🛜 NigComSat on digital connectivity drive in rural Nigeria

Today’s Menu ☕️

🛜 NigComSat partners with Hotspot Network Limited to enhance digital connectivity in rural Nigeria
🍲 Mano ventures into Nigeria’s competitive food delivery market as industry dynamics Shift
💰Finnfund grants $5 million for enhanced mobile networks and renewable energy in South Sudan
🛜 Starlink maintains service in South Africa amid roaming service limitations

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☀️ ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Finnfund grants $5 million for enhanced mobile networks and renewable energy in South Sudan

Finnfund, the Finnish development finance institution, has committed to a $5 million mezzanine loan to Communication & Renewable Energy Infrastructure (CREI), aimed at bolstering the telecom infrastructure in South Sudan through the adoption of hybrid power solutions. This initiative is poised to substantially enhance the utilization of solar energy while reducing the dependency on diesel generators.

The project is set to have a far-reaching impact, potentially benefiting over 2 million individuals by improving the dependability of mobile connectivity in South Sudan, a nation currently recognized for having one of the least reliable telecom services in the world.

Valtter Louhivuori, who leads Finnfund’s Nairobi office, highlighted the significance of this project as a foundational step for the Africa Connected program, where Finnfund serves as an implementing partner for the EFSD+ Guarantees. The Africa Connected program is designed to expedite investment into digital infrastructure and solutions that have a meaningful impact on the African continent....…....continue reading

🍲 FOOD DELIVERY

Mano ventures into Nigeria’s competitive food delivery market as industry dynamics shift

Angolan-origin grocery delivery startup Mano has made a strategic foray into the bustling food delivery sector of Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria. The company has rolled out a novel service model that allows customers to actively monitor their delivery process, promising efficient delivery services within a 10-kilometer radius from its affiliated restaurant partners.

Initially launched in Nigeria in 2022, Mano’s primary focus was on the delivery of groceries and household appliances from its strategically located dark stores within the states of its operation. Now, the startup is positioning itself to vie for market share with well-established food delivery players like Chowdeck and Glovo......…....continue reading

🛜 INTERNET CONNECTIVITY

NigComSat partners with Hotspot Network Limited to enhance digital connectivity in rural Nigeria

The Nigeria Communication Satellite Limited (NigComSat), which operates under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, has recently announced a strategic alliance with Hotspot Network Limited. This collaboration is aimed at bolstering Internet connectivity in numerous rural communities throughout Nigeria that currently lack such access.

As part of this initiative, NigComSat, a state-owned satellite communications provider, will join forces with Hotspot Network to deliver Internet connectivity solutions to remote areas of the country. This was revealed by Jane Egerton-Idehen, the Chief Executive Officer of NigComSat, during a recent public statement.

Egerton-Idehen explained that under the terms of the partnership, NigComSat will be responsible for supplying satellite coverage necessary for the transmission of data to and from the sites operated by Hotspot Network, particularly as Hotspot Network embarks on its rural expansion strategy....…....continue reading

🛜 INTERNET CONNECTIVITY

Starlink maintains service in South Africa amid roaming service limitations

Despite receiving notifications from SpaceX’s satellite internet service, Starlink, about the potential discontinuation of its roaming service in territories where it lacks official authorization, the service has continued to operate in South Africa, as reported by MyBroadband. This situation persists even after two months since Starlink notified its roaming customers that the service would be terminated in regions where the company does not have the legal clearance to operate, South Africa included.

In the wake of these warnings, three African countries—Zimbabwe, Ghana, and Botswana—that were previously in the same predicament as South Africa, with Starlink’s operations being deemed illegal and facing possible service suspension, have since provided the company with the necessary operational approvals.

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) issued a caution in November 2023, stating that the utilization or provision of Starlink services within South Africa’s borders is unlawful without proper authorization.....…....continue reading

 OTHER STORIES

• Nigerian digital therapy startup Blueroomcare secures pre-seed funding to expand access to mental health care across Africa……read more

• Gabon Resumes Issuance of Electronic ID Cards Following 11-Year Break…… read more

• Mara transitions to new crypto company Jara amid financial struggles…….read more

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