Reports and Coverage

By Ken Campbell, Managing Partner in the London office of PMP Strategy and Nicolas Pillon, Associate Partner in the Montreal office of PMP Strategy

Namibia is charting a new trajectory in its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, with significant investments aimed at advancing digital connectivity and fortifying cybersecurity measures.

In today's digital age, access to reliable and affordable internet connectivity is crucial for driving socioeconomic development. However, across the African continent, millions of individuals still lack access to basic internet services. This digital divide not only limits individual opportunities but also hampers overall economic growth and development. To address this issue, leveraging infrastructure sharing offers a promising solution. By optimizing existing infrastructure and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, Africa can bridge the connectivity gap and unlock the full potential of its digital economy.

Vodacom Tanzania PLC and CRDB Bank have united their efforts to introduce a smartphone financing program aimed at accelerating smartphone adoption and narrowing the digital divide in Tanzania. This partnership, unveiled at a launch event in Dar es Salaam, underscores Vodacom's dedication to initiatives geared towards reducing device costs. Among these initiatives are subsidies for feature phones and financing options facilitating the shift from 2G to 4G-enabled smartphones. Leveraging strategic partnerships, such as this collaboration with CRDB Bank, is instrumental in broadening their customer base.

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, talent emerges as the cornerstone of progress. Demonstrating a steadfast commitment to nurturing this vital resource, Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has unveiled an array of initiatives aimed at positioning the nation at the forefront of the digital revolution.

Ethiopia's mobile value-added services (MVAS) market is poised for significant growth, with projections indicating a substantial increase from US$ 1,434.5 million in 2022 to a staggering US$ 7,479.7 million by 2031. This exponential growth, forecasted at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 20.14% between 2023 and 2031, underscores the country's evolving telecom landscape and the rising prominence of mobile-based services.

McKinsey, a renowned authority in market analysis, recently unveiled their latest report on fintech in Africa, marking a significant milestone in the industry's discourse. This release aligns with a broader consensus across the sector, highlighting a collective understanding of market dynamics and opportunities.

In the vibrant and innovative city of Dubai, UAE, from December 10 to 11, 2024, the highly anticipated annual Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit will be back as a cornerstone event in the ICT industry's calendar.

In a groundbreaking achievement, Tanzania, under the visionary leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has secured a remarkable position in the GovTech Maturity Index (GTMI) 2022, as revealed by the World Bank's extensive research.

Nigeria has urged the West African region to adopt a unified and collaborative strategy to safeguard shared telecommunications infrastructure and enhance connectivity to ensure uninterrupted service. Reuben Muoka, spokesperson for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), emphasized this after recent disruptions caused by undersea cable cuts.