News

Tizeti to tackle broadband underdevelopment in Cote d’Ívoire with Microsoft

Tizeti (www.Tizeti.com), a leading internet service provider in West Africa, announced an expanded collaboration with Microsoft to address the issue of broadband underdevelopment in Cote d’Ívoire and bring internet access to almost five million people.

 

The partnership aims to provide affordable and reliable high-speed internet access to underserved communities and people in the country, addressing the significant broadband gap that has hindered economic development and social progress in the region and empowering more Ivorians to participate in the digital economy.

Cote d’Ívoire is believed to have less than 40% internet penetration, with fixed internet around 2%. The fixed internet and broadband sectors remain underdeveloped in Cote d’Ívoire, due to a legacy of poor international connectivity, which resulted in high wholesale prices, limited bandwidth, and a lack of access for alternative operators to international infrastructure. Operators such as MainOne, and Africa Coast to Europe have subsea infrastructure, with 2Africa expected to land in 2023. While the submarine cable vertical is more competitive, Cote d’Ívoire has limited last-mile providers who pull the internet capacity and distribute it to homes, offices, schools, hospitals, and other public institutions.

Through our expanded partnership with Tizeti, we are committed to providing high-speed internet access to five million people in Cote d’Ivoire by the end of 2025

Tizeti will roll out high-speed internet infrastructure with Microsoft’s Airband Initiative, leveraging Tizeti’s low-cost wireless technologies. This will help make it easier and cheaper for people to access the internet and connect to the digital economy. These shared efforts are part of the Microsoft Airband Initiative’s commitment to bring internet access to 100 million Africans by the end of 2025, which aligns with Tizeti’s goal of connecting more people to the internet in a cost-efficient way.

“We are thrilled to partner with Microsoft to bring reliable and affordable high-speed internet access to underserved communities in Cote d’Ívoire,” said Kendall Ananyi, Chief Executive Officer of Tizeti. “Our mission at Tizeti is to bring affordable and reliable internet to more Africans outside the digital envelope, and this partnership is a significant step forward in achieving that goal. This work with Microsoft continues our joint efforts to deliver world-class internet connectivity to the people of Africa, starting with Nigeria and now Cote d’Ívoire.”

Microsoft’s Airband Initiative is focused on advancing digital equity—access to affordable internet, affordable devices, and digital skills—as a platform for empowerment and digital transformation across the world.

“Through our expanded partnership with Tizeti, we are committed to providing high-speed internet access to five million people in Cote d’Ivoire by the end of 2025,” said Vickie Robinson, General Manager of Microsoft’s Airband Initiative. “Partners such as Tizeti are vital to the Airband ecosystem, which relies on local expertise along with public and private organizations of every size to tailor regional solutions. The expansion to Cote d’Ivoire will help build sustainable infrastructure that strengthens local development and reduces barriers to connectivity.”

For many countries in Africa, there is still a huge digital divide. This boundary between connected and unconnected translates into clear consequences for employment, education, family and social life, and access to information. Collaborations such as this play a significant role in addressing the digital infrastructure deficits in emerging economies, leveraging innovative technology and capabilities, to improve development outcomes for millions of people.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

You may also like

Business Economy

Federal Government Kickstarts Construction of Emerging Technologies Institute in Kano

post-image

 

 

Today Friday, 14th February 2025 marks a significant milestone in the Federal Government of Nigeria’s efforts to secure the socio-economic wellbeing of the future generation, as the ground was opened for commencement of construction of the Sustainable & Emerging Technologies Institute (SETI) under the aegis of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), The Presidency.

 

The Executive Vice Chaiman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu during the Ground-breaking ceremony held at the Bayero University Kano (BUK) New Campus said the new institute sits on 30 hectares of the BUK land to be built, featuring state-of-the-art facilities, including innovation hubs devoted to Artificial Intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies, complemented by reliable power supply. “NASENI will fully build and equip and support the new Institute” said the EVC/CEO.

 

The future of socio-economic development for nations rests on human creativity, innovation and cooperation, Artificial intelligence,…

Read More
Business Culture Economy Education Society Technology Technology Trends Telecoms

Airtel Nigeria and UNICEF Drive Digital Education Revolution at St. Agnes Primary School

post-image

 In a significant push toward enhancing digital learning in Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reaffirmed their commitment to education through a high-profile visit to St. Agnes Nursery and Primary School, Mende, Lagos. Leading the delegation was Airtel Group CEO, Sunil Taldar, accompanied by Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, as they assessed the impact of the Reimagine Education program—a partnership aimed at improving access to quality education for children nationwide.

The visit provided an opportunity for Airtel’s leadership to observe firsthand how the initiative is transforming learning experiences through digital tools, internet connectivity, and modern educational platforms. The Reimagine Education program, launched in collaboration with UNICEF, seeks to empower students and teachers by integrating technology into classrooms, ensuring that children, particularly in underserved areas,…

Read More
Business Government Society Technology Trends Telecoms

Airtel Nigeria CEO Engages Finance Minister, CBN Governor on Digital Transformation and Financial Inclusion

post-image

 In a strategic engagement aimed at advancing Nigeria’s digital economy, Airtel Nigeria’s Group CEO, Sunil Taldar, held high-level discussions with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Olayemi Cardoso, on February 12, 2025, in Abuja.

