Author: Gugu Lourie

Digital wallets are emerging as a transformative force, poised to reshape the way businesses interact with their customers. These digital payment platforms are not only streamlining transactions but also unlocking a wealth of opportunities for organisations looking to out-innovate the competition. But banks and businesses must be wary of interoperability challenges and the risk of vendor lock-in if they hope to benefit from the inevitable market consolidation that is coming. Digital wallets are enjoying robust growth. Worldpay, Global Payments Report 2024, estimates that digital wallets will account for 61% of ecommerce payments and 46% of point of sale payments worldwide by 2027.…

Cape Town, AfricaTech Festival — Eswatini Posts and Telecoms Corporation (EPTC), led by Group Managing Director Themba Khumalo, has issued a call for international fibre and technology partners to help drive the nation’s ambitious connectivity agenda. As the Kingdom of Eswatini advances its digital capabilities, EPTC is focused on expanding its broadband infrastructure and enhancing service quality for both urban and rural communities. EPTC, originally a copper-based carrier, has leveraged national broadband goals, optimised resources, adopted cutting-edge technologies, and embraced generational advancements to transform their network. “We are open for business,” Khumalo stated, emphasising EPTC’s readiness to collaborate with global technology partners.…

Volvo Car South Africa has solidified its position as the top choice in the local electric vehicle market, recording 467 sales from January to September 2024. With its streamlined lineup of three battery-electric models, Volvo outpaces competitors in the luxury segment, maintaining month-over-month sales leadership despite offering fewer models. The flagship EX30 has seen remarkable demand, moving 348 units, while the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge followed with 96 and 23 units, respectively. “We have reached new sales heights in the first nine months of the year, driven by strong demand for the EX30,” said Markus Cromwell, Commercial Director at…

Cape Town, AfricaTech Festival — South Africa’s Minister of Communication and Digital, Solly Malatsi, delivered an impactful message on Africa’s digital future, emphasising South Africa’s central role as a regional hub for investment and innovation. In his speech titled “Advancing Africa’s Digital Future: South Africa’s Commitment to Connectivity, Innovation, and Inclusive Growth,” Malatsi laid out the country’s vision to harness digital transformation not only to strengthen South Africa but to benefit the entire continent. Malatsi highlighted South Africa’s unique position to attract digital investment, stating, “To advance this vision, we are positioning South Africa as a prime destination for digital…

A significant portion of African smartphone users still rely heavily on 3G networks, limiting their access to the fast, reliable connectivity essential for modern, data-rich applications. In an analysis by Opensignal, it was found that in 11 of the 27 African markets studied, users spend more than 20% of their time on 3G, an aging technology that struggles to support seamless experiences for streaming, social media, and digital services. In some countries, such as Mali and Zimbabwe, users are even connected to 2G for more than 6% of their time, further restricting their ability to use data-intensive services effectively. According…

South Africa is setting the benchmark for mobile network quality across Africa, delivering a level of consistency that keeps applications running smoothly and without interruption. With robust infrastructure and reliable connectivity, South African mobile networks are enabling users to enjoy seamless performance, solidifying the country’s reputation as a leader in digital connectivity on the continent. A new analysis by Opensignal, assessing mobile network experiences across 27 African markets, highlights South Africa as a leader in Consistent Quality, achieving a score of 58.6%, just slightly ahead of Tunisia. By contrast, more than half of the African countries analyzed scored below 30%…

Digital transformation could significantly shape South Africa’s future, with estimates suggesting it may add nearly 20% to national GDP by 2028, create 300,000 jobs, and improve access to vital services for millions. The latest GSMA South Africa Digital Economy report shows how mobile and digital services are driving economic growth and social progress, creating opportunities and promoting inclusivity nationwide. In addition, the GSMA’s new Rural Renewal: Telcos and Sustainable Energy in Africa report advocates renewable energy for boosting connectivity in rural areas. Together, these reports provide a strategic plan for inclusive digital progress, emphasising the critical role of mobile technology…

The Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team is bringing fans closer than ever to the thrill of F1 racing with the launch of cutting-edge motion simulators, created in collaboration with Memento Exclusives, a leading memorabilia specialist in Motorsport Valley. These high-tech simulators replicate the feeling of racing Aston Martin’s iconic cars around legendary circuits, utilizing advanced motion technology for an ultra-immersive experience. Designed with input from the race team at Silverstone, each simulator features haptic actuators, front pivot configuration, and haptic rumble feedback, allowing gamers and racing enthusiasts to feel every twist, turn, and rumble just like a real F1 car.…

Today, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, addressed the critical need for a dual approach that intertwines renewable energy with digital infrastructure to secure a prosperous digital future for South Africa and the African continent. Speaking at  One & Only Resort in Cape Town, the Ministerial Forum 2024, themed “Building a Prosperous, Inclusive, and Sustainable Digital & Intelligent Africa,” Malatsi emphasised that Africa’s digital progress hinges on sustainability, inclusivity, and the accessibility of resources. “We stand at a crossroads where the choices we make will either narrow or deepen divides,” Malatsi remarked. “Digital transformation must serve as a…

Vodacom Group announced on Monday that on 7 October 2024, Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), represented by the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA), awarded Vodafone Egypt a 5G licence at a cost of $150 million, or approximately R2.6 billion. Additionally, Vodafone Egypt extended its existing licences for five more years, now valid until 2039, for an additional $17 million or R264 million. The total amount of $167 million, or about R2.9 billion, is due for payment by 31 January 2025. This development follows Egypt’s recent economic challenges; as of May 2024, the country has been placed on…