Africa’s digital future is built through investment, innovation and talent. At #VivaTech, Yasser Shaker, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, shared Orange MEA’s vision for digital inclusion and the actions needed to expand access to opportunities across the continent. Hear more in the full interview below.

Vodacom and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) have signed a new collaboration agreement aimed at advancing digital inclusion and telecommunications development across Africa. The partnership will focus on sharing industry expertise, strengthening regulatory frameworks, supporting spectrum management, expanding connectivity for education and accelerating digital transformation initiatives across the continent. By combining operational experience with international collaboration, both organisations aim to deliver practical solutions that help bridge Africa's digital divide and expand access to digital opportunities. Public-private partnerships continue to play a critical role in building inclusive and sustainable digital economies across Africa. #Vodacom #ITU #DigitalInclusion #Telecommunications #DigitalTransformation #Africa #Connectivity #Innovation

++ Vodacom and ITU Sign Protocol to Advance Digital Inclusion Across Africa ++ Vodacom has signed a protocol with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to strengthen collaboration on digital inclusion and telecommunications development across Africa. The agreement was signed during the AI for Good Summit by Ayman Essam, Chief External Affairs Officer at Vodacom Group, and Cosmas Luckyson ZAVAZAVA, PhD, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau. The protocol commits Vodacom to share its expertise and best practices from its operations across African markets in support of industry development. The collaboration will focus on areas including regulatory frameworks for satellite communications and spectrum management, digital inclusion strategies, and expanding connectivity for education. According to Vodacom, the partnership is intended to foster closer cooperation between the telecommunications industry and international development organisations, with both parties working together to accelerate connectivity and digital transformation initiatives across the continent. “But here’s what excites me most: this partnership positions ITU and Vodacom as genuine collaborators, not just in policy discussions, but in real implementation. We’re committing to bring operational insights from the ground, where connectivity happens. Where education reaches. Where financial inclusion transforms lives. Public-private partnership isn’t just aspirational language. It’s the only viable pathway to scale. When operators, regulators and development bodies align around shared outcomes, previously impossible challenges become achievable. That’s the Africa we are committed to building at Vodacom.” – Ayman Essam, Chief External Affairs Officer, Vodacom Group 📌 Full article on TechAfrica News 🔗 https://lnkd.in/d5FGCBVd #TechAfricaNews #Vodacom #ITU #DigitalInclusion #Connectivity #Telecommunications #DigitalTransformation #DigitalInfrastructure

On the sidelines of the AI for Good Summit, Ayman Essam had the privilege of meeting with Cosmas Luckyson ZAVAZAVA, PhD ZAVAZAVA, PhD, Director of the ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau🤝 Their discussion reinforced the critical truth that no single organisation can solve Africa's digital inclusion challenge alone. During this meeting they signed a protocol committing Vodacom to share expertise and best practices across Vodacom’s African markets in support of industry development. From regulatory frameworks around satellite and spectrum, to digital inclusion strategies and education connectivity, the opportunities for collaboration are immense. “But here's what excites me most: this partnership positions ITU and Vodacom as genuine collaborators, not just in policy discussions, but in real implementation. We're committing to bring operational insights from the ground, where connectivity happens. Where education reaches. Where financial inclusion transforms lives” noted Ayman. Public-private partnership isn’t just aspirational language. It's the only viable pathway to scale. When operators, regulators and development bodies align around shared outcomes, previously impossible challenges become achievable. “That's the Africa we are committed to building at Vodacom” concluded Ayman. At Vodacom, we look forward to deepening this partnership with the International Telecommunication Union. #AIforGood #AIDialogue

Day Two of Africa Technology Expo 2026 moved the conversation from vision to execution. If the first day established why collaboration matters, the second focused on what it will actually take to build globally competitive African enterprises. The recurring message across the sessions was that technology alone is not enough. Sustainable growth depends on strong infrastructure, sound regulation, strategic partnerships and disciplined execution. Speakers including Dr. Ayotunde (Tunde) Coker, CEO of Open Access Data Centres (OADC), Peter Olusoji Ogundele, Country Manager and Managing Director of Ericsson, Andrew Uaboi, Vice President and Cluster Head of Visa West Africa, Marco Rebecchi, Country Manager for Ghana and Nigeria at Nokia, Nonye Ujam, Director of Government Affairs, West Africa at Microsoft, Ada Osakwe, Founder of Agrolay Ventures and Nuli Foods, and Tito Cookey-Gam, Principal at Partech Africa GP, explored the building blocks required to scale African businesses. Across discussions on digital infrastructure, investment, connectivity and enterprise expansion, one theme remained consistent. Africa’s next growth phase will be built through stronger institutions and stronger partnerships. My biggest takeaway is that scaling across Africa requires more than ambition. It requires products designed for multiple markets, businesses that can navigate different regulatory environments and leaders who intentionally build relationships beyond their own industries and countries. Collaboration is valuable, but execution is what ultimately transforms opportunity into measurable impact. A sincere thank you to Nnaemeka Clinton and the entire Africa Technology Expo team for convening two days of thoughtful conversations that brought together founders, policymakers, investors and enterprise leaders from across Africa and beyond. ATE continues to demonstrate that the future of Africa’s technology ecosystem will be shaped not by isolated innovation but by connected leadership. #AfricaTechnologyExpo #ATE2026 #EnterpriseTechnology #AfricaTech #DigitalTransformation #Innovation #CrossBorderCollaboration

Trustonic is heading to Africa Technology Expo next week on the 26-27th June. The event brings together multinationals, global corporations, country trade-offices and leading local enterprises to explore cross-border partnerships, and position themselves within Africa’s accelerating growth story. With sector focus areas including Connected Devices, Digital Infrastructure and the Digital Economy attendees will come together to solve real-world, global challenges. We will be represented by Bandiougou Diawara from our MEA team who would welcome the opportunity to connect at the event and discuss how together we can connect more people via secure device financing to drive inclusion and digital participation across Africa.

