News - Afrikan Heroes

Why Mastercard Is Backing MTN Fintech Arm in a $200 Million Deal

February 7, 2024

In a strategic move aimed at fostering financial inclusion in Africa, Mastercard has solidified its commitment to the growth and development of MTN Group Fintech, the fintech arm of telecommunications giant MTN Group. This landmark deal sees Mastercard acquiring a minority stake valued at up to $200 million (approximately R3.8 billion) in MTN Group Fintech, elevating its valuation to an impressive US$5.2 billion on a cash- and debt-free basis.

The collaboration, initially announced in October of last year, is still pending finalization as it navigates through “customary closing conditions.” However, both parties are optimistic about the transformative impact this partnership will have on the financial landscape of the African continent.

MTN, in a statement, emphasized the broader significance of these agreements, stating, “These agreements complement the larger commercial relationship between the group and Mastercard to support the continued development and growth of technology and infrastructure to drive financial inclusion across the African continent.”

At the heart of this collaboration is the recognition of the pivotal role fintech plays in driving financial inclusion. Mastercard’s investment is not only a financial endorsement but also a strategic alignment to support the acceleration of MTN Fintech’s payments and remittance services. This injection of capital is expected to fortify MTN Group Fintech’s position as a key player in the evolving digital financial landscape of Africa.

The $200-million deal signifies Mastercard’s confidence in the potential of MTN Group Fintech and its vision for advancing financial services in the region. The investment will be instrumental in scaling up operations, enhancing technological infrastructure, and expanding the reach of financial services to underserved populations.

While the deal has been announced, it is essential to note that its finalization is subject to customary closing conditions. Regulatory approvals are underway, and stakeholders are eagerly awaiting the green light to commence the next phase of this collaboration.

Looking ahead, MTN expressed its commitment to exploring additional opportunities for value-enhancing partnerships and investments. Subject to market conditions, the company aims to engage with strategic partners and long-term investors, signaling a broader strategy to drive innovation and financial inclusivity in the African fintech space.

The Mastercard investment in MTN Group Fintech represents a pivotal moment in the journey toward financial inclusion in Africa. The $200-million deal underscores not only the financial backing but also the shared vision of both companies to drive technological advancement and accessibility in digital financial services across the continent.

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert. As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the continent’s pioneers in this regard.

YUP Cameroon Succumbs to Financial Pressures: Société Générale’s Mobile Money Arm Enters Liquidation

February 2, 2024

In a major development, YUP Cameroon, a subsidiary of the French bank Société Générale specializing in Mobile Money, has been officially placed in liquidation. The decision was made during an extraordinary general meeting held on December 29, 2023, following the company’s financial troubles since 2022. The renowned financial expert, Manfred Penda, sworn in near the courts of Littoral and Adamaoua, has been appointed as the liquidator, according to a recent public statement.

The decision to liquidate YUP Cameroon stemmed from its deteriorating financial situation, rendering the company no longer profitable. A public note reveals that the general assembly, after reviewing the reports of the board of directors dated March 1, 2022, and the auditor’s report on the annual financial statements as of December 31, 2022, which indicated that the company’s equity was below its share capital, approved the reports and decided on the early dissolution of the company through an amicable liquidation.

YUP Cameroon ceased its operations in the country in 2022, and at that time, only 22,332 out of 689,071 accounts were active, constituting a mere 3.35% of the total. Disturbingly, more than 96% of the accounts opened with YUP Cameroon were inactive. The data from the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) Banking Commission revealed that during February 2022, YUP recorded 163,867 transactions with a cumulative amount exceeding 11 billion FCFA. This figure pales in comparison to the country’s average of 133 million monthly transactions in Mobile Money during 2022, with a monthly value averaging 1,434 billion FCFA.

As the appointed liquidator of YUP Cameroon, Manfred Penda is mandated to represent the company in all liquidation activities. The Uniform Act of the Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA) governing commercial companies and economic interest groups outlines his responsibilities. Penda is authorized to settle outstanding debts with creditors and distribute the remaining assets among shareholders. However, he is restricted from initiating new business activities without judicial authorization, solely for the purposes of liquidation.

The duration of the liquidation process has not been disclosed, but according to Article 216 of the OHADA Uniform Act, “the liquidation must be concluded within a period of three years from the dissolution of the company.” Penda is obligated to convene a shareholders’ meeting within six months of his appointment to report on the company’s situation.

