Tech

Starlink commences operations in Botswana

Published

3 months ago

August 29, 2024

SpaceX’s Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite internet service providers, Starlink, has commenced operations in Botswana three months after it was granted license, marking a significant milestone for the Southern African nation.

Director of Starlink Global Licensing and Market Activation, Rebecca Slick Hunter, who made the announcement in a statement, said ButI otswana’sy entry into the rapidly expanding network of countries utilising Starlink’s services.

Botswana’s licensing of Starlink comes just three months after President Mokgweetsi Masisi met with Bvyen MacWilliams, Director of Starlink’s Global Licensing and Activation, during a business summit in the United States in May 2024

Three months after obtaining its operating license, Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk, is now available in Botswana. The hardware is priced at P4,820 ($363), with shipping costing P314 ($24), and a monthly subscription fee of P688 ($52).

“Starlink’s launch in Botswana follows a year of discussions with the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA). The company initially submitted its license application in early 2023 but only received approval in May 2024,” she noted.

“In Botswana, Starlink has entered an internet service provider market that is primarily dominated by mobile network operators such as BTC, Mascom, and Orange, as well as other broadband internet providers like Nashua and OPQ. This makes Botswana the sixth country in southern Africa to welcome Starlink, following Zambia, eSwatini, Malawi, Mozambique, and Madagascar.”

Related Topics:Botswana Featured Space X Starlink

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Tech

Tanzania to host 6th Ocean Innovation Africa summit in February

Published

20 hours ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, has been selected to host the sixth edition of the Ocean Innovation Africa (OIA) summit from February 24-28, 2025, as a flagship event within Regenerative Ocean Week.

The Ocean Innovation Africa is set to be Africa’s most significant platform for Ocean Innovation conservation, and sustainable development in the blue economy. OIA2025 will be co-organised with leading partners, including IUCN, GIZ, OceanHub Africa, Catalyze and the Ocean-Climate Platform.

With the theme, “Science-to-Solution”, the Regenerative Ocean Week will present a line-up of sessions designed to bridge the gap between scientific research, business innovation, policy, and community engagement.

According to the organizers of the event, it will bring together African ocean innovators, investors, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to explore practical solutions that can be applied across the continent.

“These include the OIA Pitch Competition, which is a platform for Africa-based startups and entrepreneurs to showcase breakthrough ideas in ocean-impact solutions, allowing them to connect with investors and industry leaders and emphasizing Africa’s role in driving sustainable ocean initiatives,” the organizers said in a statement.

Tech

Orange Egypt earmarks $52.7m to support African startups

Published

2 days ago

November 19, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Orange Egypt has earmarked the sum of $52.7 million to support African startups in what is going to be the largest investment to drive a youth-focused tech revolution.

According to the company, the mammoth investment will see over 40 startups benefitting from the funds, with most of them being Egyptian companies.

‘It’s a boost for Egypt’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and a step closer to cementing its spot as a top startup hub in Africa,” the company said in a statement.

The investment is coming on the heels of the telco signing a deal with the Egyptian government to roll out the second phase of its 5G licensing.

The statement noted that with Egypt’s startup game already strong and ranking as the third most funded country in the MENA region, “the numbers speak for themselves.”

“In 2022, Egyptian startups closed 143 funding deals worth nearly $766.7 million, outpacing the $606.79 million raised the year before.

“Plus over 2,100 startups employing more than 50,000 people, the country’s ecosystem is one of the top 10 emerging startup hubs globally.

“The Egyptian government is all in on this. And since launching initiatives like Egypt Ventures in 2017, they’ve been backing startups to drive innovation and growth in the tech space.

“Orange Egypt’s latest move only adds fuel to this already blazing fire, paving the way for more opportunities and a stronger startup culture across Africa,” it added.