Hakuna Matata Media 🐢🐢🐢

Airtel Africa has reported a 28.2% increase in revenue to $3.823 billion for the half year ended 30 September 2026, supported by growing demand for connectivity, data and mobile financial services. The company's customer base increased by 11.6% to 193.9 million. Data customers reached 89.9 million, while mobile money customers rose by 22.4% to 60.9 million. Underlying EBITDA grew by 32.8% to $1.921 billion, with the second quarter delivering a record underlying EBITDA margin of 50.4%. Annualised mobile money transaction value also reached $275 billion, representing 36.5% growth. Airtel Africa more than doubled capital expenditure to $657 million, adding approximately 4,200 network sites to expand coverage, increase capacity and support new services. The company also announced a 9.2% increase in its interim dividend to 3.1 cents per share. The results reflect continued expansion across its African markets, alongside investment in digital services, network infrastructure and financial inclusion. #AirtelAfrica #Telecommunications #DigitalEconomy #Africa

Airtel Uganda has expanded its telecommunications network by approximately 25% over the past two years, deploying 840 new sites to improve coverage and service quality, according to Managing Director Soumendra Sahu. The company has also introduced Starlink Mobile, becoming the first operator in East Africa and the second in Africa to launch direct-to-cell connectivity. The service supports messaging applications, SMS and mobile money verification codes in remote areas. Sahu identified smartphone affordability and electricity supply as major barriers to digital adoption, estimating smartphone penetration in Uganda at between 42% and 43%. He called for the removal of import duty and VAT on entry-level smartphones to improve accessibility. Beyond connectivity investments, Airtel directly employs more than 3,000 people, while approximately 300,000 others depend on its operations through agents, distributors and business partners. Its community initiatives include providing free internet to more than 400 schools in partnership with UNICEF. The company is also investing in fibre and wireless broadband while working to improve network capacity and customer experience. Sahu highlighted the importance of expanding digital access to support Uganda's youthful population and growing demand for internet-based services. #AirtelUganda #Telecommunications #Starlink #DigitalConnectivity #Uganda #DigitalTransformation

MoMo from MTN UG has partnered with C-Care Uganda’s IHK Hospital in Namuwongo to enable patients and caregivers to pay for healthcare services digitally through mobile money. The arrangement allows patients to receive bills, enter their MTN mobile numbers and approve payment requests directly from their phones, with transactions reflected immediately in the hospital's system. Jemima Kariuki- Njuguna, Chief Product Officer at MTN MoMo, said the company aims to expand digital payments across everyday activities, including healthcare, shopping, travel and worship. Dr Miriam Mutero-Musinga, General Manager of C-Care IHK, highlighted the importance of simplifying payment procedures as part of efforts to improve the patient experience and deliver quality healthcare. The partnership is expected to reduce payment-related administrative processes, improve transaction convenience and extend mobile money applications into Uganda's healthcare sector. #MTNMoMo #CCareIHK #Uganda #DigitalPayments #MobileMoney #DigitalHealthcare

Uganda’s Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) has secured ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for its Information Security Management System, following a handover by the National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U). The certification recognises FIA's adoption of an internationally recognised framework for managing information security risks and protecting sensitive data. FIA received the certification under the World Bank-funded ISMS Implementation Project, which NITA-U is implementing through the Uganda Digital Acceleration Project – Government Network (UDAP-GovNet). Johnson Tumusiime, Acting Director of Information Security at NITA-U, highlighted the importance of strengthening information security systems across government institutions to improve public-sector data protection. The achievement is expected to enhance FIA's cybersecurity resilience, strengthen stakeholder confidence and support Uganda's broader efforts to improve digital governance across public institutions. #Uganda #Cybersecurity #ISO27001 #InformationSecurity #DigitalGovernance #NITAU

Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has identified 15 potential locations for new telecommunications towers following a coverage assessment across 14 counties. Two teams conducted the exercise across the country's western, central and southeastern regions to identify communities requiring improved network infrastructure. The initiative builds on 15 existing towers supported by Liberia's Universal Access Fund (UAF), which aims to extend affordable and reliable telecommunications services to underserved and unserved communities. The proposed sites are expected to address network coverage gaps and improve access to telecommunications services in areas with limited connectivity. The LTA has yet to announce a construction timeline, with the assessment forming part of Liberia's broader efforts to expand telecommunications infrastructure and advance digital inclusion. #Liberia #Telecommunications #DigitalConnectivity #UniversalAccessFund #ICT #DigitalInclusion