Manfred Penda, an Essec graduate, serves as the managing partner of Fred & Associés Solutions. He brings valuable experience from his previous roles at the Société sucrière du Cameroun (Sosucam) and the Société camerounaise des Palmeraies (Socapalm), where he held positions as the director of administration and control management and director of control management, respectively.

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert. As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the continent’s pioneers in this regard.

UNWTO Communication, Media and Tourism Training in Africa Workshop, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

February 1, 2024

The first UNWTO Communication, Media and Tourism Training in Africa Workshop organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) was in the majestic Victoria Falls, from 13 to 15 November 2023 bringing together tourism professionals, journalists, media and communication specialists drawn from 20 countries in the Africa region.

The three-day event focused on the opportunities for placing tourism in the mainstream conversation as well as the ongoing challenges facing communities, destinations and Africa as a region.

African tourism has been increasingly attracting media attention in recent years, though persistent perceptual barriers and stereotypes still impact on the image of the continent and prevent the tourism sector of the region from fully unlocking its potential.

Effective communication campaigns and innovative marketing strategies can shift the narrative around Africa and build a new storytelling which showcases its unique beauties and tourism attractions with the ultimate goal of promoting the continent as a top destination worldwide.

High-level international experts from across the media spectrum and top content creators guided the conversations of the intensive training programme and delivered to the delegates meaningful tools to strengthen their communication and media literacy skills with a view to better promoting and branding their destinations, namely by harnessing the use of digital and social media platform.

The participants had the opportunity to combine the theoretical approach of the discussions with group work activities involving case studies and field trips focused on highlighting the importance of culture, heritage, wildlife conservation and communities for the sustainable development of tourism.

The training session culminated in the ceremony of delivery of the certificates to the attendees.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry

Global Black Impact Summit 2024 to Explore Power of Diversity in the Corporate Landscape

In the evolving corporate landscape, inclusivity and diversity have become key pillars via which businesses and organizations can advance in the global marketplace. The upcoming Global Black Impact Summit (GBIS) scheduled for February 27 in Dubai, will elaborate on the growth opportunities associated with fostering inclusion in the workplace, and how companies can translate these values into tangible results.

By harnessing a wide range of cultures and backgrounds, organizations can tap into a wealth of ideas, experiences and insights able to propel them to unprecedented levels of success. Many leading and Fortune 500 companies have reached new heights, specifically by leveraging a diverse talent pool and prioritizing inclusivity in their recruitment and selection processes.

American multinational Johnson & Johnson was able to transform into a global pharmaceutical powerhouse by investing in its vision of diversity and inclusion. The company earned the title of Best Company for Diversity by Diversity magazine in 2018 and was placed among the top 15% of companies by Comparably’s diversity score in 2023. By 2025, Johnson & Johnson aims to achieve 35% racial diversity in management positions.

Professional services and consulting company Accenture has been included in the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for five consecutive years, also owing to its dedication to diversity. The company has demonstrated a resolute commitment to achieving gender parity within all levels of the organization, targeting a 50:50 ratio by 2025.

A clearly defined target is one of the first steps towards achieving widespread diversity and inclusion and enabling firms to reap the benefits of these values. Global business consulting firm Ernst & Young, for example, was one of the first four accounting firms to embrace diversity by appointing a top-level, full-time executive to oversee diversity recruitment. Mastercard, ranking fifth in Diversity’s top ten list for four consecutive years, also boasts a diverse workforce, with one in four of its senior global executives being a person of color and 39% of its global workforce comprising women.

Another strategy for fostering diversity in the workplace is implementing cultural competence training, which equips employees with the tools to understand and appreciate diverse cultures, break down stereotypes and foster a more inclusive work environment. Under the theme, Black Excellence: Unleashing the Unexplored Potential for Global Unity, GBIS 2024 features high-level discussions, presentations and workshops on guiding organizations and individuals on their journey toward building a more inclusive culture.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry

Joliba Capital’s Debut Fund Surpasses $96.5M, to Back Francophone African Businesses

January 31, 2024

Joliba Capital, an African private equity firm, has achieved a significant milestone with the first close of its inaugural fund, Joliba Capital Fund I, securing commitments exceeding EUR 33 million from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and Swedfund as part of a successful Rolling First Close. The fund, which has reached a total of EUR 89 million (USD 96.5 Million), aims to target investment opportunities across Francophone countries in Western and Central Africa.

