Telecom
Africa Sees Double Mobile Data Revenue by 2024

Mobile revenue in Africa will rise from $54.31 billion (R804 billion) in 2019, to $67.12 billion (R994 billion) in 2024.
This is according to the Africa Digital Outlook 2019 report from market research firm Ovum.
The research, which looks at the state of Africa’s telecommunications market, found data revenue on the continent will more than double in the next four years, from $14.91 billion in 2019 to $31.42 billion in 2024, growing at a significantly faster rate than voice calling.
However, due to the overall growth in the mobile market and continued relevance of voice calling for many customers, some major African operators, such as Airtel and MTN, will continue to see growth in mobile voice revenue, notes Ovum.
“Ovum expects mobile voice revenue in Africa to rise modestly through to 2021, but to decline thereafter to the end of the forecast period,” says Matthew Reed, practice leader at Ovum.
“Service providers are reporting strong growth in revenue from data access and digital services such as mobile money in Africa. Mobile broadband and financial services are key growth segments. The availability of affordable data-enabled devices is a key contributing factor to this growth in African markets, where average incomes are typically low.”
Mobile subscriptions in Africa passed the one billion mark in 2017, and reached about 1.07 billion in June 2019, with population penetration of 82.6%, according to Ovum.
Nigeria, the most populous country on the continent, also has Africa’s biggest mobile market by subscriptions, with 170 million mobile subscriptions in 2Q19. The next-biggest markets are SA, with 104.3 million mobile subscriptions, and Egypt, with 93.8 million mobile subscriptions, and Kenya with 50.2 million.
Smart feature phone boost
There will be 1.08 billion mobile broadband connections on the African continent by 2024, representing 79% of the 1.37 billion overall mobile connections on the continent, as service providers expand their mobile broadband networks, and as smart devices and services become more affordable, according to Ovum.
It adds the number of 3G W-CDMA connections in Africa will continue to increase through to 2024, in contrast with global trends, where these are expected to decline in other parts of the globe over the next few years.
“An overwhelming majority (85.3%) of mobile broadband connections on the continent were accounted for by 3G W-CDMA in the second quarter of 2019, while LTE accounted for just 14.2% of connections. 2G GSM still has a substantial market share, accounting for 42.9% of Africa’s mobile connections in 2Q19,” notes the report.
However, it predicts 14.2% of mobile LTE connections on the continent are expected to increase at a more rapid rate, rising from 97.5 million at the end of 2019, to 336 million at the end of 2024.
“Both MTN and Orange have introduced smart feature phones that use the Kai operating system and are priced at about $20 as a means of encouraging wider take-up of data services,” Reed points out.
“Tecno, backed by Chinese company Transsion, has become one of the biggest mobile phone brands in Africa by offering affordable smartphones with features tailored to the African market, such as long-life batteries.”
The report warns instability, poor infrastructure and digital divide factors will continue to hold back digital development in Africa.
“Just one example of the barriers to digital development in Africa is that in 2018, the average cost of a 1GB mobile broadband plan on the continent was equivalent to 8% of average monthly income – far above the affordability benchmark of less than 2% of income, according to the UN Broadband Commission,” it notes.
Fixed broadband household penetration in Africa was about 8.5% at end-2Q19, lower than in any other world region, except Central and Southern Asia.
“MTN and Vodacom say their plans to launch 5G in SA have been held up because they do not have access to the spectrum required in the sub-1GHz bands, as well as in the 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz bands. In 2018, Vodacom launched what it said was Africa’s first commercial 5G service in Lesotho, using spectrum in the 3.5GHz band to which Vodacom has access in Lesotho but not in SA,” notes the report.
WiFi projects on the increase
WiFi networks are increasingly important for broadband connectivity in Africa. Facebook and Google both have WiFi ventures on the continent: Facebook’s Express WiFi operates in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, SA, and Tanzania; and the Google Station WiFi service operates in Nigeria.
“There are also efforts to improve connectivity in rural areas, using a range of technologies. MTN Group is working with the Facebook-backed Telecom Infra Project to test and deploy low-cost wireless networks designed for rural areas. Loon, a subsidiary of Google’s parent company Alphabet, is to run a trial with Telkom Kenya of its plan to use giant helium balloons to bring wireless broadband connectivity to remote areas,” according to the report.
