Telecom
IFC, Telecom Infra Project Partner to Advance Digital Connectivity in Emerging Markets
International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Telecom Infra Project (TIP), a global community of companies and organizations focused on infrastructure solutions to advance connectivity worldwide, have announced a new partnership that aims to accelerate the deployment of new and more cost effective cellular networks, particularly in areas of the world that are underserved or unconnected.
While connectivity has already reshaped the lives of those living in developed countries, the infrastructure that underpins it needs to be made available globally so that more people can get connected to digital services.
According to the UN Broadband Commission, almost half – 46.5% – of the world population remain unconnected. Despite the increasing availability of lower-cost technology, the industry has often struggled to provide adequate connectivity in areas where the business case hasn’t been so robust.
Even among those who have access, bandwidth constraints prevent many users from experiencing the full benefits of connectivity.
The pandemic and its socio-economic consequences have underscored the urgency of coordinated actions amongst all industry stakeholders and across all geographies.
In too many parts of the world, broadband connectivity continues to be prohibitive. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the price of mobile voice and data services alone, excluding equipment, still represent up to 12% of monthly Gross National Income (GNI) per capita in least developed countries.
Affordability is critical to connecting the unconnected. The shift to open and disaggregated networks will improve affordability and contribute to a more vibrant supply chain ecosystem with new technology providers, reducing business risks and ultimately enabling greater choice and flexibility in network deployments.
The TIP community and IFC are coming together to accelerate the deployment of Network as a Service (NaaS) solutions that leverage innovative technologies and business models, shared active and passive infrastructure and lower costs to help close the digital divide, especially in emerging markets.
TIP will work closely with IFC to ensure financial, environmental, and social sustainability take a central role in the deployment of digital infrastructure. IFC will make available its structuring capabilities and experience in investing in such sectors in emerging markets to participants of the TIP NaaS Solutions Group.
“IFC welcomes the partnership with TIP to work together on developing and funding practical solutions that enable further connectivity in emerging markets. Innovation is necessary to lower the breakeven point in network deployment, increase affordability and narrow the digital divide and NaaS can play an important role in this regard.
TIP provides a unique forum for funders, policy makers, operators and other industry stakeholders to guide decision making and problem solving around the ongoing challenge of affordability,” said German Cufre, Global Manager for Telecom, Media and Technology Investments at IFC.
“We are excited to have IFC join forces with TIP because it takes more than technology to solve connectivity problems around the globe. IFC brings its deep expertise in project financing, corporate governance and operational structuring to the Telecom Infra Project and our NaaS Solutions Group which will help align our efforts with the wider investment community,” said Attilio Zani, Executive Director of the Telecom Infra Project.
“For NaaS in particular, IFC and TIP will develop new approaches for the investment community to help them tap into the large addressable market created by the adoption of the NaaS business model.”
TIP and IFC are also encouraging other funding organizations to join in their effort to help close the digital divide through innovative business models delivering scalable, high-quality cellular connectivity to those who currently do not have it.
Meta may shut down its Facebook and Instagram services in Nigeria in protest against the substantial fines imposed by multiple government agencies.
The tech giant has been ordered to pay nearly $300 million in fines in Africa’s most populous nation, following regulatory demands which Meta described as “unrealistic.”
In July 2024, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), imposed a $220 million fine on Meta for allegedly discriminatory and exploitative practices against Nigerian consumers.
The commission stated that Meta had failed to engage a Data Protection Compliance Organisation and had not submitted a Nigeria Data Protection Regulation audit report for two consecutive years.
Similarly, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), demanded $37.5 million over unapproved advertising, while the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC), announced a $32.8 million fine for an alleged data privacy breach.
Meta challenged the decisions at the Federal High Court in Abuja but was unsuccessful, as the court upheld the fines in a ruling delivered last week.
The court directed the company to comply with payment by the end of June, but Meta has indicated it may not do so, according to the BBC.
“The applicant may be forced to effectively shut down the Facebook and Instagram services in Nigeria in order to mitigate the risk of enforcement measures,” the company stated in court documents.
Responding to the NDPC’s assertion that Meta’s data processing could expose Nigerian users to health and financial risks, the company said the agency had failed to “properly interpret the laws guiding data privacy.”
As the Premier League season enters its final stretch, MTN Nigeria is set to stage simultaneous watch parties in Abuja and Uyo on Sunday, May 4, giving football fans a shared space to experience the highs and lows of matchday.
The events, scheduled for Farm City in Wuse and Pyramid Lounge & Grill in Uyo, are expected to attract large turnouts as MTN continues to deepen its connection with football audiences nationwide.
The line-up for the day includes four Premier League fixtures, culminating in a marquee showdown between Chelsea and Liverpool. Earlier games such as Brentford vs Manchester United, Brighton vs Newcastle, and West Ham vs Tottenham will round out a packed viewing schedule. With top four ambitions, title races, and European dreams on the line, the fixtures promise high-stakes drama and entertainment.
MTN’s EPL watch parties have grown into a recurring highlight for fans who want more than just a screen, they want atmosphere. This weekend’s events will feature expansive screen setups, branded fan zones, and side attractions including live trivia and merchandise giveaways.
For MTN, the activations represent an opportunity to tap into the communal spirit of football, a sport that unites Nigerians across regions and loyalties. The brand’s involvement in football has steadily evolved from sponsorship to full-scale experiences, allowing it to build affinity with youth audiences and sports lovers alike.
In recent years, MTN has emerged as a key driver of fan engagement through its partnership with SuperSport and broader investment in Nigeria’s football ecosystem. These dual-city events reflect that strategy in motion, bringing the Premier League closer to the streets and ensuring fans are not just spectators, but participants in the global game.
With anticipation running high and bragging rights on the line, Sunday’s watch parties are shaping up to be a celebration of sport, identity, and the power of community on and off the pitch.
Telecommunications services disrupted in Kogi State have resumed following a resolution of the dispute between MTN Nigeria and the state government, the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has said.
Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of ALTON, told TVC News that the issues that led to the shutdown of telecom masts in the state, primarily affecting MTN, had been addressed, paving the way for service restoration.
TVC News earlier reported that businessmen and women were counting their losses as they suffered the impact of a shut down of telecommunication service in Kogi State
Over the past two weeks, telecoms connectivity had been erratic, with competing brands experiencing glitches, particularly in the Lokoja metropolis.
The State government suspended the operations of some telecom services citing unpaid taxes and fibre-related dues.
The shutdown stemmed from a compliance dispute between MTN and the Kogi State Utility Infrastructure Management and Compliance Agency, which accused the telecom giant of violating operational rules and under-declaring the extent of its optic fibre network coverage in the state.
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