At NEXAFRICA, we believe in the power of technology to transform lives and drive sustainable growth across Africa. Every day, we're inspired by the incredible potential of our continent and the innovative spirit of its people. We're committed to building solutions that not only meet today's challenges but also pave the way for a brighter, more connected future. From empowering local businesses with cutting-edge tools to fostering digital literacy, our mission is to unlock new opportunities and create lasting impact. We are dedicated to nurturing talent, championing diversity, and ensuring that technological advancements serve all communities. Our journey is one of continuous learning, adaptation, and collaboration, always striving to set new benchmarks in innovation and excellence. Join us on this exciting journey as we continue to push boundaries, embrace innovation, and build a thriving digital ecosystem together. What opportunities do you see for tech in Africa's future? We'd love to hear your thoughts! #NEXAFRICA #InnovationForAfrica #DigitalTransformation #TechInAfrica #FutureOfWork #CommunityImpact #AfricanInnovation

🌍 What does Africa's digital future look like when connectivity, innovation, and collaboration move in the same direction? GSMA Africa is heading to MWC Shanghai, taking place from 24 to 26 June 2026, at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC). We are bringing Africa's voice, vision, and momentum to the world's most influential mobile industry gathering. From bridging connectivity gaps to advancing digital inclusion, from mobile innovation to evolving policy frameworks, Africa is at a defining moment. Across the continent, mobile continues to be the backbone of transformation. It is powering financial inclusion, expanding access to essential services, enabling entrepreneurship, and accelerating the growth of digital economies. The conversations we engage in at forums like this help shape how that progress scales. 📲 Africa's mobile future is not a distant idea. It is being built now through partnerships, investment, and shared ambition. The discussions, connections, and ideas exchanged at the event will play a role in shaping what comes next for millions of people across the continent. On 24 June, under the leadership of Angela Wamola O.G.W, Head of Africa, Caroline Mbugua,HSC,MBA, Senior Director, Public Policy & Communications, and Barthe N'TSHABALI, Senior Policy Manager for Central Africa, we will be hosting the Digital Africa Summit Roundtable. The session focused on 'Smartphone Affordability as a Gateway to the Digital World - Enabling Access to #4G, #5G, #AI and the Broader Digital Economy' will bring together African ministers, regulators, and industry leaders to shape a shared framework for affordable device access across the continent. 🌐 If you are an operator, policymaker, investor, or innovator, find us in Shanghai. Let's talk about what comes next for Africa. 🌍 #MWC26Shanghai #GSMAfrica #DigitalAfrica #MobileForAll #Connectivity  

Vodacom Group and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) have signed a protocol of cooperation to expand digital connectivity and support digital transformation initiatives across Africa. The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration on projects aimed at increasing connectivity, narrowing the digital divide, and advancing digital inclusion through closer cooperation between the telecommunications industry and international development institutions. Under the protocol, Vodacom will contribute operational insights from its network footprint to help inform connectivity strategies, while both organisations will work on initiatives to expand digital access, strengthen financial inclusion, and support the use of digital technologies in education and other underserved sectors. The partnership also seeks to improve coordination between mobile network operators, national regulators, and international organisations to support the implementation of shared digital development objectives across the continent. The agreement comes as the ITU's Partner2Connect Digital Coalition surpassed $100 billion in global connectivity pledges aimed at expanding internet access to underserved populations. It also complements broader infrastructure initiatives, including Vodacom's network-sharing agreement with Airtel Africa to accelerate the rollout of 4G and 5G services in selected African markets. #Vodacom #InternationalTelecommunicationUnion #DigitalInclusion #Africa #Tech Shameel Joosub (𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥) is the CEO of Vodacom Group.

Africa's telecommunications leaders will convene in Mauritius for @CCT Africa by CCT Events to explore the technologies, partnerships and business models shaping the continent's digital future. As part of the Telco Business Models track, Dandemutande Investments Private Limited CEO Never Ncube will join fellow industry leaders for the panel discussion "Telcos of Tomorrow: Innovation, New Services and Growth Models: Creating Optimum Partnership and Collaboration Opportunities." Moderated by Tim Passingham, Chairman of Cambridge Management Consulting, the panel will feature Dr Dr. Michelle Dimakatso Polokelo (COO, ABARICOM), Yonas Maru (CEO, BCS), Aurelien Bayart (Head of Network Infrastructure, East & Central Africa, Nokia), Martin Cox (Group Chief Commercial Officer, Paratus Group), Julius C. (CCO Telkom Kenya) and (CEO, Dandemutande). Together, the panel will examine how telecommunications operators are evolving beyond traditional connectivity through AI-native networks, enterprise digital services, cloud infrastructure, strategic partnerships and new business models that will define the next generation of growth across Africa. At Dandemutande Investments Private Limited , we believe the future of connectivity lies not only in stronger networks, but in stronger collaboration. We look forward to contributing to conversations that will help shape Africa's digital infrastructure and unlock new opportunities for businesses, communities and economies across the continent. Lorraine Rutendo Chakuchichi-Nyahwa Rachel Jones #CCTAfrica2026 #Telecommunications #DigitalTransformation #DigitalInfrastructure #Cloud #AI #EnterpriseTechnology #Innovation #AfricaTech #Dandemutande