Ghana's Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has been confirmed as Chair of the African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Communication and ICT (AU STC-ICT) at its 6th Ordinary Session in Libreville, Gabon. George will lead the committee for two years, focusing on strengthening cooperation among African countries and accelerating the implementation of continental digital transformation initiatives. He identified connectivity, data governance, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence as priority areas requiring coordinated action, emphasising the need to turn existing digital policies into practical outcomes. The minister also highlighted digital skills development, citing Ghana's One Million Coders Programme as an example of efforts to prepare young people for opportunities in the digital economy. His chairmanship will prioritise stronger continental collaboration, progress towards an integrated African digital market and a coordinated African position in global discussions on AI, data and digital trade. #Ghana #AfricanUnion #DigitalTransformation #ICT #ArtificialIntelligence #DigitalEconomy

Mastercard and Interswitch Group have introduced Google Pay in Nigeria, allowing eligible Mastercard cardholders to make contactless payments using their Android devices. The service enables consumers to add supported cards to Google Pay and pay by tapping their phones at contactless-enabled terminals, with Mastercard's tokenisation technology helping protect sensitive card information. The launch comes as Nigeria's digital payments sector continues to expand. According to NIBSS, digital payment transactions reached 11.2 billion in 2026, with transaction values exceeding ₦1.07 quadrillion. Interswitch supported the rollout by connecting multiple issuing banks to the tokenisation and processing infrastructure required to enable Google Pay. The service also offers banks and merchants additional opportunities to support mobile-first payment experiences. The collaboration strengthens access to digital payment solutions in Nigeria, bringing together Mastercard's security technology, Google's digital wallet and Interswitch's payment infrastructure. #Mastercard #GooglePay #Interswitch #DigitalPayments #Fintech #Nigeria

Felix C. Mutati has been reappointed as Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, continuing his role in the country’s technology and innovation sector. The Ministry of Technology and Science announced the reappointment in a congratulatory message on its official Facebook page. The ministry said his continued leadership offers an opportunity to strengthen digital transformation, promote scientific research and innovation, and expand access to technology. It also expects to build on previous progress and accelerate the sector’s contribution to national development and economic growth. The ministry’s priorities include advancing technology, science and innovation while supporting opportunities for young people across Zambia. #Zambia #FelixMutati #Technology #Science #Innovation #DigitalTransformation #AfricaTech

NITDA Nigeria is strengthening its collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria to advance digital sovereignty through the National Sovereign Cloud Initiative and data localisation. The initiative aims to improve the security, resilience and control of the country’s critical digital infrastructure while helping protect essential services from technological and geopolitical risks. The partnership seeks to place the financial sector at the forefront of the initiative, bringing together financial institutions, data centre operators, telecommunications companies and technology providers. NITDA is also promoting an assurance framework based on recognised international certifications and exploring national certification options for cloud infrastructure deployed in Nigeria. The agency says the wider strategy will support local innovation, reduce external dependencies and give Nigerian institutions greater flexibility in choosing technologies and service providers. #Nigeria #NITDA #CBN #DigitalSovereignty #SovereignCloud #DataLocalisation #Cybersecurity #AfricaTech

Google has launched Google Wallet, including Google Pay, in Nigeria, bringing digital payment and digital storage capabilities to Android and Wear OS users. Users can add supported payment cards from participating financial institutions and make contactless payments at physical stores, in apps and on websites. The service also stores everyday items such as loyalty cards, event tickets and airline boarding passes in one digital location. Google says Wallet uses multiple layers of security and industry-standard encryption. Users can also use Find My Device to lock a lost phone remotely or erase personal information. Contactless payments require a compatible Android device with NFC support and a payment terminal that accepts contactless transactions. Google Wallet is available through the Google Play Store. #GoogleWallet #GooglePay #Nigeria #DigitalPayments #Fintech #MobilePayments #AfricaTech