This strategic move reflects the strong confidence and trust investors have placed in Joliba Capital’s vision and strategy. The fund will primarily focus on developing a diversified portfolio comprised of small and mid-cap regional champions seeking growth capital and operating expertise across various consumer-driven sectors, including agribusiness, manufacturing, FMCG, education, healthcare, financial services, and logistics.

In a market that remains largely undeveloped from a private equity perspective, Joliba Capital intends to play a crucial role in supporting SME financing and strengthening environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and impact standards across the region. The firm is committed to increasing awareness of the benefits of private equity investments in the region.

Joliba Capital Fund I is proud to be 2X Challenge qualified, showcasing its dedication to maximizing impact while delivering superior returns for its investors. LBO France, a multi-specialist and multi-country investment platform and majority owner of Joliba Capital, expresses its commitment to supporting local communities and entrepreneurs to unlock the full potential of the continent.

Robert Daussun, Chairman of LBO France, and Stéphanie Casciola, CEO of LBO France, state, “We are happy to welcome DFC and Swedfund in Joliba Capital’s inaugural fund. Their commitment is a strong endorsement of the high value that African companies can create with the help of professional investors while addressing very concrete development challenges.”

The founders of Joliba Capital, Hamada Touré and Yann Pambou, express their gratitude, stating, “We are pleased to count on the trust and support of DFC and Swedfund on our mission to boost the Francophone Africa private sector and create sustainable jobs. We sincerely thank our partner LBO France and our initial anchor investors Proparco, FMO, and IFC for their confidence and support.”

Mateo Goldman, Acting Vice President of DFC’s Office of Equity and Investment Funds, emphasizes DFC’s pride in supporting Joliba Capital’s expansion, stating, “DFC’s support will provide vital access to capital in these regions to support small businesses facing barriers to financing.”

Sofia Gedeon, Investment Director Sustainable Enterprises at Swedfund, highlights the opportunity to strengthen the private sector and contribute to socio-economic development, stating, “This gives Swedfund the opportunity to strengthen the private sector and to contribute to socio-economic development via increased decent job opportunities and enhanced gender equality.”

Joliba Capital, in collaboration with DFC and Swedfund, is poised to make a significant impact on small and medium-sized businesses in Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, Cameroon, and other Francophone West and Central African countries. The investment will not only support these businesses but also contribute to improved access to goods and services for the underserved in the region.

A pioneer in private equity in France, LBO France is today a leading multi-specialist and multi-country investment platform. Active in Private Equity, Real Estate, Venture, and Listed Investment, the Company has been expanding its activities in Europe and on the African continent. Wholly owned by its managers, LBO France is one of the founding members of the International Climate Initiative and one of the first signatories of the France Invest charter for parity.

Joliba Capital is a private equity firm, founded by two seasoned African investment professionals, Hamada Touré & Yann Pambou, in partnership with LBO France, to target investment opportunities across Francophone countries in WAEMU and CEMAC regions to develop small and mid-cap regional champions seeking growth capital and operating expertise.

The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is the U.S. Government’s development finance institution, partnering with the private sector to finance solutions to the most critical challenges facing the developing world. DFC investments adhere to high standards and respect the environment, human rights, and worker rights.

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert. As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the continent’s pioneers in this regard.

Exness Marks Unprecedented Brand Growth in 15 Years

January 30, 2024

Exness, the world’s largest retail market-maker, has unveiled a significant rebranding initiative, reflecting and reinforcing its position as the market leader. Through a revamped visual identity, Exness turns the spotlight on the very values that helped it reach the top.

Featuring a new logo, defined by the distinctive exo emblem, the rebranding speaks to a sleeker, more modern design. Inspired by Exness’ recognizable initials, ‘e’ and ‘x,’ the exo embodies a fusion of head and heart, the mathematical and the human. These are the pillars which speak to Exness’ brand story and define the way it conducts business.

Carrying the legacy of the old logo, the exo also serves as a visual anchor, connecting the broker’s past achievements with its future vision, in this way honouring its legacy to forge its future. The brand’s font and colour palette have also undergone a makeover, featuring a more modern font and a brighter, bolder yellow.

Alfonso Cardalda, Exness Chief Marketing Officer, commented, “At Exness, we believe that ‘good enough’ is not enough. This rebranding goes beyond aesthetics. Our new brand offers a nod to where we’ve come from and a promise that our values remain the same while we take bold new steps into the future. As companies evolve, so must their brand. It’s time for our brand to evolve and reflect who we are in the market. It’s time to take our identity to the next level, to show the world why we’re different from the rest and how we got this far.”

