Tech

MTN Rwanda partners Bboxx to widen smartphone access

Published

1 year ago

July 18, 2023

MTN Rwandacell PLC, a subsidiary of MTN Group, Africa’s mobile network operator, has announced a partnership with Bboxx, a data-driven super platform, which will see it widen access to smartphones across the country and accelerate its digital agenda.

The strategic partnership, according to MTN Rwanda CEO, Mapula Bodibe, is aimed at leveraging the “combined expertise and shared vision of the two companies to make essential technology more accessible for all Rwandans, helping to bridge the digital divide and provide internet access to previously unconnected communities.”

“This initiative perfectly builds upon the Rwandan government and MTN Rwanda’s existing goal to ‘Connect Rwanda’ by ensuring that every household has access to a smartphone,” he said.

With the coming together of the two, Bboxx’s pay-as-you-go smartphone service known as Bboxx Connect, will give customers a simpler, more accessible way to pay for their smartphones while providing a tool for financial education and helping them build credit worthiness, Bodipe said.

“This will, in turn, strengthen the digital economy and fuel socio-economic development across the country. Bboxx is offering its customers flexible repayment plans of six months or twelve months.

“MTN Rwanda, in turn, will provide SIM cards, making use of its impressive 99% coverage in Rwanda, and will also offer a starter data pack that consists of 1GB per month for a period of three months to all customers who sign up for Bboxx Connect”.

“With the synergy between Bboxx and MTN Rwanda, the telecommunications market leader in Rwanda with almost 7 million users, creates a promising alliance set to significantly advance digital connectivity in the region,” Mansoor Hamayun, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bboxx, said in a statement.

“This partnership underscores our commitment to unlocking potential through technological innovation. With MTN Rwanda’s extensive reach, we will scale our Bboxx Connect service to enhance affordability and accessibility of smartphones for customers across Rwanda,” he said.

“This is not only an innovative business collaboration but a significant step forward in the global effort to end the digital divide and deliver affordable, life-changing technology to all.”

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Tech

Ghana partners with The Gambia to provide free roaming services

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana and The Gambia are in the process of launching free roaming services that will enhance a West African connectivity.

The plan which is a joint initiative of the Ghana Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation and The Gambian National Communications Authority (NCA) will see mobile users in both countries avoiding extra charges for calls, texts, and data, which in turn, is expected to boost trade, tourism, and economic integration across borders.

The collaboration, according to a joint statement by the two bodies, aligns with the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) broader push for seamless regional communication.

“Ghana and The Gambia are forging new paths in West Africa’s digital landscape, implementing a free-roaming initiative,” the statement said.

“This move strengthens regional connectivity while highlighting the role of technological collaboration in fostering economic integration. The initiative enables mobile users travelling between the two nations to make calls, send messages, and use data services without additional roaming fees.”

It further noted that by reducing these costs, the program aligns with the ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative, which seeks to eliminate barriers to communication across member states.

“It is a boost for trade and travel as the free roaming plan is expected to spur economic activities by streamlining cross-border communication.

“Businesses and individuals travelling between Ghana and The Gambia can now stay connected without worrying about exorbitant charges, facilitating smoother transactions and personal interactions. The initiative is also expected to attract more tourists by ensuring seamless digital access for visitors.

“This collaboration marks another milestone in Ghana’s commitment to expanding digital connectivity, following Ghana’s successful implementation of similar agreements with Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin, with talks of possible roaming partnerships with Liberia.

“By focusing on digital integration, Ghana and The Gambia demonstrate the power of technology to bridge gaps between countries. This step also serves as a model for other West African nations to join the free-roaming framework, contributing to the larger goal of a connected and economically integrated region,” it added.

Tech

Tanzania to host 6th Ocean Innovation Africa summit in February

Published

2 days 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.