Telecom Operators

Airtel Kenya, the second largest mobile operator in the nation in terms of subscribers, has revealed its intentions to invest a minimum of $150 million in the upcoming three years. This substantial investment is aimed at achieving an extensive expansion of its network coverage across the entire country. Ashish Malhotra, the CEO of the company, affirmed that these funds will be channeled towards the establishment of 649 new network sites nationwide. This initiative will elevate the current count from 3,200 to encompass a broad 89% coverage of the entire country.

MTN Rwandacell PLC (MTN Rwanda) recently entered into a cooperation agreement with data platform Bboxx, aiming to accelerate smartphone adoption in Rwanda. Under this agreement, Bboxx will offer Rwandans simplified and accessible smartphone payment plans spanning six or twelve months. In return, MTN Rwanda will provide subscribers with SIM cards.

Michael Joseph has stepped down from his position as a director on the board of Safaricom PLC.

The world's leading broadband and mobile network speed testing company, Ookla, has announced that Etisalat has been rated as having the fastest mobile network in Egypt.

Airtel Kenya has announced a positive update for its customers by reducing excise duty rates on its telecommunication services. As part of this change, Airtel Kenya will decrease the excise duty from the current 20% to 15% for voice, data and SMS services, providing cost benefits to its customers. However, the transaction charges for Airtel money services will remain unchanged.

Ride-hailing app Uber has recently introduced M-PESA payments on its platform, allowing riders to pay for their cab fare using Safaricom's mobile money service. This addition comes shortly after Uber Eats also introduced the same payment feature. The timing of this new service is welcomed, as customers have long been frustrated by the absence of this payment option.

MTN Rwandacell PLC and Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd., leading players in Rwanda's telecommunications sector, have achieved a significant milestone by receiving official certification as Data Controllers from the Data Protection and Privacy Office - Rwanda. This esteemed 5-year certification was granted in recognition of their adherence to all necessary requirements, making them the first certified telecom entities in Rwanda.

In a momentous event held at their headquarters, Etisalat Egypt, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, officially introduced the highly anticipated Civil Registry Office. The inauguration ceremony was honored by the esteemed presence of H.E. Dr. Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology.

Cell C has announced the appointment of Melanie Forbes as its new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), effective August 1, 2023. Forbes brings over 25 years of extensive experience in the Telecommunications, IT and Consumer Electronics industries, having worked with renowned brands such as Philips, NetFlorist (NetActive), Siemens, Nokia (NSN) and, most recently, Vodacom. Her background spans both B2B and B2C markets across various African markets.

Ooredoo Q.P.S.C. (Ooredoo) — Ticker: ORDS — has announced the appointment of Roni Tohme as the new Chief Executive Officer of Ooredoo Algeria, effective August 1, 2023, after a successful interim period as the company’s acting CEO.