Tech

MTN launches 5G network in Benin Republic

Published

1 month ago

November 25, 2024

MTN Benin has officially launched its 5G network which will position the country as a technological leader in West Africa.

The company, in a statement, said the launch of Benin’s first commercial 5G network will not only position the country at the forefront of technological advancement in the West African region but also set the stage for a more competitive and dynamic telecommunications market.

“The advanced network promises faster speeds, ultra-low latency, and enhanced reliability, driving industry productivity and innovation,” the company said.

“This strategic investment aims to revolutionize Benin’s digital ecosystem, boosting business operations and reshaping user experiences. MTN’s 5G rollout underscores its commitment to advancing technology and supporting the nation’s digital transformation,” it said.

The launch of the MTN 5G will further intensify competition in Benin’s telecom industry and aligns with MTN’s broader strategy to expand 5G services in Africa and is expected to significantly influence the nation’s economy.

“Enhanced connectivity can lead to increased efficiency in industries such as agriculture, healthcare, and education. For instance, farmers could utilise real-time data to optimise crop yields, while healthcare providers can implement telemedicine solutions to reach remote areas,” it said.

“Educational institutions could also benefit from improved access to digital resources, facilitating e-learning opportunities. Moreover, the 5G network is expected to attract foreign investment by providing the necessary infrastructure for tech startups and multinational companies seeking to establish operations in Benin. This influx of investment could lead to job creation and contribute to the overall economic growth of the country.”

Related Topics:5G Benin Republic Featured MTN

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Tech

Facebook returns to Uganda after 4-year ban

Published

2 days ago

December 24, 2024

Isaac Dachen

After four years of being in the cooler as a result of suspension by government, Facebook, now Meta, is making a return to Uganda after prolonged negotiations saw the Ugandan government reverse the ban it placed on the platform since 2021.

The suspension of the social media platform had stemmed from accusations by the government that Facebook was meddling in the country’s political affairs during the 2021 presidential elections which arose after it deleted government-affiliated accounts for allegedly spreading disinformation.

This ban of Facebook has led to widespread disruptions across the nation, affecting not only political discourse but also personal connections and business operations.

But according to reports, with a potential re-launch on the horizon for December 2024, Facebook’s comeback could be a game-changer with approximately 2.5 million Ugandans poised to reconnect on the platform, while the Uganda Revenue Authority stands to gain financially from its revival just as businesses, especially smaller enterprises, stand to benefit from advertising incomes.

Tech

20 African tech-preneurs embark on Korean innovation tour

Published

4 days ago

December 22, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The African Development Bank Group’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Lab has selected 20 promising tech entrepreneurs from various African technology ventures and enterprise support organisations to embark on a two-week study tour of the Republic of Korea, with the aim of seeking investment and insights from the country’s innovative tech ecosystem.

The selected entrepreneurs are from 133 ventures that participated in last month’s Africa Tech Startup Forum.

The forum which will hold under the auspices of the lab’s “Leveraging the Entrepreneurial and Innovation Success of Korea to Strengthen African Enterprise Support” project, had selected entrepreneurs who pitched the best business models during the week-long virtual market access and acceleration programme preparing, training, and connecting technology ventures with opportunities.

The 20 young tech-preneurs were selected from eight African countries including Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda, with the delegates spanning various sectors in the technology space.

While in Korea, the African delegates will pay visits to prestigious institutions such as Global Startup Centre, LG Science Park, the Korea Software Technology Association, and the Global Digital Innovation Network.

Speaking on behalf of the delegates, founder of Kenya-based health technology venture Zuri Health, Uche Ezadinachi said:

“I am excited to go to Korea because the country has made serious technological developments. The country is a technology-driven society, and this tour is an opportunity for me to see how we can bring such technology to Africa.

“We will share experiences with our Korean counterparts; they will learn from us as much as we learn from them,” he added.