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STEM Africa Fest Inspires Nigeria’s Next Generation of Innovators

Habeeb Ajala
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STEM Africa Fest Inspires Nigeria’s Next Generation of Innovators

STEM Africa Fest Inspires Nigeria’s Next Generation of Innovators

STEM Africa Fest has returned to Lagos, bringing thousands of children and parents together for hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). The annual event aims to help young Nigerians develop practical skills and prepare for future careers in technology and innovation.

The organisers said the initiative has reached more than 25,000 children across Africa over the past six years. They also called for greater use of practical STEM education in Nigeria’s school curriculum.

The sixth edition of the festival attracted about 3,500 children and parents from across Lagos and other locations. The event featured activities that allowed participants to explore science and technology through experiments, building projects and emerging technologies.

STEM Africa Fest Brings Classroom Lessons to Life

The festival started in 2021 during the COVID-19 lockdown and has since expanded beyond Nigeria to Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Zambia, Rwanda and Kenya.

Conveners Titi Adewusi and Jadesola Adedeji said they created the festival to close the gap between what children learn in classrooms and how they apply that knowledge in real life.

This year’s theme, “Building Future Innovators,” reflects the organisers’ goal of helping children become creative thinkers, problem-solvers and future technology leaders.

Adewusi said the festival gives children the chance to experience technologies instead of only learning about them in theory.

She explained that a child learning about 3D printing should have the opportunity to use a 3D printer. Similarly, children learning about robotics or artificial intelligence should have practical experiences that help them understand how the technologies work.

Organisers Call for More Practical STEM Education

Adedeji said the idea for the festival came from a shared desire to make science education more interesting and engaging for children.

The first edition, which took place during the pandemic, attracted more than 1,000 participants globally. The first physical edition later welcomed more than 6,000 attendees.

The organisers said funding, stakeholder mobilisation and expanding the programme to new locations remain some of their biggest challenges.

However, growing interest from different parts of Nigeria and other African countries has encouraged them to adopt a partnership model. Through this approach, partners can replicate the festival in new locations using an established programme framework.

The organisers urged governments at all levels to strengthen STEM education by introducing more practical learning into school curricula. They also encouraged greater collaboration between the public and private sectors to give more children access to science and technology education.

Adewusi said the organisation has developed a STEM curriculum that some schools already use. She added that the organisers are ready to work with the government to expand the programme in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal on quality education.

Adedeji also called for government support in areas beyond funding, including curriculum development, teacher training and stronger institutional support for STEM programmes.

Private Sector Supports Future Innovators

Representing Access Holdings, Programme Manager for Sustainability Ikechukwu Iheagwam said the company’s continued support for the festival reflects its commitment to education and technology.

He said giving children early exposure to technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics can help prepare them for future careers.

Iheagwam also noted that private sector organisations have an important role to play in supporting government efforts to improve STEM education.

Students Discover New Interests in Science and Technology

For many children, the festival offered an opportunity to learn through direct participation.

Jason Lawal, a student of Court Hill College, Opebi, took part in activities including a Rubik’s Cube challenge and an artificial intelligence masterclass. During the session, participants created short animations using AI tools.

Another participant, Fatima Namama of Greater Ecstasy High School, Iyana-Ipaja, said attending the festival over the years has increased her interest in laboratory science and technology.

She called for schools to include more STEM subjects and practical activities in their learning programmes. She also encouraged organisers and schools to create more opportunities for pupils to participate in hands-on science and technology events.

The organisers said the impact of STEM Africa Fest goes beyond the number of children who attend each year. They noted that some former participants have returned as exhibitors in areas such as coding and robotics.

According to the organisers, this development shows how early exposure to practical learning can help children develop lasting interests in science, technology and innovation—and potentially become the innovators Africa needs in the future.

Remote Work in South Africa Hits Record High in 2026

Habeeb Ajala
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Remote Work in South Africa Hits Record High in 2026

Remote Work in South Africa Hits Record High in 2026

Remote work in South Africa has reached a record high, with flexible job opportunities growing beyond the technology sector to include finance, administration, marketing, recruitment and customer support.

The latest figures from job platform Pnet show that remote job opportunities increased by 28% in the first half of 2026compared with the same period in 2025. They were also 41% higher than two years ago, showing that remote employment is becoming more common across a wider range of industries.

