Telecoms

**Excerpt:** MTN has launched Benin’s first commercial 5G network, paving the way for economic transformation and intensified telecom competition, while boosting connectivity for businesses and consumers.

Ghana and The Gambia has partnered to launch a free roaming initiative, removing extra charges for calls, texts, and data. This step will strengthen West African connectivity and boost economic integration.

Telkom’s decision to retain Openserve marks a strategic shift, prioritising long-term growth in South Africa’s telecom sector. This move could drive revenue from rising broadband demand while reinforcing Telkom’s network infrastructure.

Cameroon Telecommunications (Camtel), the state-owned telecom operator, has announced plans to launch mobile financial services by 2025 to challenge established players like Orange and MTN in the country’s burgeoning fintech sector.

Chad has approved the licensing of Elon Musk’s satellite internet provider, Starlink, in a move to enhance digital connectivity. This development aims to address the country’s low internet penetration and bridge the digital divide, particularly in remote areas.

Funke Opeke resigns from MainOne, paving the way for Equinix’s strategic expansion in Africa. MainOne’s robust infrastructure and Equinix’s expertise aim to boost digital access across West Africa.

MTN Nigeria’s Q3 shows data and fintech growth, but currency losses and inflation drive a ₦514.9B after-tax loss, highlighting the impact of Nigeria’s volatile economy.

MTN Nigeria has reported a 0.9% decrease in total subscribers to 77 million and a loss after tax of ₦514.9 billion for the nine months ending September 30, 2024. In Q4 2024, MTN aims to prioritise the recovery of its subscriber base and tariff adjustments.

Egyptian regulators are creating a digital platform to enhance telecom user complaint resolution. Currently, users can submit complaints to their providers or, if unresolved, through the NTRA’s contact centre, website, WhatsApp, and the MyNTRA app.

Globacom reportedly will appoint Ahmad Farroukh, a former CEO of MTN Nigeria, as its new chief executive. The change would mark the first time for Globacom, as Mike Adenuga has led the company since its launch in August 2003.

Telecom Egypt has secured a $370 million syndicated loan to increase its financial flexibility and cash inflows. In May 2024, it signed an agreement to receive a $200 million medium-term loan to renew existing short-term facilities.

Airtel Africa has renewed its tower lease agreements with American Tower Corporation (ATC) in Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, and Niger. The contractual terms include a focus on renewable energy solutions, particularly for several sites in Nigeria.

Ericsson has partnered with e& Egypt to launch 5G across Egypt. This move comes as the Egyptian government granted 5G licences to three mobile operators: Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt, and e& Egypt.

Starlink has suspended its subscription hike for Nigerian users amid regulatory challenges. Meanwhile, the Internet provider has reportedly increased the Standard kit price from $350 to $389 in Zimbabwe.

Starlink’s arrival in Zimbabwe has prompted local ISPs to slash prices as the US-based satellite provider’s terminals quickly sell out, pushing competition in the country’s Internet services sector.

South Sudan telcos have announced a tariff adjustment in response to an increase in the official exchange rate. This comes as the parliament investigates alleged malpractices in telecommunications companies.

Several telcos in Zimbabwe have adjusted their tariffs to align with the country’s economic conditions following a recent currency devaluation, which has significantly impacted various sectors, including telecoms.

IHS Towers, a telecommunications tower giant, has reportedly secured a $439 million loan to pay off a $430 million debt. Nearly half of the loan is in South African Rand, while the other half is in USD ($255 million).

Equinix finalises its integration of Nigeria’s MainOne following a $320 million acquisition nearly two years ago. Employees received new contracts and a pay raise, as the company advances plans to expand its data centre operations in the country.

MTN Nigeria’s CEO has warned that the telco may shut down if there is no tariff hike. Previously, the country’s telecom operators had been considering a load-shedding strategy to manage their services.