Although wireline broadband penetration is low in Africa, Ovum expects the number of FTTx (fibre to the customer) subscriptions on the continent to grow strongly over the coming few years, from 1.28 million at end-2019, to 4.07 million at end-2024.
“At end-2024, SA will have 1.22 million FTTx subscriptions, making it the biggest FTTx market on the continent (by subscriptions), followed by Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, and Kenya, forecasts Ovum.”
Telecom
NASENI, Nigerian Air Force Renew Strategic Partnership to Drive Indigenous Defense Technologies

National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration on indigenous technology development, particularly in defense, aerospace, and infrastructure.
The event, which took place at NASENI Headquarters in Idu Industrial Layout, Abuja on 25th July 2025, was marked by a high-level visit led by the Chief of Air staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar alongside senior officers from the Nigerian Airforce. The team was received by the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, and his management team.
In his keynote remarks, the Air Marshal commended NASENI for its transformative work under Mr. Halilu’s leadership, particularly in reverse engineering, local manufacturing of engineering components, and consistent support to the Nigerian Air Force.
He specifically acknowledged NASENI’s contribution to the development of the C5 Rocket Project, highlighting the agency’s role in producing the rocket bodies and structural components, and in conducting precision material analysis.
He also applauded the establishment of the NASENI Northwest Technology Innovation Hub located at the Air Force Institute of Technology in Kaduna, describing it as a landmark project made possible through land support by NAF.
The Air Marshal noted that, Airforce is seeking greater inclusion in the governance and execution of the hub, given its role as host and technical contributor, also proposing that NASENI formally co-own the C5 Rocket Project, while urging the agency to continue leading the production of rocket body structures while exploring cost optimizations.
Furthermore, he invited NASENI to enroll its young researchers in newly developed R&D training modules at its Research and Development Institute. The request extends to a new area of partnership — capacity building in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining for Air Force technical personnel at NASENI’s Centre of Excellence.
Responding, NASENI EVC/CEO Mr. Khalil Suleman Halilu reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the long-standing collaboration with the Air Force, describing it as both professional and personal.
“Our partnership with the Nigerian Air Force is one of our smoothest and most productive,” he said. “We’ve achieved so much together — from reverse-engineering projects to shared innovation hubs — and we are just getting started.”
Mr. Halilu showcased NASENI’s progress in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) development, drone pilot training, asset recovery programs, and its world-class CNC machining infrastructure, inviting the Air Force to take advantage of all available resources and facilities.
He emphasized NASENI’s culture of private sector collaboration as a model for cost-effective implementation while maintaining inclusive access for public institutions such as the Air Force.
Highlighting the signing of the new MoU, Mr. Halilu said the updated agreement is designed to be more structured, result-driven, and aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. It focuses on joint R&D, local manufacturing of aerospace and defense components, human capital development, and knowledge exchange.
“This partnership goes beyond paperwork,” Mr. Halilu noted. “It’s about building the future of Nigeria’s defense and innovation ecosystem together.”
The formal signing of the renewed MoU marked a new chapter in the strategic relationship between both institutions, setting the stage for the activation of joint action plans on the C5 Rocket Project, CNC training, defense manufacturing, and other innovation-driven initiatives.
Telecom
How Zabira is Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Financial independence is no longer a distant dream but a daily reality, especially for young entrepreneurs cashing out weekly through innovative platforms like Zabira.
From trading gift cards to paying bills with crypto-converted naira, Zabira is proving to be more than just a fintech app; it’s a complete digital marketplace designed to fuel the ambitions of the next generation of hustlers.
With users reportedly earning up to ₦150,000 weekly from ongoing campaigns, Zabira has become a go-to platform for side income and full-time digital entrepreneurship.
Its frequent cashback campaigns reward both new and existing users, allowing them to earn 2% cashback on their first crypto trade and 3% on their first gift card trade, a simple but powerful incentive that reduces entry barriers for young people stepping into digital finance.
But Zabira isn’t just about trading; it’s about everyday life. In a move to deepen its utility and promote seamless living, the platform has expanded its bill payment business unit. Users can now pay for airtime, data, electricity (PHCN), TV subscriptions, and even fund wallets for platforms like Bet9ja, all within the Zabira App.