The meeting focused on Airtel Africa’s ongoing efforts to drive digital transformation, expand financial inclusion, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth. Mr. Taldar reaffirmed Airtel’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure, enhancing access to digital financial services, and fostering an inclusive economy through innovative solutions.

“Airtel Africa remains dedicated to Nigeria’s economic development by leveraging technology to empower businesses…

Read More
Business Culture Economy Opinion

Tony Elumelu Advocates for Increased Investment in Africa at World Governments Summit

post-image

Tony O. Elumelu, C.F.R, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, has issued a strong call to global investors, urging them to reconsider their perception of Africa as a high-risk investment destination. Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, Elumelu emphasized that Africa presents unparalleled opportunities for economic growth and offers some of the highest returns on investment (ROI) globally.

“As an investor with a diversified portfolio spanning four continents—including power, oil & gas, financial services, and healthcare—I can confidently say that nowhere else offers the kind of ROI that Africa does,” Elumelu asserted. He stressed that outdated narratives about Africa’s business environment need to be discarded, allowing investors to recognize the continent’s vast potential.

Citing the remarkable contributions of Heirs Holdings Group, Elumelu highlighted the company’s pivotal role in Africa’s energy sector. “We have the capacity to generate 2,000MW of electricity daily, and currently, our available capacity stands at approximately 1,000MW. This…

Read More
Business Investments

Access Holdings Executive Highlights Resilience of Esther Okuru, Corporate Lawyer and Author

post-image

 Amaechi Michael Okobi, Chief Communications Officer at Access Holdings, recently shared a moving and inspirational story about Esther Okuru, a corporate lawyer at Access Bank Plc. Beyond her legal career, Okuru has emerged as a symbol of resilience, turning personal tragedy into a source of hope for many.

In a heartfelt statement, Okobi introduced Okuru, emphasizing her dual role as a corporate lawyer and a published author. Her book, What Love Left Unfinished, is a deeply personal account of love, loss, and the strength to heal. The book tells the story of how she coped with an unimaginable tragedy—the untimely death of her husband in a motorcycle accident just five weeks after their wedding.

“Thirty-five days. Five weekends. That’s all she got,” Okobi stated, highlighting the brevity of their time together and the devastating impact of such a sudden loss. Despite the overwhelming grief, Okuru found solace and…

Read More
Business Economy Finance Fintech

Zero Processing Fee; GTBank Removes Point of Sale (POS) Processing Fees to Support Businesses

post-image

Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (www.GTBank.com) has announced the removal of processing fees on all GTBank POS terminals, reinforcing its commitment to supporting businesses with cost-effective payment solutions.

 

This initiative, which took effect Tuesday, 11 February 2025, communicates that merchants using GTBank POS terminals will no longer incur Merchant Service Charges (MSC) when receiving payments from customers.

At Guaranty Trust Bank, we are always looking for ways to add value to our financial ecosystem

With this initiative, all qualifying SME Merchants can now receive payments at zero cost, allowing them to reduce operational expenses, whilst promoting the merchant’s enterprise, and enhancing customer experience.

Speaking on the initiative, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director, Guaranty Trust Bank Nigeria, said: “At Guaranty Trust Bank, we are always looking for ways to add value to our financial ecosystem. By implementing the zero processing fees on POS transactions, we are empowering businesses to…

Read More
Business

Anambra South Concerned Citizens Petition INEC Over Senate Vacancy

post-image

 

The Anambra South Concerned Citizens, led by Engr. Ikechukwu Nwosu, Convener of the Anambra South Concerned Citizens movement, have formally petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Assembly, demanding urgent action to fill the vacant senatorial seat in their constituency.

In a strongly worded letter addressed to the INEC Chairman, with copies sent to the Senate President, the Clerk of the National Assembly, and traditional institutions within the constituency, the group expressed deep dissatisfaction over the prolonged vacancy following the passing of their late Senator, Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, who died on July 27, 2024.

Highlighting the implications of the delay, the petitioners noted that Anambra South, which comprises seven local government areas—Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Aguata, Orumba North, Orumba South, Ihiala, and Ekwusigo—has been without representation in the Senate for over 180 days. They described the situation as a gross disenfranchisement of their people, an act of…

Read More
Business Culture Economy International Interviews

FX Volatility Risk: Why Nigerian Businesses Must Be Cautious When Borrowing in Foreign Currency

post-image

By Anayo Nwosu

In a rapidly evolving economic landscape where currency fluctuations have become the norm, Nigerian businesses are constantly weighing their financing options. One of the biggest dilemmas faced by companies is whether to borrow in foreign currency or stick to naira-denominated loans. While foreign currency loans often come with significantly lower interest rates, they carry a hidden danger—FX Volatility Risk—which has led to the downfall of many companies.

The Temptation of Foreign Currency Loans

Imagine a manufacturing company in Nigeria that wants to expand by acquiring new machinery from an overseas supplier. The cost of this machinery is $1,000,000, and the foreign supplier agrees to ship the equipment with a one-year payment plan, provided a Nigerian bank issues a confirmed letter of credit as a guarantee. The loan comes with an attractive 7% annual interest rate, much lower than naira-denominated loans, which range from 19% to 32% per annum.

At first…

Read More