Remote Work in South Africa Spreads Beyond Technology

Information technology remains the largest source of remote jobs. Opportunities in the sector have increased by 44% over the past two years, with software development, systems administration and IT project management among the leading areas.

However, the fastest growth is now happening outside traditional technology roles.

Remote opportunities in finance have more than quadrupled in two years, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors for flexible work. Jobs in marketing and design and media have both doubled since 2024.

Strong growth has also been recorded in business and management, sales, administration, office work and support services.

As a result, occupations such as financial accountants, bookkeepers, administrative clerks, personal assistants, customer support agents, sales representatives and recruitment staff are increasingly being offered as remote or flexible roles.

Pnet said remote work is no longer simply an employee benefit associated with the technology industry. Instead, companies are increasingly using it as a strategic recruitment tool to reach a wider pool of workers and find people with scarce skills.

Remote Jobs Recover After Pandemic Decline

The growth in remote employment has not followed a straight upward path.

Remote work opportunities increased sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many companies were forced to move employees out of traditional offices. However, opportunities declined during 2023 and 2024 as more employers introduced return-to-office policies.

The latest Pnet data suggests that the remote job market has now moved beyond its pandemic-era peak.

This indicates that the current growth is not simply a continuation of the COVID-19 work-from-home boom. Instead, remote employment appears to be experiencing a second period of growth as businesses and workers find new ways to use flexible working arrangements.

Some Remote Roles Are Declining

Despite the overall increase, not every job category is moving in the same direction.

Within the IT sector, Pnet’s occupation-level data shows that remote opportunities in data analysis and data warehousing, as well as technical architecture, are declining. These were the only IT categories in the report that recorded a downward trend.

Some companies are also moving away from remote work completely.

JSE-listed technology group iOCO, for example, ended its work-from-home policy earlier in 2026. The company said the decision had helped improve productivity.

Hiring Activity Also Shows Signs of Growth

The Pnet report also found that overall hiring activity increased by 10% month on month in June 2026, although it remained flat compared with the same period a year earlier.

The report is based on data from Stepstone Group South Africa’s recruitment platforms, which have more than eight million registered users.

The findings suggest that while the South African job market continues to face mixed conditions, remote employment is becoming a more established part of the country’s workforce.

For employers, flexible work can provide access to talent beyond their immediate location. For job seekers, it is creating opportunities to work for companies without necessarily relocating to major business centres.

Agricultural Automation Helps South African Farmers Cut Waste and Boost Profits

Habeeb Ajala
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Agricultural Automation Helps South African Farmers Cut Waste and Boost Profits

Agricultural Automation Helps South African Farmers Cut Waste and Boost Profits

Agricultural automation is helping South African farmers and food producers reduce product losses, improve efficiency and increase profitability as the industry faces rising labour costs, tighter profit margins and stricter export requirements. By automating key stages of processing and packaging, producers can reduce waste, improve accuracy and strengthen their competitiveness in local and international markets.

As farming becomes more demanding, industry experts say success depends not only on producing quality crops but also on handling, weighing, packing and transporting them as efficiently as possible.

Agricultural Automation Reduces Hidden Product Losses

One of the biggest challenges facing agricultural processors is the hidden loss of products during packaging.

A small error, such as adding an extra 10 grams to a 1-kilogram bag, may seem insignificant. However, when repeated across hundreds of thousands of packages, the excess product can add up to several tonnes, resulting in significant revenue losses.

Other common sources of waste include inaccurate grading, inconsistent pack weights, manual handling errors, poor traceability and product damage during transport.

Industry experts say identifying these losses is only the first step. The real value lies in using technology to eliminate them.

Reliable Equipment Delivers Long-Term Value

While many automation systems are available, producers are increasingly looking beyond the initial purchase price.

Factors such as equipment reliability, weighing accuracy, processing speed, durability and after-sales support have become essential when choosing automation solutions.

For businesses processing thousands of tonnes of produce each season, equipment downtime or inaccurate packaging can lead to costly disruptions and reduced profits.

As a result, many large agricultural businesses continue to invest in proven technologies from established manufacturers with strong records of performance.

Goldpack Brings Global Agricultural Technology to Africa

Goldpack has positioned itself as a supplier of advanced agricultural automation solutions by partnering with internationally recognised equipment manufacturers.

