Telecoms
From telco data wars, to 5G, Techpoint Africa brings you the latest update on connectivity, telecom companies, Internet service providers, Internet infrastructure among others.
Top stories
MTN has launched West Africa’s largest tier III data centre. Valued at over $253 million, the telco declared Nigerian startups will not need AWS, Google, others anymore.
Starlink subscriptions in Kenya have dropped, but the company has reopened sign-ups as it battles pricing and regulatory hurdles across Africa.
Bosun Tijani becomes vice-chair of the ITU Council 2025, marking a historic leadership role for Nigeria and boosting Africa’s influence in global digital governance.
Access Bank’s move to freeze MTN Nigeria’s accounts over a ₦180.95bn debt has been dismissed by a Lagos court. The judge ruled there was no urgent risk to the funds.
Sierra Leone is set to launch its first 5G network, powered entirely by renewable energy. The move could transform digital access and sustainability efforts.
Starlink has shut down internet access for South African users on roaming plans after ICASA warned the service is unlicensed. The move affects thousands relying on the satellite provider.
Ever wondered where the internet lives? This podcast summary breaks down how data centres power everything from Google searches to Netflix streams—and what it takes to build one in Nigeria.
South Africa is cracking down on Starlink use, seizing equipment and exposing tensions between enforcing telecom rules and expanding rural internet access.
MTN Nigeria’s CTO, Yahaya Ibrahim, says users can expect significant network upgrades by Q4 2025 as the telco addresses infrastructure gaps, vandalism, and growing demand.
After selling 25% of its stake in Safaricom in 2008, Kenya wants to sell more of what’s left of its 35% as part of efforts to raise over $1 billion in the 2025/26 fiscal year, continuing its privatisation agenda.
South Africa considers easing telecom rules for Starlink, raising concerns over policy integrity as it courts US favour and faces pressure to modernise rural Internet access.
Vodacom is investing R20bn to expand 5G and rural coverage in South Africa, aiming to boost digital inclusion and power the continent’s digital economy under its Vision 2030 strategy.
Blue Label wants to list Cell C on the JSE in a push to revive the troubled telco. A debt-to-equity swap, asset transfers, and new ownership structures are at the heart of this financial reset.
Airtel Africa is launching a $55m share buyback after a major profit recovery, signalling investor confidence despite IPO delays.
Strong growth in Nigeria and Ghana helped MTN Group post a 33% profit surge in Q1 2025, with rising data and fintech revenues powering performance in both key markets.
Safaricom posts an 11% profit jump to $540 million, with reduced Ethiopia losses and strong Kenyan growth.
Safaricom is exploring satellite partnerships as competition with Starlink grows, signalling a shift in Kenya’s internet market and pushing for regulatory reforms.
Airtel Africa processed $145 billion in mobile money transactions in FY 2025. Despite currency challenges, the company posted strong gains, boosting its full-year profit to $328 million.
CSCS and MTN have partnered to launch *7270#, a USSD code that lets users check and manage investments without internet access, boosting financial inclusion nationwide.
MTN Nigeria posts ₦133.7bn profit in Q1 2025, ending a losing streak since 2023. Growth in data and digital services, plus Naira stability, fuel its recovery.