Launched on the cusp of Exness’ spectacular 15-year celebrations, the rebranding aligns with the broker’s remarkable achievements to date, including a monthly trading volume of up to $4.8 trillion, a headcount of over 2000 employees, and a total of more than 700,000 active clients and 64,000 partners. These milestones highlight Exness’ enduring commitment to setting industry standards and reinforcing its status as the market leader.

“We’ve raised the bar in the trading industry, now we’re upping our game as a brand. As we usher this new era in, we will continue to reimagine the markets the way they should be, we will continue breaking records and we will continue to be wholeheartedly committed to our people — clients, partners and employees.” Cardalda added.

The updated branding will be rolled out across all Exness platforms in the coming weeks. The company assures a seamless transition, maintaining its high standard of service and support for all clients and partners.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry

Experts Warn on the Loss of Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture in Africa

David Mukomana, President of the Apimondia Regional Commission for Africa

Today, 30 January 2024, biodiversity experts from more than 20 African countries will meet in Harare to discuss the state of biodiversity for food and agriculture in the region and consider action to strengthen the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. National Focal Points will share experiences at national and regional levels with the aim of strengthening efforts to halt the loss of this key resource.

“Biodiversity is crucial to our African way of life. We must take action to preserve it and halt the ongoing loss of diversity in our agrifood systems. Our landraces, such as sorghum and millets, are declining in number. Urgent steps need to be taken to conserve and sustainably manage them. Let’s work together to preserve our planet’s precious resources and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come,” said Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa, and FAO Representative in Zimbabwe.

One of the main objectives of the workshop, co-organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Apimondia, the International Federation of Beekeepers’ Associations, will be to discuss ways and means to strengthen the implementation of the Framework for Action on Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture in Africa. The framework, adopted in 2021 by FAO, is intended to put the brakes on the loss of biodiversity for food and agriculture. Country representatives attending the event will share lessons learned and discuss the challenges involved in converting the words of the framework into action on the ground.

The FAO Framework for Action on Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture is the response of FAO Members to the first ever report on The State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture launched by FAO in 2019. The framework addresses the whole of biodiversity for food and agriculture, including plant, animal, forest and aquatic genetic resources, as well as the range of ecosystem services they provide. It promotes a coordinated approach to the management of biodiversity across the different sectors. “Biodiversity is critical for the transformation of agrifood systems so that they become more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life for all, leaving no one behind,” said Dan Leskien, Officer in Charge of the FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.

The regional workshop provides an opportunity for country representatives to exchange information and facilitate the sharing of best biodiversity-friendly practices and strategies to effectively implement the main priorities of the framework within the region.

Biodiversity loss has a variety of causes and poses a severe threat to the future of agriculture and world food security. Many species and ecosystems are in decline. Bees, for example, are key pollinators and vital to the production of many crops. In many African countries, their survival is being jeopardized.

“Bees are a treasure that needs to be cherished. It is critical to allow bees and other pollinators to continue to carry out their vital pollination work in our environment,” said David Mukomana, President of the Apimondia Regional Commission for Africa.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry

International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Signs $90 Million Agreement for Djibouti

January 29, 2024

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, signed a US$90 Million Master Murabaha Agreement in favor of the Republic of Djibouti, with the International Hydrocarbons Company of Djibouti (SIHD) as the executing agency.

The signing took place between HE. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy & Finance, in charge of Industry, and Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO of ITFC. The facility aims to support SIHD’s mandate of securing energy supply through the importation of petroleum products that is essential for electricity generation to boost all the sectors of the economy. This initiative fosters intra-OIC trade, as the petroleum products will be sourced mainly from other OIC member countries.

The ITFC interventions in Djibouti reflect the commitment to supporting Djibouti’s economy, starting with the energy sector and extending its positive impact to vital areas like services, manufacturing, and agriculture. This operation underlines ITFC’s commitment to fulfilling UN SDG 7, ‘Energy for All’.”

Commenting on the signing of the agreement, Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO of ITFC stated: “This financing will promote positive impact on the level of human and economic development and is expected to further strengthen the strategic cooperation between ITFC and Djibouti in the energy sector.”