The company represents global brands including Newtec, JASA, C-Pack Gillenkirch, Squid Ink, and Reisopack, providing sales, technical support and maintenance services across Africa.

These partnerships allow Goldpack to offer technologies that improve weighing accuracy, automate packaging processes, reduce product losses and increase productivity throughout the agricultural supply chain.

For example, Newtec’s weighing and grading systems help producers achieve greater precision, while JASA’s automated packaging solutions improve packing speed and reduce dependence on manual labour.

Additional coding, bag-closing and load-securing systems help ensure products move safely and efficiently from packing facilities to customers.

Automation Supports More Efficient Farming

According to Goldpack, the goal is not simply to automate operations but to help agricultural businesses remove hidden inefficiencies that reduce profitability.

With labour costs continuing to rise and export markets demanding higher quality standards, automation is becoming an important investment for producers seeking long-term growth.

Many agricultural businesses are now focusing on technology that delivers reliable performance over many years rather than choosing equipment based only on its upfront cost.

Every Gram Matters in Modern Agriculture

As competition increases across the agricultural sector, improving operational efficiency has become essential.

Modern agricultural automation enables producers to reduce waste, improve product quality and increase profitability while meeting the growing demands of domestic and international markets.

For many South African producers, investing in dependable automation technology is becoming a key part of building a more productive and sustainable agricultural business.

Airtel Money IPO Returns as Fintech Business Targets $10 Billion London Listing

Habeeb Ajala
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Airtel Money IPO Returns as Fintech Business Targets $10 Billion London Listing

Airtel Money IPO Returns as Fintech Business Targets $10 Billion London Listing

Airtel Money IPO plans are back on track, with Airtel Africa preparing to list its fast-growing mobile money business on the London Stock Exchange. Reports suggest the fintech unit could be valued at around $10 billion, while the initial public offering (IPO) is expected to raise approximately $1.5 billion if it goes ahead.

The renewed listing plans come after months of delays and reflect the rapid growth of Airtel Money, which has become one of Africa’s largest digital financial services platforms.

Airtel Money IPO Shifts Focus to London

Airtel Africa had originally planned to list Airtel Money by 2025, but later postponed the IPO to 2026, citing difficult market conditions.

New reports indicate that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East also influenced the timing of the offering and the decision to favour London over other potential stock exchanges.

Investment bank Citigroup is leading the syndicate for the proposed listing, while Airtel Africa has reportedly appointed additional investment banks as preparations continue.

If completed at the expected valuation, the Airtel Money IPO would become one of London’s largest public listings in recent years and one of the biggest fintech listings ever to emerge from Africa.

Why London Was Chosen

London remains one of the world’s leading financial centres, offering access to a large pool of international institutional investors and deeper capital markets than many other exchanges.

For Airtel Africa, whose operations span 14 African countries, listing in London could provide greater access to global investment while allowing Airtel Money to be valued independently from the company’s telecommunications business.

The move is also expected to give investors a clearer picture of the fintech business’s performance and long-term growth potential.

Airtel Money Has Become a Major Growth Business

The Airtel Money IPO reflects the remarkable growth of the company’s financial services business over the past few years.

Originally launched as a value-added mobile service, Airtel Money has grown into one of Airtel Africa’s strongest revenue generators.

The platform now serves more than 54 million customers across Africa and generated approximately $1.35 billion in revenue during the company’s latest financial year.

Earlier financial results also showed annualised transaction values exceeding $210 billion, highlighting the scale of payments processed through the platform.

Unlike traditional telecom services, which depend heavily on network infrastructure investments, Airtel Money earns revenue from digital payments, money transfers, merchant services, and other financial products, making fintech one of Airtel Africa’s fastest-growing business segments.

Strong Telecom Network Supports Fintech Growth

Airtel Africa currently serves nearly 180 million mobile subscribers across its markets, giving Airtel Money direct access to one of the continent’s largest mobile customer bases.

This extensive customer network continues to support the expansion of its digital financial services.

In Kenya, Airtel continues to grow both its mobile subscriber base and Airtel Money customers, although Safaricomremains the country’s leading mobile network and mobile money provider.

Even so, Kenya remains strategically important because it is one of Africa’s most advanced digital payments markets, providing Airtel with an opportunity to test and introduce new financial products.