Zabira allows users to make utility and other payments directly using crypto. For added flexibility, users can also instantly convert their crypto to naira, removing any limitations and ensuring seamless transactions without bank delays or downtime.
This subtle integration of crypto into daily transactions is a major leap forward in digital financial inclusion. It not only helps normalise the use of digital assets but also provides practical avenues for users to derive real-world value from their crypto holdings.
Zabira also understands the frustrations of online subscriptions, especially when traditional bank cards fail. Through its robust gift card marketplace, users can buy and use cards for platforms like Netflix, Spotify, Google Play, Apple, Amazon, and more.
These cards offer a reliable alternative for accessing services that are increasingly essential for both work and leisure and are especially helpful for digital creatives, remote workers, and students.
Beyond utility, the platform keeps the entrepreneurial spirit alive with bonus campaigns on first-time gift card trades, creating more reasons for users to engage and earn. With every trade, Zabira positions itself not just as a service provider but as a digital enabler supporting users on their financial journey.
In a country where access to financial tools can often feel like a privilege, Zabira is leveling the playing field. Whether you’re a student looking to subscribe to an online course, a freelancer paying for tools, or a small business owner funding your daily operations, Zabira is building the infrastructure that turns these goals into everyday wins.
To get started using Zabira, users can download the app on Android and iOS devices.
Telecom
Driving Digital Inclusion: Anambra’s Mobile Tech Hub Brings Free WiFi to the People

The Geeks & Founders Alliance for Soludo (GEFAS) has taken another bold step in supporting Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of a smart, connected Anambra with the official launch of its Mobile Tech Hub- a custom-built bus bringing free WiFi directly to the people.
Fully equipped with high-speed internet, voice and data services, and backup power, the GEFAS Mobile Tech Hub can connect up to 3,000 people at rallies, campaign grounds, and public spaces: expanding the Solution WiFi initiative already live at over 26 locations across Anambra.
The Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, flagged off the Mobile Tech Hub at a brief ceremony held on Thursday, 24th July 2025, at the Tower of Light, Emeka Anyaoku Boulevard, Awka.
He was joined by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu; the Deputy Chief of Staff/Chief Protocol to the Governor, Chief Chinedu Nwoye; other senior government officials; the media; and the GEFAS community.
Dr. Ibezim, visibly excited as he inspected the hub’s features, described it as an initiative perfectly aligned with what the Governor is doing in the state.
“We don’t expect anything less from Agbata, who is a guru in this field: exactly why the Governor puts square pegs in square holes,” he said, pointing to the sophistication of the project and the Governor’s deliberate choices.
“I hear wherever this vehicle parks, people can connect freely, in line with our mantra of making Anambra a place to live, invest, work, relax, and enjoy
“I thank Agbata for this great feat and assure our government’s support to make Anambra the smart mega city we all desire
He further emphasized that this will not be a one-off.
“Mr. Governor is also working to make this permanent. We are not just going to leave you with one vehicle. So I encourage everyone: wherever you see this bus parked, connect to the free WiFi and get your job done.” he concluded.
Earlier in his remarks, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA, GEFAS Convener and MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, said:
“We are here to celebrate innovation made possible by Mr. Governor’s forward-thinking policies, like waiving Right of Way (RoW) charges, which opened up fibre optic expansion and connectivity across Anambra.
“Today, various public places, student lodges, and even four higher institutions in the state already enjoy free WiFi, just as Governor Soludo promised in his People’s Manifesto.
“Now, with this Mobile Tech Hub, wherever the Governor goes during the campaign period, people can enjoy free connectivity and high-speed internet.
“All over the world, we know that when broadband expands, the economy grows.
He added, “Data is expensive these days, so this bus will bring relief to Ndi Anambra.
“Wherever you see it passing through your neighborhood, you can hop online for free- maybe download a movie, a song, or do whatever you like.
It’s a practical solution that the Solution Government is delivering. So, vote Governor Soludo, and let the Solution continue” Agbata concluded.
The bus is set to hit the road in the coming days, following Governor Soludo to campaign grounds and reaching far more neighborhoods in earnest.
With this milestone, GEFAS reaffirms its commitment to helping Anambra become the smart, connected, and prosperous state that every citizen can proudly call home.
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