Tech

Liquid Dataport expands fibre routes to connect Angola, Zambia

Published

1 year ago

July 11, 2023

Pan-African fibre connectivity network, Liquid Dataport has announced the expansion of its fibre backbone to connect Zambia and Angola directly.

According to the Group CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technologies,
Hardy Pemhiwa, the expansion of the network follows Liquid’s launch of a new fibre link between Lobito in Angola and Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“The 2500 km fibre route will bring additional and affordable Internet services, positively impacting the lives of millions of people along the way,” Pemhiwa said.

He noted that through the investment, Liquid would directly connect Angola to Zambia through its fibre network in Zambia, and collaborate with partners like Angola Telecom in Angola and Zambia.

“In the last few months, we have launched multiple new routes interconnecting countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The addition of this route to Liquid’s regional fibre backbone is a significant addition to its existing 110,000 km fibre backbone, providing its regional customers access to high-speed connectivity and cloud services at affordable costs.

“Building a route that directly connects Angola and Zambia is key to our Group’s vision of a digitally connected future that leaves no African behind. Connectivity is a catalyst and enabler, key to building Africa’s digital economy,” said the CEO.

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Tech

MTN launches 5G network in Benin Republic

Published

47 minutes ago

November 25, 2024

Isaac Dachen

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.”

Tech

Fintech startup DigMo launched in Zambia to gamify financial planning

Published

1 day ago

November 24, 2024

Isaac Dachen

DigMo, a gamified fintech startup which helps users to build wealth tools from low to middle-income earners, has been launched in Zambia.

CEO of the DigMo Group, Sylvia Brune, who made the announcement, says the platform which is licensed by the Bank of Zambia to operate a wallet, offers a secure, free digital money account with a special account for users to play a financial planning game which incentivises customers to get started putting money away for the future.

“By giving customers the chance to win big rewards, DigMo is encouraging sustainable habits,” said Brune.

She stated that with an initial rollout in Zambia, DigMo wallet’s first offering, Save to Win, will make putting money away regularly, easy and rewarding with no fixed costs or fees.

“DigMo Save to Win allows users to start with small amounts – from just ZMW10 (US$0.37) – for the chance to win prizes of up to ZMW500,000 (US$19,000).

“We are committed to financial planning innovation for low and middle-income earners across Africa. To achieve this meaningful impact, we approach this like a game studio – where we constantly create and test many new products until we find those with an outsized impact,” Brune said.

“If we just take existing products and make them more affordable or accessible, it is unlikely that we can dramatically change behaviours.

“To succeed, we have engaged directly with users, observing and learning from them to develop DigMo, a solution that will dramatically improve their financial well-being and meet their unique needs,” she added.