IPO Signals Confidence in Africa’s Fintech Industry

Beyond raising fresh capital, the Airtel Money IPO highlights the growing importance of mobile money as a standalone business.

It also reflects increasing investor confidence in Africa’s digital payments industry, where fintech platforms are becoming valuable businesses in their own right rather than simply supporting telecommunications operations.

The proposed listing would further strengthen Airtel Money’s position as one of Africa’s leading fintech companies while providing additional funding to support future expansion across the continent.

Google Academic Research Awards 2026 Opens Applications for Quantum Computing Research

Habeeb Ajala
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Google Academic Research Awards 2026 Opens Applications for Quantum Computing Research

Google Academic Research Awards 2026 Opens Applications for Quantum Computing Research

Google Academic Research Awards 2026 is now accepting applications from university researchers working in technology and computing. This year’s funding programme focuses on quantum computing, with Google inviting proposals that support both foundational and applied research in the field. Applications will remain open until August 7, 2026.

The programme is part of Google’s global effort to support innovative academic research that can advance technology and address complex scientific challenges.

Research Areas for Google Academic Research Awards 2026

For the 2026 funding cycle, Google is seeking research proposals in two key areas:

  • Early Fault-Tolerant Quantum Algorithms and Applications
  • Quantum Computing Security

The company is looking for projects that can contribute to the future of quantum computing while supporting responsible innovation and scientific advancement.

Who Can Apply?

The Google Academic Research Awards 2026 is open to:

  • Professors at degree-granting academic institutions, including assistant, associate, and full professors.
  • Academic researchers who supervise students and actively conduct research in technology or computing.
  • Faculty members engaged in research that aligns with Google’s areas of interest.

Applicants must currently be advising students while carrying out research in computing or related technology fields.

How Applications Will Be Evaluated

Google will only assess complete applications that meet all eligibility and submission requirements.

Eligible proposals must:

  • Be submitted by qualified academic researchers.
  • Focus on one or more approved computing or technology research areas.
  • Follow Google’s required formatting guidelines.

Applications will be evaluated based on several factors, including:

  • Faculty merit: The applicant’s research achievements, community involvement, and contributions to open-source projects.
  • Research merit: The originality of the proposed research, its alignment with Google Research priorities, and its potential impact.
  • Proposal quality: A well-structured, clear, and practical research plan that demonstrates the team’s ability to deliver meaningful results.
  • Alignment with Google’s AI Principles: Research should reflect responsible and ethical innovation.

Application Timeline

Applicants should take note of the following dates:

  • Application Deadline: August 7, 2026
  • Notification of Results: October 30, 2026

How to Apply

Interested researchers can submit their proposals through the official Google Academic Research Awards application portal. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the eligibility requirements, proposal guidelines, and submission instructions before applying.

Jumia Digital Trade Africa: CEO Calls for Payment Harmonisation and Stronger Policies

Habeeb Ajala
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Jumia Digital Trade Africa: CEO Calls for Payment Harmonisation and Stronger Policies

Jumia Digital Trade Africa: CEO Calls for Payment Harmonisation and Stronger Policies

Jumia digital trade Africa took centre stage at the AfCFTA Digital Trade Forum 2026, where Jumia Nigeria called for harmonised payment systems, stronger consumer protection, and supportive government policies to unlock the full potential of digital commerce across the continent.

Speaking during a panel session, Jumia Nigeria Chief Executive Officer Temidayo Ojo said the company’s experience has shown that building consumer trust is the most important factor in expanding e-commerce adoption and strengthening Africa’s digital economy.

Jumia Says Consumer Trust Drives E-Commerce Growth

Ojo explained that Jumia’s growth in Nigeria reflects the increasing acceptance of online shopping, supported by continuous investment in technology, logistics, and customer experience.

According to him, millions of Nigerians now shop online, but there is still significant room to attract more consumers by improving trust in digital commerce.

He noted that many first-time online shoppers remain cautious because they cannot physically inspect products before buying them. To address this challenge, Jumia has invested in reliable delivery services, transparent order tracking, quality assurance, and responsive customer support to build long-term confidence among shoppers.

“Trust is the currency of digital commerce,” Ojo said, adding that stronger consumer protection laws across Africa would encourage more people to embrace online shopping by providing greater confidence when dealing with payment disputes, delayed deliveries, or product quality issues.

