Tech

Parallel Wireless partners with Hotspot Networks to bring connectivity to 500 Nigerian rural sites

Published

4 months ago

January 10, 2024

One of the biggest players in Open RAN Technology, Parallel Wireless, has partnered with Hotspot Network Ltd, a Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) provider, to extend coverage to over 500 unconnected rural sites throughout Nigeria.

This collaboration, according to Morenikeji Aniye, Founder and CEO at Hotspot Networks, is aimed at “connecting residents of rural regions to essential services such as health, education, and financial services, that will ultimately improve their quality of life.”

“Hotspot Network Ltd offers its services to leading mobile networks in Nigeria, providing a comprehensive portfolio of products and services through collaboration with a network of global partners, making them a single point of contact for all rural connectivity and telecommunication needs,” she said.

She noted that the technology gap between urban and rural areas is expanding throughout the globe, but regretted that in rural Africa, residents risk being left behind as government and private sector services move to digital formats.

“In response to this challenge, Hotspot Networks is working directly with local and national governments to build 2G and 4G wireless communications infrastructure beyond the radio network.”

“These initiatives extend beyond mere communication to support phone banking, education, and health services, thereby ensuring that communication capabilities remain accessible to residents.”

“The terrestrial hurdles faced today are the same as those faced in years past, but the urgency has grown.”

“Technological advancements in our ability to connect these previously unconnected areas instantaneously bring them into modern times and all the necessities that come with it.”

“Once Hotspot Networks’ hardware is installed, Parallel Wireless can manage network activity via their Open RAN software, allowing for reliable service for those that now rely on it.

“With a focus on balancing speed with reliability, we made it our mission to deploy both 2G and 4G networks where relevant to connect as many residents as possible,” said Yisrael Nov, EVP Global Sales at Parallel Wireless.”

“This partnership has grown Parallel Wireless’s footprint throughout the region, now exceeding over 1,500 sites, and demonstrates the benefits of Open RAN through real-world deployments.”

“Ultimately Open Ran can help connect the disconnected, bringing them in touch with previously out-of-reach banking, health, and educational services,” Aniye added.

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Tech

Dubai’s cybersecurity firm CyberKnight sets up business in Africa

Published

10 hours ago

May 17, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Dubai-based cybersecurity company, CyberKnight, has expanded its business into Africa by opening an office in Egypt.

CyberKnight, a cybersecurity advisory and value-added-distributor (VAD), which has its international headquarters in Dubai with a strong presence across the Middle East, announced its expansion into Africa on Friday with the appointment of Naoufal Mzali as the Regional Sales Director for the continent to spearhead its business development efforts on the continent.

As the newly appointed Regional Sales Director for Levant, Egypt & Africa, Mzali will lead the charge in strengthening CyberKnight’s presence in the territory and fostering growth in the African cybersecurity market, the company said in a statement.

“With over 17 years of experience in technology and cybersecurity, his strong engineering background, coupled with a successful track record in sales, makes Naoufal an asset to the CyberKnight team.”

A statement signed by Mzali to welcome CyberKnight into Africa said:

“We are excited to enter this new chapter of growth with CyberKnight’s on-the-ground expansion into Africa.

“Since the company’s inception, we have been doing business opportunistically in multiple African countries from our HQ in Dubai.

“This underscores our commitment to delivering best-of-breed cybersecurity expertise to enterprise and government customers, as well as strategic partners across Africa.

“Moving forward, we will be building teams across the continent, starting with North Africa.”

Tech

Google relaunches Hustle Academy with AI focus to empower African SMBs

Published

1 day ago

May 16, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Google has relaunched the 2024 cohort of its Hustle Academy, a programme dedicated to accelerating the growth of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Making the announcement on Thursday, Google said it is opening of applications for the Hustle Academy with a special focus on using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide comprehensive business education, mentorship, and networking opportunities to SMBs.

According to Kristy Grant, Head of B2B marketing for Sub-Saharan Africa at Google, the 2024 cohort of the programme introduces a significant upgrade – business-focused AI training integrated directly into the curriculum.

“This year, the new AI modules focus on data-driven decisions, optimising operations, and building AI-powered marketing strategies,” Grant said.

“AI holds immense potential for African small and medium-sized businesses SMBs, enabling them to drive innovation, increase efficiency, and unlock new levels of economic growth.

“The Hustle Academy has supported over 10,000 businesses who have gone ahead to raise funding and create jobs since inception.

“By incorporating AI into our curriculum, we aim to further amplify this impact, equipping SMBs to harness AI technologies for improved business performance and economic progress,” Grant emphasized.

She added that applications for the 2024 Hustle Academy cohort are open to SMBs in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.