Telecom
Airtel Africa Seeks US$194m from IFC to Invest in Network Expansion
Airtel Africa has proposed to raise US$194-million through debt from the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC) to initiate network investment across seven subsidiaries and refinance existing loans.
Airtel Africa is an integrated mobile phone operator operating in 14 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The IFC stated: “(it) will support the project with a debt package of up US$150 million from its own amount and up to US$44 million in mobilisation from MCPP (Managed Co-Lending Portfolio Programme) funds.”
According to the financial institution the funds will be used to support Airtel Africa’s operations and investments across the seven subsidiaries including Chad, DRC, Kenya, Madagascar, Niger, Republic of Congo and Zambia.
Airtel Africa is yet to respond to requests for comment at the time of publishing.
In January this year, the company said it was serving over 122 million people across African 14 markets in which it operates including Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania Uganda and Zambia
It said it will continue to execute its growth strategy to deliver on its market potential afforded by demographics and market dynamics across voice, data and mobile money services.
The company’s need to invest in network expansion follows a statement included in its financial report for the period ended 31 December , 2021 that “there is now an improvement in customer growth trends across its operations with Nigeria returning to strong customer growth after a period affected by the implementation of ’know-your-customer’ requirements.”
In July 2021, Airtel Africa inked a deal to sell about 7.5% stake in its mobile money unit to Qatar Holding LLC for around US$200-million following a similar transaction with global payment processor MasterCard for US$100-million with the aim of using the proceeds to invest in network and infrastructure in the respective operating countries among others.
Telecom
SHELT System Integration Launches “SHELT SI” in Nigeria
SHELT, a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its new business unit in Nigeria, SHELT System Integration (SHELT SI).
With a solid reputation built over six years of serving the nation’s financial, telecom, and government sectors, SHELT is now expanding its offerings to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation. The new business unit will operate under Cyber Immune Limited, a SHELT subsidiary in Nigeria.
SHELT SI emerges as a vital addition to SHELT’s portfolio, providing customers in Nigeria with trusted and unbiased expertise to design and implement cutting-edge, resilient, secure, and scalable solutions.
SHELT SI will forge strategic partnerships with global leaders to provide Networking and Cloud Management Solutions, Security Solutions, Collaboration Solutions, Managed services, Communication services, and IT Professional services while attracting top talent in Nigeria.
When asked about this milestone in SHELT’s growth, Mr. Youssef Abillama, Managing Partner of SHELT Global Limited, said: “We have full confidence in Nigeria and its commitment to digitization. SHELT is well positioned to be the technology partner of choice and trusted advisor to our customers in every step of their digitization journey.”
Mr. Walid Bou Abssi, Country Manager of SHELT Cyber Immune Limited, commented: “I am immensely proud of the launch of SHELT SI in Nigeria. This expansion underscores our dedication to empowering the nation’s digital evolution.
With SHELT SI, we are committed to providing unparalleled service to our clients, offering an unmatched value proposition driving innovation and resilience in Nigeria’s cybersecurity and network infrastructure space.”
Telecom
NCC Advises Subscribers to Opt for Strong Passwords to Beat Hackers
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has advised telecommunications subscribers to opt for strong passwords to prevent unauthorized access to their mobile devices.
In a recent update on its official Facebook page, the NCC focused on how cyber-attacks could be prevented, emphasizing the importance of creating strong passwords to safeguard online accounts
The Commission urged subscribers to ensure that they have a password to log in securely.
The NCC wrote on its official Facebook page, “Protect your online accounts (such as banks and digital media) by using strong and complex passwords.”
It believes that by opting for strong passwords, individuals could defend themselves against cyber attacks.
Telecom
Starlink Users in SA to be Cut Off April 30
Starlink users in South Africa are facing a major setback as the satellite internet service provider has issued a warning that their services will be terminated by the end of the month.
In an email sent to many South African users, Starlink stated that their internet access will cease on April 30 due to violation of its terms and conditions.
The email emphasized that using Starlink kits outside of designated areas, as indicated on the Starlink Availability Map, is against their terms. Consequently, users will only be able to access their Starlink account for updates after the termination.
Starlink, a company owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, operates a fleet of low earth orbit satellites that offer high-speed internet globally. Despite its potential to revolutionize connectivity, Starlink has been unable to obtain a license to operate in South Africa from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa).
Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) requirements mandate that any applicant must have 30% ownership from historically disadvantaged groups to be considered for a license.
However, many in South Africa resorted to creative methods to access Starlink services, including purchasing roaming packages from countries where Starlink is licensed.
However, ICASA. clarified in a government gazette last November that using Starlink in this manner is illegal.
Additionally, Starlink itself stated in the recent email to users that the ‘Mobile – Regional’ plans are meant for temporary travel and transit, not permanent use in a location. Continuous use of these plans outside the country where service was ordered will result in service restriction.
Starlink advised those interested in making its services available in their region to contact local authorities.
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