Jumia Digital Trade Africa Needs Better Payment Systems

Ojo identified fragmented payment systems as one of the biggest barriers to cross-border digital trade in Africa.

Although the continent has experienced rapid fintech innovation, different regulations and limited payment interoperability continue to make transactions between African countries more difficult than necessary.

He called for greater harmonisation of payment frameworks across the continent, saying seamless digital payments would allow businesses to expand into new African markets more easily while enabling consumers to make cross-border purchases without unnecessary obstacles.

According to Ojo, improving payment interoperability is essential to achieving the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and creating a truly integrated digital marketplace.

Public and Private Sectors Must Work Together

Beyond payment systems, Ojo stressed the need for closer collaboration between governments and private businesses to create a stronger environment for digital commerce.

He said consistent policies, regulatory certainty, and supportive business frameworks would encourage investment, promote innovation, and strengthen confidence in Africa’s growing digital economy.

As one of the continent’s largest e-commerce platforms, Jumia believes regional integration presents significant opportunities for businesses of all sizes.

The company currently connects tens of thousands of merchants with customers across multiple African countries and believes improved cross-border trade policies would allow many more local businesses to reach new markets beyond their home countries.

Regional Integration Could Unlock New Growth

Ojo said greater regional cooperation could open access to a consumer market of more than 500 million people, creating new opportunities for African businesses to trade with customers across the continent.

He also observed that many first-time customers initially choose cash-on-delivery because they have concerns about online payments. However, after experiencing reliable deliveries, quality products, and good customer service, many gradually become more comfortable using digital payment methods.

According to Ojo, Jumia’s journey reflects the broader development of Nigeria’s e-commerce sector, driven by sustained investments in technology, logistics, customer trust, and local partnerships.

He concluded that with stronger consumer protection, harmonised payment regulations, and deeper collaboration between governments and the private sector, Africa is well positioned to accelerate the next phase of digital commerce growth.

PayPal Stripe Takeover Bid Tops $53 Billion as Africa Expansion Faces New Chapter

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PayPal Stripe Takeover Bid Tops $53 Billion as Africa Expansion Faces New Chapter

PayPal Stripe Takeover Bid Tops $53 Billion as Africa Expansion Faces New Chapter

PayPal Stripe takeover bid has become one of the biggest stories in the global fintech industry after payments company Stripe and private equity firm Advent International reportedly offered more than $53 billion to acquire PayPal. The proposed deal comes only months after PayPal announced a $100 million investment strategy to expand its presence across Africa and the Middle East.

According to Reuters, the offer values PayPal at $60.50 per share, representing a 28% premium over the company’s previous closing price. News of the proposal pushed PayPal’s shares up by about 18%.

PayPal Stripe Takeover Bid Backed by $50 Billion in Financing

Reuters reported that Stripe and Advent International have secured around $50 billion in committed bank financing to support the acquisition.

The report said the latest proposal follows an initial approach made in April, although discussions remain private. Stripe, Advent International, and PayPal have all declined to comment on the reported negotiations.

If completed, the PayPal Stripe takeover bid would rank among the largest fintech acquisitions in history and could significantly reshape the global digital payments industry.

Africa Expansion Could Come Under Stripe’s Control

The reported takeover comes at a time when PayPal has been increasing its investment across Africa.

Earlier this year, the company partnered with Nigerian fintech Paga to allow eligible users to receive international payments, hold U.S. dollar balances, and withdraw funds in naira. The partnership forms part of PayPal World, an initiative designed to connect PayPal’s global payments network with local digital wallets.

The move also builds on PayPal’s broader $100 million Middle East and Africa strategy, announced in September 2025. The investment programme supports minority investments, acquisitions, technology deployments, PayPal Ventures funding, and strategic partnerships across the region.

If the acquisition goes ahead, these expansion plans would become part of Stripe’s growing African business.

Why the Deal Matters for Africa

Africa has become an increasingly important market for global payment companies.

Stripe strengthened its position on the continent through its 2020 acquisition of Nigerian fintech Paystack, one of Africa’s biggest startup exits. Since then, the company has expanded its payment services across Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire.

A successful merger would combine Stripe’s merchant payment infrastructure with PayPal’s global consumer payment network. Industry observers believe this could improve cross-border payment services for African businesses selling goods and services to customers around the world.

