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Qualcomm Completes Third Edition of Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program

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Qualcomm Technologies Inc. has announced the successful completion of its third annual Make in Africa (QMIA) Startup Mentorship Program, marked by the virtual Make in Africa Finale 2025. The initiative underscores Qualcomm’s long-term commitment to fostering Africa’s vibrant innovation ecosystem through the broader Qualcomm Africa Innovation Platform.

Highlights:

  • The 2025 Qualcomm Make in Africa program supported ten innovative startups from Kenya, Tunisia, Nigeria, Benin and Senegal, each addressing local challenges by developing tech-enabled solutions across critical sectors such as healthcare, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience and mobility.
  • This year, the program attracted more than 400 applications from 19 countries, showcasing remarkable talent across the continent.
  • Farmer Lifeline, of Kenya, was announced as the 2025 Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund winner, recognizing its impactful use of wireless technology.
  • Applications for Qualcomm Make in Africa 2026 are now open. Applicants can visit the Qualcomm website to apply.

As a flagship initiative of Qualcomm, the equity-free program shines a spotlight on the creativity and drive of African founders leveraging advanced technologies such as AI, 4G/5G, robotics, connectivity and IoT to address pressing real-world challenges.

Now in its third year, the program remains steadfast in its mission to accelerate early-stage technology startups by providing tailored mentorship, targeted business coaching, expert engineering consultation and comprehensive intellectual property protection guidance – exemplified by resources such as Qualcomm’s L2Pro Africa training. This holistic support empowers founders to transform their visionary ideas into sustainable, market-ready solutions.

“This year’s cohort has demonstrated incredible ingenuity, transforming complex challenges into scalable, tech-driven solutions that will drive social and economic impact across the continent,” said Elizabeth Migwalla, Vice President International Government Affairs, Qualcomm Incorporated.

“Innovation is the driving force behind Africa’s future, and this year’s startups are a brilliant demonstration of that. The African Telecommunications Union (ATU) is proud to partner with Qualcomm for the Make in Africa 2025 program,” said John Omo, Secretary General of the ATU. “We are working to harmonize spectrum management policies, regional standards, and open data practices, but we know that true progress relies on large-scale support. That’s why we call on governments, universities, investors, and industry to support these initiatives – and any endeavor that places African ingenuity at the forefront.”

The 2025 cohort includes the following groundbreaking startups:

  • Aframend (Nigeria): Uses AI to explore African medicinal plants for new drug discovery and aims to turn local remedies into safe, affordable treatments for diseases.
  • AmalXR (Tunisia): Offers AI-powered virtual rehabilitation sessions on everyday devices, enabling easy patient and clinician progress tracking.
  • Archeos (Benin): Automates fish farming with solar-powered sensors and feeders, providing real-time data on water quality and feeding levels for improved fish health.
  • ClimatrixAI (Nigeria): Installs connected weather and flood stations with an AI platform to forecast street-by-street risk, enhancing early warnings and disaster response for local communities.
  • Ecobees (Tunisia): Builds smart hive monitors and a digital platform for real-time insights into beehive-health, to protect bees and crops that depend on them.
  • Edulytics (Senegal): Applies AI on handheld ultrasound devices for early detection of liver disease, aiming to make this special screening widely accessible.
  • Farmer Lifeline (Kenya): Deploys small, solar-powered devices that scan fields for pests and diseases and send alerts straight to farmers’ phones to protect crops.
  • Pollen Patrollers (Kenya): A women-led agritech startup using connected hive technology and AI to keep bee colonies healthy.
  • Solar Freeze (Kenya): Provides solar-powered cold rooms with remote monitoring enabling farmers to keep fruits and vegetables fresh and increase earnings.
  • Pixii Motors (Tunisia): Designs electric scooters with smart batteries that can be swapped in and out at local stations, aiming to revolutionize urban mobility.

Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund Winner 

Kenyan innovator, Farmer Lifeline, was announced as the winner of the 2025 Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund. The fund, sponsored by Qualcomm® Wireless Reach™ Initiative, champions the innovative use of wireless connectivity to address pressing community. As the winner, Farmer Lifeline will receive dedicated funding and tailored technical support to scale its groundbreaking solution.

