Orange Egypt and Huawei to accelerate 5G deployment and digital transformation in Egypt
19 June 2025
In a major development for Egypt’s telecommunications sector, Orange Egypt and Huawei have officially announced a strategic partnership aimed at deploying advanced 5G technology to support the country’s ongoing digital transformation.
This collaboration is set to harness emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, augmented reality, and virtual reality, paving the way for the development of smart ecosystems including smart cities and the Internet of Things (IoT). The initiative promises to enhance user experiences for both consumers and businesses alike.
Find out more Safaricom announces $500 million investment in AI
29 May 2025
Safaricom is making a significant move into artificial intelligence (AI), announcing a $500 million investment over the next three years to build AI infrastructure across East Africa.
Chief Enterprise Business Officer Cynthia Kropac stated that the initiative aims to go beyond traditional connectivity, fostering advanced digital services, innovation, and regional productivity.
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Political will is needed to reform Universal Service Funds in Africa to drive digital inclusion across Africa
28 May 2025
Caroline Mbugua HSC. Senior Director, Public Policy & Communications, GSMA
An African proverb says, "He who does not seize opportunity today will be unable to seize tomorrow’s opportunity." This means the time to act and close the digital divide is now. Universal Service Funds have the potential to drive digital inclusion in Africa, but this will not be achieved without the necessary reforms to improve their effectiveness. Political goodwill is essential to facilitate these reforms, ensuring we can unlock this potential.
Universal broadband access is fundamental to Africa's socio-economic transformation - yet a significant digital divide continues to hold the continent back. While most African countries have established Universal Service Funds (USFs) to help close this gap, a recent GSMA report highlights a troubling disconnect between the funds collected and the real-world impact on broadband expansion. Between 2018 and 2022, more than $1.5 billion was accumulated through USFs across Africa, yet much of this remains unspent. Dormancy, poor transparency, and political interference continue to hamper the effectiveness of these funds.
Find out more Can AI in RAN address MNO challenges across Africa?
08 May 2025
Mikko Lavanti, Nokia Mobile Networks SVP of Middle East and Africa
In 2024, the African telecoms industry faced many challenges, including high deployment costs, high operating costs, rising energy tariffs and unreliable energy supply from the grid. All these factors had a knock-on impact on performance and profitability.
Fortunately, artificial intelligence (AI) is introducing new ways of overcoming these challenges, particularly in its optimisation of Radio Access Networks (RAN).
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