General News

The Gambia is working on its second international fiber optic cable, expected to be operational by 2025. Minister Ousman A. Bah, responsible for communication and digital economy, announced that the World Bank is funding the project with an estimated cost of between $30 and $35 million. While exact technical specifications were not given, Bah mentioned The Gambia's participation in the Cabral submarine cable project under ECOWAS. By teaming up with Guinea Conakry, they've managed to lower expenses, and the cable will run directly from Cape Verde to The Gambia.

The Gambian Research and Education Network (GAMREN) was inaugurated by the government with backing from the World Bank. Its primary objective is to provide high-speed internet access to academies and research institutions within the country.

The Ethiopian Communications Authority (ECA) has extended the deadline for international operators interested in applying for a new license to operate within the country.

Google has appointed Nigerian Alex Okosi to head its operations across Africa. In his role as the new leader of Google Africa, Okosi will be responsible for overseeing initiatives aimed at improving internet accessibility and driving economic growth on the continent through the provision of essential digital tools.

Emmerson Mnangagwa, the President of Zimbabwe, has appointed Tatenda Mavetera as the new Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Postal and Courier Services during his second term in office.

Known as an open RAN advocate, Tareq Amin has stood down as CEO of Rakuten Mobile and Rakuten Symphony with immediate effect, for personal reasons. This came as a surprise and unfortunate timing, as the two Rakuten Group subsidiaries have yet to reach their targets.

The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has requested government approval to allow local telecommunications companies to set tariffs in US dollars. This move is a response to ongoing economic challenges and the instability of the Zimbabwean dollar. The aim is to introduce some stability to the national telecoms market for the benefit of both consumers and operators. In August, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe reported a year-on-year inflation rate of 77.2%.

The Angolan government is set to roll out 50 new free internet access points nationwide by the end of October, according to Marcos Damião, deputy director of the technical area at the National Institute for the Promotion of the Information Society (INFOSI). This ambitious initiative aims to facilitate access to online academic resources for students in underserved areas and promote information exchange.

The Minister of Communication, Posts and Digital Economy in Niger, Sidi Mohamed Rahilou, has suggested combining the state-owned Niger Telecoms with the mobile company Zamani Telecom. This proposal comes after a military takeover in July, which led to the detention of President Mohamed Bazoum and the establishment of a new government. Rahilou mentioned that if the merger happens, the government will have a majority share in the new company.

The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has initiated a project titled "Enhancing Service Quality (QoS) in Malawi" aimed at enhancing telecommunications services within the country. This six-month project is being conducted in collaboration with an expert from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).