“Farmer Lifeline stood out with its innovative small solar-powered devices that scan fields to detect pests and diseases. This technology enables local farmers to effectively protect their crops, significantly increase yields, and improve food security”, stated Erica Ciaraldi, Vice President, Wireless Reach, Qualcomm Incorporated.

“Their visionary approach and dedication to agricultural resilience have positioned them as leaders in their field. They are driving meaningful change for smallholder farmers and inspiring others across the continent. This fund will empower them to scale their impact further, enabling broader reach and deeper influence across Africa and the world.”

In recognition of the groundbreaking innovations demonstrated by all finalists, each will receive stipends designed to accelerate their growth, support strategic development and safeguard their intellectual property. This comprehensive support underscores Qualcomm’s commitment to fostering innovation and ensuring these visionary projects can thrive sustainably.

Looking ahead: Launch of Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program 2026

Building on the significant success of previous years, Qualcomm is excited to launch the fourth year of the program in 2026.

Applications for the 2026 Qualcomm Make in Africa cohort can be found at the Qualcomm website.


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Vitel Wireless Lures Subscribers with “Data that Never Expires” Campaign

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Vitel Wireless, pioneer Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has launched an audacious “data that never expires” campaign designed to address consumer pain points in the market.

Vitel Wireless Lures Subscribers with “Data that Never Expires” Campaign

Kenneth Nwabueze, Chairman and CEO of Vitel Wireless

Fast-depleting data is a major issue for mobile users, particularly in Nigeria, with numerous complaints against network providers alleging that data plans exhaust prematurely.

But Vitel Wireless said it is now addressing the situation after extensive engagement with Nigerian consumers, particularly young people and small businesses.

Kenneth Neabueze, chairman of Vitel Wireless, said “What we’re saying to Nigerians is this, you buy the data, and you keep the data for as long as you want. There’s no more. You bought 2GB for two days, and it expires. If you buy that data under our scheme, it stays with you forever,” he said.

He added that the model promotes transparency and cost efficiency. “So it’s saving us money, it’s giving us transparency, and it’s giving us the ability to have control over how we spend and use our data,” he stated.

He noted that the concept was inspired by research into the everyday challenges Nigerians face.

“We talked to students who would tell us that in the middle of doing a project, they would be told that the data had expired, and we asked, ‘ How do we innovate?” We have analysed it, and we know, given the current economic conditions in Nigeria, you should buy the data with discounts of almost 40 per cent, and that’s why we are transparent”

The company has also unveiled a suite of products and services aimed at redefining connectivity, including its flagship Vitel Xphone.

The company explained that its services are available via both physical SIMs and eSIMs, with the 0712 number offering global use.

According to the firm, users can retain existing mobile numbers or migrate seamlessly, while enjoying nationwide coverage across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory with full GSM services including voice, SMS, USSD, and mobile data.

Chudi Nwabueze, chief operating officer of Vitel Wireless, described the firm as a technology telecom focused on innovation beyond traditional voice and data services.

“We’re coming in with a lot of innovation to activate applications and create tools that people can use in their businesses, homes, and daily lives,” he said.

He added that eSIM technology allows users to operate multiple lines on compatible devices, while introducing a range of digital solutions aimed at enhancing communication, safety, and business operations, anchored by its flagship Xphone.

Hence, the platform combines GSM and VoIP technologies to deliver seamless voice, video, and messaging services, along with cost-saving benefits and nationwide connectivity.

It is complemented by the Oga App, which enables real-time staff monitoring, automated payroll, and performance tracking to improve organisational efficiency.

Similarly, the network also rolled out SecureMe and Asset Tracker to address security and asset management needs.

While SecureMe provides GPS tracking and emergency alerts for personal and workplace safety, Asset Tracker helps businesses monitor and manage physical assets in real time.

Vitel Wireless noted that on pricing, challenged consumers to compare daily data costs across operators, while adding that the network offers discounts for higher volumes without imposing expiry limits.

Also speaking, Chinenye Adebayo,  relationship partnership manager, outlined opportunities for Nigerians to join the company’s distribution network by visiting the website and becoming a mobile agent or sun-agents in any state.

