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Equatorial Guinea Explores Joining Medusa Subsea Cable to Enhance Connectivity

Equatorial Guinea Explores Joining Medusa Subsea Cable to Enhance Connectivity

The government of Equatorial Guinea is considering joining the Medusa subsea cable system to improve network stability and digital access. Medusa, initially designed to connect Mediterranean countries, has been extended to include Africa. The system offers open access and is capable of delivering 480 terabits per second through 24 fiber pairs. The proposal, estimated to cost between €20-60 million, aims to reduce outages and lower costs. The city of Bata is considered a potential landing point due to its population density and proximity to the capital, La Paz. This initiative is part of a strategic study by Mason consultancy to modernize Equatorial Guinea's digital infrastructure, emphasizing the need for high-capacity international network links.
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Congo to receive third-country deportees from the US under new deal

Congo to receive third-country deportees from the US under new deal

Congo will receive some deportees from the U.S. as part of a new deal under the Trump administration’s third-country program
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The Gambia's Fintech Sector Poised for Growth Amid Digital Transformation Efforts

The Gambia's Fintech Sector Poised for Growth Amid Digital Transformation Efforts

The Gambia is emerging as a significant player in Africa's fintech landscape, driven by digital transformation and financial inclusion efforts. The country's fintech ecosystem, although small, is expanding with an estimated 10-20 fintech firms focusing on payments, remittances, and basic financial services. The Central Bank of The Gambia (CBG) has been instrumental in modernizing payment systems and promoting digital financial services. Despite challenges such as low banking penetration and reliance on cash, mobile penetration has exceeded 100%, and internet usage is steadily increasing. The government, along with development partners like the World Bank and African Development Bank, is supporting initiatives to digitize payments and improve financial access.
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Democratic Republic of the Congo Agrees to Host U.S. Deportees, Shifting Costs to Washington

Democratic Republic of the Congo Agrees to Host U.S. Deportees, Shifting Costs to Washington

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has announced its agreement to host third-country nationals transferred under United States migration arrangements. This decision, communicated by the Ministry of Communications and Media in Kinshasa, is set to take effect in April, with designated sites within the capital prepared to accommodate these individuals. The arrangement is described as temporary, with the DRC maintaining full sovereignty over the management of foreign nationals on its territory. The U.S. will handle all logistical and financial aspects, ensuring no burden falls on the DRC's public treasury. This move is part of a broader strategy by the U.S. to expand deportation options by partnering with third countries willing to temporarily receive migrants who cannot be immediately repatriated to their countries of origin.
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Democratic Republic of the Congo Agrees to U.S. Deportation Deal, Shifts Logistics to Washington

Democratic Republic of the Congo Agrees to U.S. Deportation Deal, Shifts Logistics to Washington

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has announced a new agreement with the United States to host third-country nationals under U.S. migration arrangements. This initiative, set to begin in April, involves temporary reception sites in Kinshasa, the capital. The DRC government emphasizes that this arrangement respects its sovereignty and is part of its international commitments to migrant protection. The U.S. will handle all logistical and financial aspects, ensuring no burden on the DRC's public treasury. This move is part of a broader strategy by the U.S. to expand deportation options by partnering with third countries willing to temporarily receive migrants. The DRC's decision follows a similar agreement with Uganda, which recently accepted individuals under a bilateral arrangement with Washington.
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DRC Agrees to Host U.S. Deportees, Shifting Logistics and Costs to Washington

DRC Agrees to Host U.S. Deportees, Shifting Logistics and Costs to Washington

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has announced a new agreement with the United States to temporarily host third-country nationals transferred under U.S. migration arrangements. This initiative, set to begin in April, involves designated sites within Kinshasa to accommodate these individuals. The DRC government emphasizes that this mechanism is temporary and aligns with its international commitments to migrant protection. The U.S. will manage all logistical and financial aspects, ensuring no financial burden falls on the DRC. This move is part of a broader strategy by the U.S. to expand deportation options by partnering with third countries willing to temporarily receive migrants who cannot be immediately repatriated to their countries of origin.
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Ericsson and du Conduct Successful 5G FWA Trial in UAE Using mmWave Technology