The transaction would also unite two companies that have recently increased their investments in Africa—Stripe through payment infrastructure and PayPal through digital wallet partnerships and local fintech collaborations.

Regulatory Approval Still Required

Although the reported bid has generated significant attention, the deal is far from complete.

Reuters noted that negotiations are still ongoing, and there is no guarantee that PayPal’s board will accept the offer. Any agreement would also require approval from regulators before it can be finalised.

If approved, however, the PayPal Stripe takeover bid could reshape not only the global payments industry but also the future of PayPal’s Africa expansion strategy, which was announced only months before the company became the target of one of the largest takeover bids in fintech history.

Rwanda eKash Retail Payments: Country Completes National Payment Migration

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Rwanda eKash Retail Payments: Country Completes National Payment Migration

Rwanda eKash Retail Payments: Country Completes National Payment Migration

Rwanda eKash retail payments have entered a new phase after the country completed the migration of all domestic interoperable retail payment transactions to eKash, Rwanda’s national digital payment platform. The move is expected to improve interoperability between banks and mobile money providers while supporting the country’s push toward a more connected digital economy.

The migration, completed on 14 July, means that transfers between banks and electronic money issuers are now processed through a single national payment system operated by RSwitch.

Rwanda eKash Retail Payments Now Run on One National Platform

According to RSwitch, all interoperable retail payment transactions are now routed through the eKash platform.

These transactions include:

Account-to-account transfers

Account-to-wallet transfers

Wallet-to-account transfers

Wallet-to-wallet transfers

The migration follows a directive issued by the National Bank of Rwanda in January 2026, requiring domestic interoperable retail payments to be processed through one national platform.

The central bank believes the initiative will strengthen payment interoperability and improve the efficiency of digital financial services across the country.

Migration Supports Rwanda’s Digital Payments Strategy

Rwanda has invested significantly in modernising its national payments infrastructure as part of efforts to expand digital financial services, promote financial inclusion, and reduce the use of cash.

The National Bank of Rwanda has identified interoperable payment systems as a key driver of a more integrated and inclusive digital economy.

With the migration complete, customers using banks or electronic money issuers can transfer funds seamlessly between bank accounts and mobile wallets through the same payment infrastructure.

Transaction Limits and Charges

RSwitch said financial institutions will charge a maximum fee of RWF20 (about US$0.014) for each transaction processed through eKash.

The platform supports transactions of up to RWF10 million (about US$6,782) per transfer.

However, participating banks and electronic money providers may set lower transaction or daily limits based on their own internal policies.

Customers can continue using their existing digital channels, including:

Mobile banking applications

Internet banking platforms

Mobile money services provided by participating institutions

RSwitch Reaffirms Commitment to Secure Payments

RSwitch said it remains committed to providing a secure, reliable, and interoperable payment infrastructure that allows users to send, receive, and make payments confidently across different financial institutions.

Established in 2003, RSwitch serves as Rwanda’s national electronic payments switch and is responsible for enabling interoperability and electronic payment settlement throughout the country’s financial sector.

The successful rollout of Rwanda eKash retail payments marks another important milestone in the country’s digital transformation, creating a more efficient payment ecosystem for consumers, businesses, and financial institutions.

GETESA Huawei Partnership to Upgrade Equatorial Guinea’s Telecom Network

Habeeb Ajala
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GETESA Huawei Partnership to Upgrade Equatorial Guinea’s Telecom Network

GETESA Huawei Partnership to Upgrade Equatorial Guinea’s Telecom Network

GETESA Huawei partnership is set to strengthen Equatorial Guinea’s telecommunications sector after the state-owned telecom operator signed a new agreement with Huawei to modernise the country’s network infrastructure. The partnership aims to improve connectivity, deliver better voice and data services, and support Equatorial Guinea’s digital transformation agenda.

The agreement was signed on July 9 during a ceremony at the State Headquarters in Malabo, led by Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue. Senior government officials, including the Administrative Coordination Officer, also attended the event.

GETESA Huawei Partnership Marks a New Phase for the Telecom Operator

According to the Equatorial Guinea government, the GETESA Huawei partnership marks the beginning of a new chapter for the country’s state-owned telecommunications company.

