An electronic payment wage system won the 2022 MTN MoMo Hackathon award. The “E- wage payment system APP” is a web-based application that facilitates single payments for casual workers via their mobile phones. The two student developers were awarded $5000 for putting their idea into action. In total, twelve teams pitched their ideas for the competition in September 2022.
Telecom Operators
CAMTEL and MTN Cameroon to Unveil Local Roaming
CAMTEL and MTN Cameroon launched local roaming services following the signing of a partnership agreement between the two operators, allowing CAMTEL to extend its mobile network in areas where it is not currently present through MTN Cameroon.
Safaricom Shakeup Sees Exit of Respected Chairman
Safaricom chairman John Ngumi has stepped down just six months after assuming control of East Africa's most profitable company, and the board has reorganized to accommodate the newgovernment.
Vodacom to Become the New Majority Shareholder of Vodafone Egypt
Vodafone Plc's South African subsidiary, Vodacom, has acquired 55% of Vodafone Egypt from its parent company. The company reportedly acquired Vodafone’s 132 million shares in Vodafone Egypt in a block trade transaction on the EGX for $2.4 billion.
Safaricom Ethiopia’s Network Covers New Cities
Safaricom Ethiopia has switched on its network and services in Hawassa, Assela, Jigjiga, Sodo, and Dilla, growing its network footprint across the country to 21 cities. New customers in these cities will be able to purchase SIM cards for 30 birr (Sh68), choose their preferred numbers, buy airtime and access dedicated customer support at the Safaricom Ethiopia branded shops in their respective cities.
NCA and Somali Mobile Operators Sign an Interconnection Agreement
The National Communications Authority (NCA) and the Somali telecommunication companies signed an interconnection agreement, allowing customers of the various telecom operators in the country to call each other seamlessly across different networks. The agreement was signed by NCA General Manager Mustafa Yasin Sheikh and network operators’ representatives and was also consulted with the Office of Attorney General, Federal Republic of Somalia.
Benin-Based MTN Deploys AI and ML Solutions
MTN Benin has deployed artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) solutions in Africa to address throughput challenges. A network management system utilizing AI and ML was designed to address throughput degradation, ultimately providing improved customer satisfaction.
MTN to Launch 5G Network in Zambia
Felix Mutati, minister of technology and science, has announced that MTN Zambia will officially launch the 5G network, a move that forms part of the government’s digital transformation agenda.
MTN to Sell Some Smaller West Africa Units
Due to its focus on core markets, MTN Group Ltd. may divest some of its smaller operations in West Africa. Nigeria and Ghana, MTN's largest markets in West Africa, are not included in the review of Africa's largest mobile phone company's portfolio in the region.
The Ugandan Government Acquires Uganda Telecom Limited
In a deal valued at around 356.8 million Ugandan shillings, Uganda Telecommunications Corporation Limited (UTCL) has completed the takeover of Uganda Telecom Limited (UTL), which has been experiencing difficulties over the past few years.