Ericsson and du Conduct Successful 5G FWA Trial in UAE Using mmWave Technology

UAE telecommunications company du has completed a successful proof of concept trial with Ericsson, utilizing millimeter-wave extended range technology to deliver 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) in residential areas. The trial involved deploying Ericsson's AIR 5343 mmWave radio solution and advanced software features to provide high-capacity, high-performance FWA services using a 5G Standalone macro deployment architecture. The trial achieved gigabit speeds across coverage areas, extended capacity for high-demand applications, and boosted coverage in residential neighborhoods, enabling faster rollout of FWA services. Du CEO Fahad Al Hassawi stated that the trial demonstrates the viability of mmWave technology for residential broadband applications and enhances du's ability to extend its FWA service to more households.
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ASEAN's Economic Ties with China: Balancing Integration and Autonomy

ASEAN's Economic Ties with China: Balancing Integration and Autonomy

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is closely monitoring China's economic strategies as outlined in its five-year plan. This plan is expected to significantly influence regional production networks and the balance of dependence and autonomy within Southeast Asia. ASEAN's export industries are deeply integrated into Chinese supply chains, and Chinese investments are pivotal in the region's infrastructure, energy, and digital sectors. While China's commitment to opening its economy to global flows is seen as a positive step, Southeast Asian policymakers are cautious. They are looking for regulatory transparency, equal treatment for foreign firms, and predictability in trade remedies as indicators of China's commitment to a rules-based commercial environment.
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USF Faces Renewed Legal Challenge Amid Calls for Reform

USF Faces Renewed Legal Challenge Amid Calls for Reform

The Universal Service Fund (USF), a critical component of the U.S. telecommunications infrastructure, is once again under legal scrutiny. The Supreme Court had previously upheld the USF in June 2025, rejecting claims by Consumers' Research that the fund unconstitutionally delegates legislative power to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Despite this ruling, Consumers' Research has filed a new legal challenge with the Fifth Circuit Court, objecting to the USF's contribution factor. The USF, administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), supports various programs, including those for rural broadband. The telecom industry, including groups like NTCA and the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition, is actively defending the fund, emphasizing its importance for rural connectivity and the potential consequences of service disruption.
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Maziv Announces R9 Billion Investment to Expand South African Network Connectivity

Maziv Announces R9 Billion Investment to Expand South African Network Connectivity

Maziv, a South African open-access fibre network provider, has announced a major investment to expand its network connectivity across South Africa over the next five to seven years. The company plans to invest R9 billion (approximately US$530 million) and create 10,000 new jobs. Maziv aims to prioritize low-income and underserved areas with new fibre infrastructure, promising high-quality broadband access. Additionally, it plans to provide free, uncapped internet access to schools, clinics, and libraries within its network coverage area.
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Maziv Announces $530 Million Investment to Expand Network Connectivity in South Africa

Maziv Announces $530 Million Investment to Expand Network Connectivity in South Africa

Maziv, a South African open-access fibre network provider, has announced a significant investment plan to enhance network connectivity across South Africa. The company, which owns major brands like Vumatel and Dark Fibre Africa, committed to investing R9 billion (approximately US$530 million) over the next five to seven years. This investment was announced at the 2026 South African Investment Conference. Maziv aims to prioritize low-income and underserved areas by rolling out new fibre infrastructure, promising high-quality broadband access to these communities. Additionally, the company plans to provide 1Gbps free, uncapped internet access to public and private schools, clinics, and libraries within its network coverage. The initiative is expected to create 10,000 new jobs, either directly through infrastructure rollout or indirectly via partnerships with local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) and community-based service providers.
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U.S.-India Partnership Enhances DRC Copper and Cobalt Production

U.S.-India Partnership Enhances DRC Copper and Cobalt Production

Virtus Minerals, a U.S.-based mining company, has completed the acquisition of the Chemaf Group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through a joint venture with Indian firm Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited. This acquisition is expected to significantly boost the DRC's copper and cobalt output, aligning with global supply chains for electric vehicles, renewable energy, and defense manufacturing. The deal is part of the U.S.-DRC Minerals Partnership, aimed at shifting resource access from Chinese networks to Western investors. Chemaf's Mutoshi project and Etoile processing facility are key assets in this strategy, with plans to expand production capacity.