Rethinking Africa’s mobile networks
24 December 2025
Yogan Naidoo, Vice President, Aircom
Designing mobile networks in Africa is never a neat, linear exercise. The continent’s sheer diversity creates a planning environment where every kilometre introduces its own engineering puzzle. Geography, climate and regulation all pull in different directions, and yet the demand for reliable, affordable connectivity keeps rising. Turning this complexity into workable networks requires deep technical discipline, strategic ingenuity and a remarkable amount of patience.
Operators across Africa face a blend of challenges that shift dramatically from one region to the next. Many must balance limited power infrastructure, constrained backhaul, fragmented spectrum, and relatively low ARPU levels. At the same time, they must prepare for surging urban data demands, emerging technologies and political priorities that evolve as quickly as the markets they serve. Planning and operating networks here is less about following global templates and more about designing systems that can withstand the continent’s unique and often unpredictable conditions.
Find out more Burkina Faso advances toward zero white zones
23 December 2025
Burkina Faso has taken another significant step toward its goal of eliminating telecommunications “white zones” by 2027, as the Nakambe region recently hosted a regional exchange workshop focused on extending network coverage to underserved communities.
Held on 17 December 2025, the event is part of the national “Zero White Zone on the Horizon 2027” initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Digital Transition, Posts and Electronic Communications (MTDPCE), through the General Directorate of Electronic Communications (DGCE).
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Airtel Zambia launches $107 million nationwide network expansion
22 December 2025
Airtel Zambia has announced a $107 million plan to expand and upgrade its network across the country. The initiative aims to enhance coverage, improve service reliability, and deliver a better customer experience nationwide.
The company plans to deploy 406 additional network sites, targeting congestion reduction, expanded coverage, and increased resilience in high-demand and critical areas such as schools, hospitals, and clinics. Currently, 121 sites are operational, with the remaining 285 scheduled for completion by March 2026.
Find out more Tpay becomes Egypt’s approved provider for mobile-based government payments
19 December 2025
Egyptian fintech firm Tpay has secured approval from the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) to operate as the country’s official Direct Operator Billing (DCB) provider for government-related transactions.
The agreement, signed by Tpay CEO Ahmed Nabil and NTRA President Mohamed Shamroukh, grants Tpay the authority to enable citizens to pay for various government services — such as electricity bills, traffic fines, and civil registration fees — using their mobile phone balance or monthly mobile bill. This initiative aims to streamline payments for public services by removing the need for bank cards or in-person visits, making transactions more accessible and convenient.
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