Driving digital inclusion in South Africa: why global accessibility standards matter locally
02 July 2025
As the European Accessibility Act (EAA) comes into effect in June 2025, global organisations are rethinking how accessible their digital platforms really are. While the EAA doesn’t apply directly to South African businesses unless they operate in the EU, it raises important questions about how we approach digital inclusion at home.
Driving digital inclusion in South Africa requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both technological and contextual factors. Adopting global accessibility standards, along with investments in affordable technology, digital skills training, and accessible local content, is essential for creating a more equitable and inclusive digital society. This effort not only benefits people with disabilities but also contributes to broader economic and social development
Read the full article How can we harness the full potential of 5G in Morocco?
17 June 2025
Majda Lahlou Kassi, President of Ericsson Morocco and Vice President and Head of Ericsson West and Southern Africa
In October last year, the Moroccan government launched its Digital 2030 strategy that seeks to transform the country’s economy and society. Its objectives include expanding 5G coverage to 70% of the population by 2030 and ensuring better access to high-speed internet..jpg?lu=141)
Autonomous TowerCos add a new layer to African telecoms
17 June 2025
Amir Turalić, Chief Product Officer, ZIRA Group
As the demand for voice and data traffic continues to grow across Africa, MNOs must ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place. However, this requirement can affect their operational efficiency and profitability. To tackle this challenge, many MNOs are adopting a delayering strategy, which involves dividing their networks into separate, self-governing entities. An example of the benefits of delayering is the emergence of tower companies. The success of these tower companies relies on the presence of a dedicated Business Support Systems (BSS) platform. With these systems in place, Africa’s MNOs will be better positioned to optimise their networks and prepare for evolving customer demands for the future.
Read the full article Closing the digital divide with hybrid connectivity
17 June 2025
Tristan Wood,
founder of Livewire Digital
Whilst for most people, having an internet connection was once one of life’s luxuries, today it’s a non-negotiable essential requirement. Yet, as Tristan Wood, founder of Livewire Digital says, millions of people remain unconnected, and unless the telecom industry acts fast, that number will only climb.
Terrestrial networks have taken us far. Copper, fibre, GSM 3G, 4G, and now 5G services have transformed global communications. But despite their transformative role, they were never going to be ubiquitous on their own. Vast tracts of our planet, from deserts, forests and oceans, remain off-grid. Even in localities closer to mainland UK, where you might expect coverage, such as the Isle of Sheppey, Papa Stour and Rathlin Island, still live with no readily available means of accessing the web or other data services. And even in those areas where infrastructure is well developed and integral to daily work, service outages and not-spots reveal just how fragile terrestrial systems can be. It takes only one downed mast, a blown or flooded power transformer, or simply an overloaded network, and entire communities can be plunged into digital darkness.
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