consumers to conduct transactions within VodaPay, a platform facilitating the transfer of money into digital wallets. The VodaPay Wallet allows users to deposit funds without incurring charges, send money, make purchases at retailers, order food and settle bills or traffic fines, all seamlessly integrated within the super app. Transactions with VodaPay occur instantly. Mariam Cassim, CEO of Vodacom Financial and Digital Lifestyle Services, emphasizes the significance of VodaPay in advancing financial inclusion and highlights the mobile wallet, powered by Bidvest Bank, as a cornerstone of their digital and financial inclusion strategy.
Orange Conducts 5G Trial in Sierra Leone
Orange Sierra Leone has introduced a trial 5G service for both postpaid and prepaid mobile users, offering improved speeds, enhanced connectivity, and reduced latency. Initially, this service will be accessible only in the Freetown Central Business District. The operator plans to conduct various usage tests to expand 5G coverage, aiming to boost both fixed wireless access and mobile broadband speeds.
MTN South Africa to Expand IoT Solutions Across Africa
MTN South Africa has unveiled a strategic alliance with Eseye, a prominent global Internet of Things (IoT) service provider. The objective of this collaboration is to initially implement Eseye's cutting-edge IoT solutions in South Africa, with intentions to later extend the service to 18 MTN-operated companies throughout Africa.
Safaricom's Advanced Cloud Platform Boosts Business Agility
Safaricom has launched a revamped in-country cloud computing platform and services aimed at enabling businesses and organizations to digitize their operations. Such advancements will provide them with flexibility and resilience in an ever-changing environment.
MTN Expands Spectrum to Drive Broadband Access in Nigeria
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has granted approval for the transfer of a 10 MHz spectrum within the 2.6 GHz spectrum range from OPENSKYS Services Limited (OS) to MTN Nigeria. This license will be eligible for renewal on April 16, 2033.
Telecom Egypt Facilitates Medusa Submarine Cable Link to Red Sea
Telecom Egypt, the country's integrated telecom operator and a leading subsea cable operator in the region, signed an agreement with the Medusa Submarine Cable System. This collaboration aims to extend the reach of Medusa to the Red Sea. Anticipated to span an impressive 8,760 kilometers, the submarine cable is slated to make landfall in the Egyptian city of Port Said by the end of 2025. It will subsequently link up with the Red Sea landing stations in Suez, Zafarana and Ras Ghareb through Telecom Egypt's extensive terrestrial crossing network.
Finance Ministry Plans Further Telecom Egypt Stake Sale
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) in Egypt is currently considering selling an additional stake in Telecom Egypt, the local fixed-line telecommunications provider. The MoF is exploring the possibility of divesting between 10% and 15% of the company. It's important to mention that back in May 2023, the MoF had already sold a 9.5% stake in Telecom Egypt.
Safaricom Drives Gender Diversity and Innovation at WOBN Kenya
In a bold step towards promoting gender diversity and inclusivity in boardrooms, Safaricom took a prominent role at The Women on Boards Network Kenya's (WOBN) 10th Annual Conference. Under the theme “Innovate Now! Inspire Always! Lead4ward!,” the event featured Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom, as the distinguished keynote speaker.
Ethio Telecom Introduces Commercial 5G Services
Ethio Telecom, a pioneering telecom service provider in Africa — a company at the forefront of supporting Ethiopia’s socio-economic development and playing a pivotal role in the nation's overall progress — has announced the official launch of commercial 5G services at 145 sites in Addis Ababa. This significant achievement builds on the earlier successful pre-commercial 5G mobile technology trial services in both Addis Ababa and Adama cities.