Tech

Sonatel Orange launches 5G network in Senegal

Published

1 year ago

July 24, 2023

Internet services connectivity company, Sonatel, a subsidiary of French telecoms giant, Orange, has launched its 5G network in Senegal in a bid to push towards ultra-broadband technology in the West African country.

Sonatel, which operates in five West African countries including Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, and Sierra Leone with over 32 million mobile customers across these markets, won the right after bidding XOF34.5 billion ($59.1 million) for the authorization of the license during a tender process that concluded earlier last week.

According to the company, the bid figure was significantly higher than rivals Free and Expresso, which had submitted lower bids of XAF3 billion ($5.12m) and XAF2 billion ($3.4m) respectively, which were both below the reserve price of XAF19.5 billion ($33m) established by the country’s telecommunications regulatory body, ARTP.

At a press conference during the bidding process, ARTP Director General, Abdou Karim Sall, had noted that the main aim of the tender was to select an operator to provide reliable and efficient 5G infrastructure as soon as possible.

“Following the examination of the submitted offers, the committee for the evaluation of technical and financial offers proposed to the Selection Committee to retain Sonatel, which was the only candidate to have fulfilled the conditions set by the regulations,” he had said.

With the rollout of the 5G network, Sall said the country was striving to meet the rising demand for broadband connectivity and the changing digital consumption habits sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“With the agreement and specifications which will define the 5G coverage goals, this will pave the way for Sonatel to deploy its 5G network, thereby introducing advanced, high-speed connectivity to the population of Senegal,” Sall said.

The West African country will now join other countries including Nigeria, Botswana, Egypt, Gabon, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Uganda, and Zambia that have already launched the 5G network.

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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.