BringCom

BringCom is pleased to attend?MWC Barcelona 2025, and we look forward to meeting with you! To schedule a meeting, please contact?Olivier Seguin?at?[email protected]. We look forward to connecting in Barcelona! ? #MWC2025?#Telecommunications #Innovation #Connectivity ?

Namibia's #telecommunications sector achieved a significant milestone in the third quarter of 2024, generating over N$800 million (approximately $43 million) in data revenue. This surge underscores a broader trend across #Africa, where #data services are becoming the primary revenue drivers for telecom companies, surpassing traditional voice services. Factors contributing to this shift include increased smartphone adoption, affordable data plans, and a growing demand for #digital content among Namibians. In response to the escalating demand for data services, Namibian telecom companies are investing heavily in infrastructure improvements. For instance, Telecom Namibia, the state-owned operator, is enhancing its 4G network coverage nationwide and exploring the deployment of #5G services in urban centers. The Namibian government has also played a pivotal role by implementing policies that promote competition and innovation, such as the National Broadband Policy, which aims to connect even the country's most remote areas. Despite these advancements, challenges like rural #connectivity and cybersecurity remain, necessitating ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide and protect user #data. Learn more:?https://lnkd.in/eVRWN7KP Techpoint Africa

The African Union's Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative continues to expand, with 39 countries now participating, covering a population of nearly one billion. This effort is intended to support the African Continental Free Trade Area and improve mobility across the continent. Proponents of SAATM suggest that it could lower travel costs and reduce waiting times by around 20%, potentially making air travel more accessible and efficient for passengers. However, challenges such as #regulatory alignment, #infrastructure limitations, and #airline competition remain key factors in its implementation. ? Alongside the push for a unified air transport market, the African Union is also promoting sustainability in aviation. The 38th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly endorsed the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from renewable sources, with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60% to 100% compared to conventional jet fuels. While this initiative aligns with the AU’s broader development goals, its success will depend on factors such as investment in SAF production, technological advancements, and the willingness of airlines to adopt alternative fuels. ? Learn more:?https://lnkd.in/evuew7Zn

#Niger has partnered with Elon Musk's STARLINK to provide high-speed satellite #internet across the country, aiming to expand coverage from less than a third to up to 100% of its territory. This initiative seeks to enhance essential services like banking, healthcare, education, energy, and agriculture, which rely heavily on internet #connectivity. However, with nearly half the population living on less than a dollar a day, the required equipment costs—ranging from $414 to $637—pose a significant barrier, leading to black market activities and communal pooling of resources for shared access. While rural areas are increasingly adopting #satellite internet due to its reliability, traditional telecom operators express concerns over competition, arguing that satellite solutions cannot match their offerings in cost, performance, and customer service. ? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dAkK3NPB

SpaceX has withdrawn from regulatory hearings conducted by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), causing uncertainty regarding Starlink's potential entry into the South African market. An ICASA spokesperson confirmed that SpaceX notified the regulator on February 5, 2025, of its decision to withdraw from the oral presentations scheduled for that week. This withdrawal occurred shortly after SpaceX representatives missed their scheduled presentation that morning. While SpaceX had previously submitted a written statement, the reasons for their withdrawal remain unclear. ICASA initiated these hearings to gather industry feedback on its proposed satellite services licensing framework. Learn more:?https://lnkd.in/evCAppDh

Angela Wamola, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at GSMA, highlights the intertwined challenges of #energy access and #digital inclusion in #Africa. With nearly 600 million Africans lacking electricity, mobile networks—which are essential for services like education, healthcare, and commerce—often rely on costly and polluting diesel generators, especially in rural areas. Despite Sub-Saharan Africa's vast #renewable energy potential, only about 10% of mobile operators' energy consumption in the region comes from renewable sources. Transitioning to 4G and 5G technologies can improve connectivity and reduce energy consumption, positioning mobile operators as key players in Africa's energy transition. Wamola advocates for innovative financing models to scale renewable energy solutions. The Energy Service Company (ESCO) model allows mobile operators to outsource energy needs to specialized companies through long-term power purchase agreements, reducing upfront costs. The Anchor Business Customer (ABC) model involves mobile operators acting as anchor tenants for mini-grid projects, providing a stable demand base that can extend power to surrounding communities. Successful implementations of these models have been observed in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and Nigeria. Learn more:?https://lnkd.in/dJPUR277 ITWeb Africa

Between December 2023 and December 2024, #Nigeria experienced a significant decline in active #internet users, dropping from 163.8 million to 139.2 million, as reported by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). This decrease of 24.6 million users is attributed to the deactivation of SIM cards not linked to verifiable National Identity Numbers (NINs) and the “rectification of a major discrepancy by a mobile network operator.” Despite the reduction in subscribers, mobile data usage increased from 713,200 terabytes to 973,445 terabytes during the same period. MTN maintained its market dominance with a 51.39% share, equating to 84.6 million subscribers. Airtel followed with 56.6 million subscribers (34.3%), while Globacom and 9mobile held 12.2% and 1.9% of the market, respectively. Learn more:?https://lnkd.in/dXd8Sa2Q Techpoint Africa

#Africa's financial sector is rapidly transforming with Instant Payment Systems (IPS), which have seen a 37% rise in transaction volumes and a 39% increase in value over five years. Countries like Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda are leading this growth, driven by interoperability and #digital adoption. While all 31 IPS support peer-to-peer transactions, government-to-person payments remain limited. Regulators are pushing for greater interoperability, with several nations mandating provider cooperation. Cross-domain systems are expanding, enhancing #accessibility, but challenges like internet access, affordability, and language barriers persist. The State of Inclusive Instant Payment Systems (SIIPS) 2024 report suggests boosting #inclusivity by expanding use cases, improving recourse mechanisms, and #digitalizing government payments. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eAgHmnFp

Kenya has become a particularly ripe market for #digital agriculture tools. The country, one of Africa’s major #technology hubs, has been labelled the “Silicon Savannah”. Eighty percent of its?approximately 4.5 million?smallholder farmers own #mobile phones?and operate?within Kenya’s well established mobile money ecosystem. ? With that, #Kenya has seen a significant increase in digital agriculture tools, which aim to boost productivity for smallholder farmers by providing them with access to personalized advice, market connections, and better resource management. These tools, which include mobile apps and sensors, address challenges like access to quality seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural advice, with some apps offering farm-specific guidance. Despite the growth in digital tools, experts highlight the importance of integrating these technologies with traditional farming practices, offering hands-on support, and incorporating local knowledge to improve effectiveness. ? Learn more:?https://lnkd.in/eYEaMMjs

STARLINK is disrupting the #African #internet market by offering more affordable options compared to leading fixed ISPs in countries like Kenya, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Cape Verde. For instance, in Zimbabwe, Starlink's $30 monthly subscription is significantly cheaper than the $221 charged by local ISPs. This price disparity is driving traditional providers to lower costs and improve services, as seen with Kenya's Safaricom enhancing speeds and reducing prices. Starlink's satellite-based model provides high-speed connectivity in remote areas, fostering competition and greater accessibility. However, the upfront cost of Starlink hardware remains a potential barrier for some users. Learn more:?https://lnkd.in/eQsNXr4i