General News

The government of Mauritius has introduced a new scheme providing free mobile internet to citizens aged 18 to 25, aiming to equip the younger generation for the digital future.

Nigeria's Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in partnership with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has introduced a data-capturing initiative for farmers across the country. The goal is to collect precise data on farmers to enable the government to better understand their needs, optimize resource allocation, provide targeted support, and ultimately boost agricultural productivity.

The National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) and the National Telecommunication Institute (NTI) have renewed their agreement to regularly monitor electromagnetic radiation (EMR) levels from cell towers, ensuring they remain within globally acceptable limits, as outlined in the protocol signed by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), the Ministry of Health and Population, and the Ministry of Environment.

Zambia has completed a ground receiving station, paving the way for the launch of the country’s first satellite, according to Technology and Science Minister Felix Chipota Mutati. The government invested over $14 million in the station, located in Chibombo district, Central Province. Currently undergoing testing, the station is part of the preparations for the satellite launch, although no specific date has been given.

Burkina Faso plans to extend mobile and internet services to 1,000 remote areas over the next three years. These 'white zones' currently lack telephony and internet access.

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has initiated consultations to create a streamlined framework for LEO satellite operators like Starlink to acquire licenses in South Africa.

Guinea's Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy (MPTEN) is planning to connect the country’s national fiber optic network with that of Côte d'Ivoire to further enhance its international capacity. Minister Rose Pola Pricemou announced this plan during a recent MPTEN cabinet meeting.

Senegal successfully launched its first satellite, GAINDESAT-1A, into orbit, marking a milestone in the nation’s budding space program, SENSAT. Built by Senegalese engineers in partnership with the Centre Spatiale Universitaire de Montpellier (CSUM), the earth observation nanosatellite was launched from California’s Vandenberg Air Force Base on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket.

Starlink, the American satellite internet provider has introduced a rental option for its internet hardware in Kenya. This allows customers to acquire the necessary equipment through installments.

In a bid to drive the ease of doing business for global digital, finance, knowledge- and services-oriented enterprises in Nigeria, the Federal Government of Nigeria established a steering committee chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to drive the promotion and establishment of a digital free zone in Nigeria to accommodate the peculiar needs of innovative digital trade and service businesses.