Closing the loop: embracing the circular economy

23 July 2025

In an industry built on speed and constant innovation, sustainability might seem like a strange bedfellow. Yet, for telecommunications companies, device manufacturers, and tech lifecycle partners, the circular economy isn’t just a noble idea — it’s becoming a business-critical imperative.

The telecom sector is responsible for a growing share of the world’s electronic waste (e-waste), from smartphones all the way through to cell towers and server racks. With millions of devices sold each year and infrastructure expanding at pace — particularly in emerging markets — the question is no longer whether the sector should engage with sustainability, but how to do so effectively.


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Towers

Towering ambitions: can Africa’s cell sites hit the elusive 99.8% uptime?

21 July 2025

Chu Yanli,ZTE Corporation

Chu Yanli, ZTE Corporation

In a continent where connectivity is not just a luxury but a lifeline, Africa’s telecom towers stand as silent sentinels of the digital age. Yet, these essential structures are struggling to meet a critical benchmark: 99.8% uptime. This target, while seemingly small in difference from current performance levels, marks a major leap in reliability and economic impact. With uptime directly linked to digital service availability, the challenge is both technical and transformative.

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MVNOS

The MVNO moment: rewriting the connectivity playbook

18 June 2025

From digital inclusion to fintech fusion, Africa’s MVNOs are carving out a bold new future for wireless communications…

In the race to connect Africa’s billion-plus population, a quiet revolution is reshaping the continent’s telecom terrain — one that doesn’t involve building towers or laying cables. Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) are stepping up as agile disruptors, digital enablers, and vital partners in delivering inclusive, innovative, and cost-effective communication services.

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telco to techco

Beyond the call: the rise of Africa’s techcos

06 May 2025

The African telecoms industry is at a crossroads. Once focused solely on connectivity, operators are now evolving into technology companies — or ‘techcos’ — to expand their service offerings, drive revenue, and remain competitive in a rapidly digitising world...

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