Author: Gugu Lourie

MTN Nigeria today announced that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved the transfer and assignment of the 10MHz frequency division duplex (FDD) in the 2.6GHz spectrum band from OpenSkys Services Limited to MTN Nigeria. The effective date for the licence is 7 September 2023, and it is due for renewal on 16 April 2033. The additional spectrum will enable MTN Nigeria to enhance network capacity and improve customer experience. “The acquisition of an additional 10MHz FDD in the 2.6GHz spectrum band is an important milestone in the execution of our Ambition 2025 strategy,”  Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer of…

International ICT solutions provider  Angola Cables has announced the appointment of Sudhir Juggernath as CEO of TelCables South Africa and will be responsible for the development and expansion of TelCables operations within the Southern and East African regions.  Sudhir has held senior strategic positions within the Southern African Telecommunications and Enterprise market and beyond, within businesses, focusing on growth and strategic business development. He has 20 years of global telecoms and technology experience, stretching across Wholesale Carrier Connectivity, Big Data Analytics, IoT, Digital Transformation, Unified Communications and Contact Centre and Managed Services at Siemens, ATIO, Neotel / Liquid, BT Global…

MTN Nigeria has decided to cancel its tower deal with IHS in Nigeria, and American Tower Corporation (ATC) will assume responsibility for MTN’s tower operations in the country. MTN Nigeria today informed its investors that the leases for approximately 2,500 network sites, currently serviced by IHS Nigeria Limited, are set to expire in 2024 and 2025. In accordance with MTN Nigeria’s procurement policy, the telecommunications company is committed to ensuring a transparent and competitive bidding process for these tower contracts. Consequently, MTN Nigeria initiated a tender process for these contracts. MTN stated that after a thorough evaluation of the bids…

South Africa is currently examining the possibility of establishing a specialized police unit designed to proactively address safety concerns and promptly resolve incidents involving tourists, as detailed in the Department of Tourism’s Green Paper, which has been published for public review and comment. The Green Paper highlights that crimes against tourists significantly impact South Africa’s attractiveness as a travel destination for both international and domestic tourists. It emphasises the need for a research-based tourism safety response program and an investigation into the creation of a dedicated police unit capable of focusing on preventive measures and expeditious resolution of tourist-related incidents.…

Chinese-owned British automaker Lotus charges ahead in electric rivalry with Porsche. Meet the Emeya, following the Eletre SUV. This “hyper GT” shares the Eletre’s platform and boasts a thrilling 905 hp from dual electric motors, achieving a 0-62 mph time in just 2.8 seconds. Emeya has an electronically controlled air suspension system. Its advanced onboard sensors feel the road 1,000 times a second and automatically adjust the vehicle to ensure the smoothest ride. The top specification model for Emeya features Lotus’ high-power dual motor set-up that delivers a top speed of more than 155mph (250km/h) and can accelerate from 0-62mph…

OpenAI will  hots its  first developer conference, OpenAI DevDay, on November 6, 2023 in San Francisco. The one-day event will bring hundreds of developers from around the world together with the team at OpenAI to preview new tools and exchange ideas, said the company in a blog post. In-person attendees will also be able to join breakout sessions led by members of OpenAI’s technical staff. “Since launching our API in 2020, we’ve continuously updated it to include our most advanced models, making it easier than ever for developers to integrate cutting-edge AI into their projects with a simple API call,”…

In response to the surging interest in women’s soccer, BallTalent, a talent scouting app headquartered in Soweto, is illuminating the path for exceptionally skilled female soccer players, ensuring they receive recognition from both local and international scouts. The recent success of international competitions like the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Women’s Africa Cup, where South Africa’s Banyana Banyana claimed victory, has ignited a newfound enthusiasm for women’s soccer. BallTalent, the brainchild of Simon Mokgotlhoa (30) and Lesego Ndlovu (29), two self-taught innovators, has emerged from their profound passion for technology and their dedication to unearthing hidden local talent. Ndlovu…

The recent appointment of former Eskom chief operating officer, Jan Oberholzer, as the new chairman of Mulilo Energy Holdings has raised eyebrows and stirred a conversation about empowerment within the company. Upon hearing the news of Oberholzer’s new role, I was initially excited about the prospect of his expertise being utilised in what on the surface appeared to be a “black-owned company”. However, upon closer inspection of Mulilo Energy Holdings’ profile on their website, it became evident that the company was neither black-owned nor black-led. Despite the name “Mulilo,” which means “fire” in Tshivenda, there is little connection to Tshivenda…

In a groundbreaking development, Bayobab, previously known as MTN GlobalConnect, has received regulatory approval in Nigeria for its National Long-Distance Operator License. This pivotal milestone marks a significant shift in the nation’s connectivity landscape, addressing the growing need for data connectivity within Nigeria. Under this license, Bayobab’s Nigerian subsidiary gains the authority to manage long-distance traffic, creating exciting opportunities for improved communication, collaboration, and innovation. “This achievement marks a transformative moment for us, as we look forward to contributing to the growth and development of Nigeria’s digital economy. At Bayobab, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible…

On September 5, 2023, Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and Vice-Chairperson of the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), delivered a keynote address at the 2nd Network of Tax Organizations (NTO) Technical Conference in Cape Town. The theme of the conference, “Digitalisation of Tax Administrations and Contemporary Issues,” set the stage for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of tax administration in our rapidly changing world. A Call for Broader Engagement Kieswetter began his address by emphasising the importance of engaging all stakeholders in the tax ecosystem. He highlighted the need to involve policymakers, national…