Malawi Telecommunications innovates on a budget
23 July 2025
Malawi Telecommunications Limited (MTL) has repeatedly reinvented itself, transitioning from a government-owned entity to a private subsidiary, and then adapting to the rapidly evolving African telecom landscape as a fierce competitor.
Despite its status as a national mobile network operator (MNO), MTL faces many challenges common to smaller communication service providers (CSPs), including resource constraints and a competitive, dynamic market. The company grappled with high levels of theft and vandalism targeting its copper-wire infrastructure, prompting a strategic shift away from physical assets.
Digitally transforming telecommunications in Tanzania
23 July 2025
Faced with numerous operational challenges — including fragmented systems, complex inventory management, disjointed sales processes, and inefficient order management — a leading telco in Tanzania sought a unified, agile platform to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences.
The telco offers a broad spectrum of mobile services such as voice, data, messaging, and value-added offerings. With extensive network coverage across urban, semi-urban, and rural areas, the company has invested heavily in infrastructure to ensure reliable connectivity. Additionally, it operates a popular mobile money service that enables users to perform financial transactions like money transfers, bill payments, and airtime purchases directly via mobile devices, significantly contributing to financial inclusion nationwide.
Widening digital horizons with Washa Wi-Fi
18 June 2025
In the vibrant heart of Nairobi, Kenya, a transformative initiative called Washa Wi-Fi emerged, driven by Syokinet. With a mission to enhance digital accessibility, this community-centric project sought to provide high-speed Wi-Fi in public spaces. By doing so, Syokinet aimed to empower communities and foster economic growth in bustling areas such as bus stations and marketplaces, where connectivity was crucial for everyday activities and business transactions.
Facing the connectivity challenge
As Syokinet embarked on this ambitious venture, they quickly realized the challenges that lay ahead. To augment their existing fibre network, the company sought to install a high-speed Wi-Fi service across Nairobi’s high-traffic zones. They aimed to offer affordable internet packages to a wider audience, yet the infrastructure deployment proved to be an uphill battle. One of the most significant hurdles was the lack of accessible AC power at the public utility poles designated for installation. Prior attempts to create an internal solar power solution with various components became costly and unsustainable, threatening the project’s viability.
Read the full article Connecting Côte d’Ivoire with the RuralStar solution
18 June 2025
Côte d’Ivoire, situated just above the equator and south of the Tropic of Cancer, enjoys a unique combination of geographical benefits and a favourable climate. The nation’s flat terrain and low elevations, which do not exceed 400 meters, offer fertile plains and plateaus ideal for extensive agricultural development. The tropical climate ensures abundant sunshine throughout the year, creating optimal conditions for cultivating high-quality crops such as cocoa, coffee, cashews, and rubber — key products for both domestic and international markets.
Despite its agricultural potential, Northern Côte d’Ivoire faces significant challenges in network connectivity. With nearly 47% of the population living in rural areas, the agricultural sector is crucial for both employment and economic stability. However, due to a lack of infrastructure, many rural residents are effectively cut off from essential communication services, including voice calls, text messaging, and internet access. This isolation hampers local economies, obstructs e-commerce initiatives, and stifles necessary digital transformations within the agricultural industry.
Read the full article