The future of network automation in Africa
22 July 2025
Samar Mittal, Vice President and Head of Cloud and Network Services MEA, Nokia
Automation is reshaping industries worldwide, and for Africa’s mobile network operators (MNOs), its potential is immense. From optimising processes and improving cost efficiency to enhancing customer experience, automation is revolutionising network management. By reducing operational timelines and human errors, automation allows MNOs to deliver services faster, optimise network performance, and drive monetisation.
In Africa, where telecom operators manage a wide spectrum of technologies — ranging from 3G to cutting-edge 5G — automation serves as a unifying force that enhances operations regardless of where an operator is on its technological journey. Zero-touch automation, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven efficiencies, and predictive network maintenance are becoming essential components for ensuring long-term competitiveness and sustainability.
Connectivity Gold for the world’s mega events
22 July 2025
During the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, I saw the essential role antenna infrastructure and technology played in providing reliable connectivity and access for visitors as well as underpinning critical communications. Just as in Africa, the requirement for connectivity in the UK was a challenge that had to be achieved between venues and while users were on the move.
The 2022 Commonwealth Games was attended by 1.3 million people, the overwhelming majority of whom wanted to connect their portable devices to the internet. This is a major challenge to all mega events, where people now expect to have access to fast, reliable communications and transmission capability.
How this is achieved often must depend on what systems are already available at a venue and its environs. Options can include Wi-Fi 6 as an enhanced version of the 2.4/5GHz spectrum - 2.4GHz provides the most coverage at slower transmission speed, while 5GHz gives less coverage but higher data transmission speed - to allow multi-user connectivity.
TETRA and broadband: better together
22 July 2025
Joseph Mehawej, Regional Director, DAMM, member of TCCA’s TETRA Industry Group
At first glance, they look like competing technologies. Narrowband TETRA versus broadband, moving towards true critical broadband. For organisations facing the challenge of upgrading a critical communications network, do they stay with what they know works, or commit to the technology of the future?
The answer is that both TETRA and broadband are technologies of the future. TETRA will keep doing what it does brilliantly, and broadband will bring additional capability. They will bring a better future by working together.
Read the full article Driving digital inclusion in South Africa: why global accessibility standards matter locally
02 July 2025
As the European Accessibility Act (EAA) comes into effect in June 2025, global organisations are rethinking how accessible their digital platforms really are. While the EAA doesn’t apply directly to South African businesses unless they operate in the EU, it raises important questions about how we approach digital inclusion at home.
Driving digital inclusion in South Africa requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both technological and contextual factors. Adopting global accessibility standards, along with investments in affordable technology, digital skills training, and accessible local content, is essential for creating a more equitable and inclusive digital society. This effort not only benefits people with disabilities but also contributes to broader economic and social development
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