The company noted that its offerings, including Close User Group (CUG) services and high-speed wireless network, are designed to provide integrated digital solutions for individuals and enterprises, as it seeks to position itself as a disruptive force in Nigeria’s telecom sector.


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Nigeria, Ghana Trigger Stunning 45 Percent Surge in MTN Dividends

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MTN Group delivered impressive financial and operational achievements for 2025, boosted by strong performances in MTN Nigeria and MTN Ghana, as well as solid earnings from MTN South Africa.

Nigeria, Ghana Trigger Stunning 45 Percent Surge in MTN Dividends

The three core markets of Africa’s largest mobile provider enhanced profitability, free cash flow, and shareholder dividends by 45%.

IT Web Africa reported that Ralph Mupita, group CEO and president, MTN, highlighted that the telecoms giant’s robust commercial momentum across key markets capped the final year of its Ambition 2025 strategy, while laying the foundation for a new long-term growth phase under Ambition 2030.

“The Group’s overall performance in 2025 was excellent. In the final year of our Ambition 2025 strategy, we were proud to have exceeded the 300 million customers milestone,” he said.

MTN revealed that it now serves more than 307 million voice subscribers, 172 million data users, and 70 million Mobile Money customers across 16 African markets, reflecting the continent’s growing demand for digital connectivity and financial services.

The operator credited its results to disciplined commercial execution and sustained investment in network infrastructure, with R38 billion spent during the year to expand capacity, improve coverage and enhance service quality.

The group reported that data traffic surged 27%, while average monthly data consumption per user climbed to 12.5GB, up from 10.8GB a year earlier, reflecting Africa’s fast-growing appetite for digital services.

Financially, the performance was driven by MTN’s largest markets.

In constant currency terms, MTN Nigeria grew service revenue by 54.9%, while MTN Ghana increased service revenue by 35.9%.

Meanwhile, MTN South Africa recorded 2% growth, demonstrating operational resilience in one of the continent’s most mature and competitive telecom markets.

MTN Group service revenue rose nearly a quarter to R218 billion, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation climbed to R98.5 billion, supported by R3.6 billion in expense efficiencies.

Mupita stressed that the strong results translated into robust free cash flow and improved return generation, allowing the board to declare a dividend of 500 cents per share, up from 345 cents the previous year.

“This comfortably exceeds the minimum dividend of 370 cents we had previously guided,” he said.

The group also announced a R6 billion share buyback programme as part of an enhanced shareholder remuneration framework aimed at delivering stronger long-term returns.

Alongside its results, MTN unveiled Ambition 2030, a strategy centred on three platforms, connectivity, fintech and digital infrastructure, as it seeks to capture the next wave of growth driven by data adoption and financial inclusion across Africa.

“We are hugely excited about Africa’s potential. We are well positioned to leverage our scale, footprint and brand leadership to capture the significant structural growth opportunities identified,” said Mupita.

 

Source: IT Web Africa


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ATCIS Urges FG to Ensure Safety of Consumers Data

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Association of Telephone, Cable TV, and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS) non-profit consumer rights group dedicated to protecting the rights, interests, and welfare of telecommunications subscribers, has urged the Federal Government to ensure safety of telecom consumers’ data hosted by government agencies.

ATCIS Urges FG to Ensure Safety of Consumers Data

Dr Sina Bilesanmi, president of the body stated this World Consumers Day in Lagos.

He alleged that said subscribers” data are being jeopardised by some of its agencies.

Bilesanmi urged government to ensure that every subscriber in Nigeria can use digital service without fear of physical, financial, or data-related harm.

The ACTIS president said safety in the telecommunication sector extends beyond physical hardware to include data privacy and protection from cyber fraud.

“We call for stricter enforcement by the Standard organization of Nigeria (SON) to eliminate substandard mobile devices and Cable Tv equipment that pose fire or electric hazards.

“We also want safe services from telecoms that are transparent – free from hidden charges and misleading advertisements”, he said.

He urged subscribers to utilize platforms like ACTIS as well as NCC and even FCCPC web portal when they encounter service failures.

He also tasked FG on hosting Nigerian Data Privacy in the country.

He said: “We ask for more robust surveillance and swifter penalties for entities that violate consumer safety standards. We admonish the subscribers to be aware and speak out, a vigilant consumer is a protected consumer.”


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