Over the next six months, GETESA and Huawei will work together on a comprehensive programme to optimise the national telecommunications network. The project is expected to improve the quality, speed, and reliability of voice and data services for individuals, businesses, and public institutions.

Government officials described the agreement as a strategic alliance that will help strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure and meet growing demand for reliable connectivity.

Network Upgrade to Improve Voice and Data Services

The first phase of the project will focus on upgrading existing telecommunications infrastructure across the country.

Key areas of improvement include:

Expanding network capacity

Increasing data transmission speeds

Improving communication stability

Enhancing voice and data service quality

Modernising existing telecom infrastructure

These upgrades are expected to provide more reliable telecommunications services nationwide.

Project Aims to Expand Reliable Connectivity

The government said the upgraded network will benefit families, students, businesses, and public institutions by providing faster and more stable communications regardless of location.

Improved connectivity is also expected to support education, business operations, public services, and digital access across both urban and rural communities.

Digital Transformation Supports Economic Growth

Government officials described digital transformation as an important part of Equatorial Guinea’s economic diversification strategy.

They noted that stronger telecommunications infrastructure can help create jobs, encourage business growth, attract investment, and promote innovation across different sectors of the economy.

The GETESA Huawei partnership is expected to contribute to these goals by building a modern, secure, and intelligent telecom network capable of supporting the country’s long-term digital development.

As demand for digital services continues to grow, the partnership is positioned to strengthen Equatorial Guinea’s connectivity while laying the foundation for future technological and economic progress.

Ethio Telecom Huawei Partnership to Drive Digital Transformation for Businesses

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Ethio Telecom Huawei Partnership to Drive Digital Transformation for Businesses

Ethio Telecom Huawei Partnership to Drive Digital Transformation for Businesses

Ethio Telecom Huawei partnership is set to accelerate digital transformation in Ethiopia after the two companies announced plans to strengthen their long-standing collaboration. The partnership will focus on helping enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adopt advanced digital technologies that improve business operations, productivity, and competitiveness.

The commitment was reaffirmed during high-level talks between Ethio Telecom Chief Executive Officer Frehiwot Tamru, Huawei Northern Africa President Li Shen, and senior executives from both organisations.

Ethio Telecom Huawei Partnership Targets Enterprise and SME Growth

During the meeting, the two companies discussed expanding digital solutions tailored to businesses across different sectors of Ethiopia’s economy.

The planned solutions will make use of technologies such as:

Artificial intelligence (AI), Cloud computing, Cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), Advanced connectivity, Data centre services, Digital platforms

These technologies are expected to help businesses improve efficiency, strengthen operations, and support long-term digital transformation.

Telebirr to Support Digital Business Services

A key part of the Ethio Telecom Huawei partnership is the expansion of digital services through telebirr, Ethio Telecom’s mobile financial platform.

The companies plan to integrate more business solutions into the platform, giving enterprise and SME customers access to:

Digital payment services

Financial solutions

E-commerce tools

Business management applications

Other value-added digital services

The initiative aims to make it easier for businesses to manage operations while improving access to digital financial services.

Focus on Local Innovation and Technical Expertise

Ethio Telecom and Huawei also agreed to strengthen Ethiopia’s local technology ecosystem.

Their collaboration will include greater investment in:

Software development, Solution customisation, System integration, Technical support, Engineering skills development, Research and development (R&D)

Both companies said these investments will help create digital solutions that address Ethiopia’s specific business and economic needs.

Improving Access to Smartphones and Digital Devices

The discussions also covered ways to make smartphones and other digital devices more affordable.

The companies plan to explore innovative financing options and broader market initiatives that can increase access to digital technologies for businesses and individuals across Ethiopia.

Greater access to devices is expected to support wider adoption of digital services and accelerate the country’s digital economy.

Partnership Supports Ethiopia’s Digital Future

Beyond enterprise services, the Ethio Telecom Huawei partnership will also promote digital inclusion through initiatives focused on:

Digital literacy, Rural connectivity, Digital education, Community empowerment, Sustainable digital infrastructure

Huawei reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ethio Telecom’s transformation into a technology-driven digital services company.

The company said it will continue working with Ethio Telecom to expand enterprise innovation, empower SMEs, strengthen Ethiopia’s digital ecosystem, and develop solutions that support both national digital growth and future regional expansion.

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