Over the years, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have enjoyed a good and longstanding relationship with a total of US$1.6 billion approved by the Corporation in favor of the country, with 33 operations targeting the energy and health sectors. The Master Murabaha Agreement signing also aligns with the US$600 million 3-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and Djibouti.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry

European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation Commander Visits Somalia

From 22 to 24 January 2024, the Operation Commander (OPCDR) of the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA, Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano, paid a visit to Somalia to introduce himself to the local and European authorities after taking command of the Operation on 23 November 2023: “One of the things I wanted to do first was to come here and visit personally the Federal Authorities from Somalia and to discuss with them how we can improve our work to provide a better maritime security environment in Somalia”.

The OPCDR had office-calls with members of the government linked to the EUNAVFOR ATALANTA. These meeting provided an overview of the tasks of the Operation’s mandate. They also gave rise to discussions on ways of strengthening support and cooperation between EUNAVFOR ATALANTA and the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS).

Together with the EU Ambassador to Somalia, H.E Karin Johansson, the OPCDR were given the opportunity to exchange with a team from the FGS led by the National Security Advisor, Mr Hussein Moalim. The meeting provided constructive discussions on the framework for the cooperation between the FGS and EUNAVFOR to jointly improve maritime safety in the region.

He also met the Somali Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, H.E. Ahmed Hassan Adan. The OPCDR had the opportunity to present the latest actions taken by the Operation to support the Somali Government’s efforts to tackle illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Operation ATALANTA remains committed to contribute to fight IUU fishing for sustainable fishing of the coast of Somalia.

The legal framework of the Operation was also at the heart of discussions with Somali’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs H.E. Hassan Mo’allin Mohamoud. The Operation EUNAVFOR benefits from a comprehensive legal approach, and discussions with the Minister have let to identifying avenues for enhancing cooperation. Discussions between Somalia State Minister for Ports and Marine Transport, Mohamed Abdulkadir and the OPCDR resulted in the identification for joint action to strengthen our communication.

This visit also provided an opportunity for the OPCDR to present itself to the European Union (EU) family present in Somalia. The EU is engaged in the Horn of Africa through an integrated approach, of which EUNAVFOR ATALANTA represents one of the military pillars. In this regard, the OPCDR had a lengthy discussion with the head of the EU Delegation Ambassador, H.E. Karin Johansson. The delegation’s support and assistance are crucial for Operation ATALANTA. The OPCDR also seized this visit to meet its sister mission, the European Union Capacity Building mission in Somalia (EUCAP Somalia) and the European Union Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM Somalia)

Finally, Vice Admiral Villanueva also held meetings with international community partners with whom the Operation interacts on a daily basis in order to successively achieve its Mandate. Discussions focused on assessing their partnership notably with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC); World Food Programme (WFP) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) representatives; and Interpol Mogadishu.

“We have had very productive and complete conversations, and the outcome will lead my orders in the next months to better support Somali authorities” the OPCDR said after finishing his visit to Somalia.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry

Zoom Fibre Connects 100 South African Schools

In a significant development for education and connectivity in South Africa, Zoom Fibre has announced the successful connection of 100 schools through its Schools Fibre Project. This achievement reflects Zoom Fibre’s commitment to providing high-speed internet access for the next generation and breaking down barriers to connectivity in the education landscape.

The Schools Fibre Project was born out of a simple yet powerful vision – to provide seamless and reliable internet connectivity to schools nationwide. Zoom Fibre’s goal is to create an optimal learning environment by ensuring that both students and educators have access to the digital tools essential for 21st-century learning.

Zoom Fibre works closely with each school to provide customised solutions based on their unique needs and challenges. This personalised approach ensures that the Schools Fibre Project is a perfect fit for each educational institution.

Keith Joseph, chief commercial officer at Zoom Fibre, says: “In celebration of this milestone, Zoom Fibre extends heartfelt gratitude to the schools, educators and communities that have embraced the Schools Fibre Project. As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue expanding our reach, creating more opportunities for growth, learning, and success in South African schools.”

Amid this accomplishment, it is essential to recognise the growing demand for improved connectivity in South African schools. Educators and students alike have expressed the need for reliable and high-speed internet access to leverage fully the benefits of digital learning tools and online educational resources.

In response to this demand, Zoom Fibre’s Schools Fibre Project not only meets but exceeds expectations, addressing the call for better connectivity and bridging the digital gap that has persisted for too long. The tailored solutions provided by Zoom Fibre are a direct response to the diverse educational landscapes across the country, acknowledging and fulfilling the unique requirements of each school.

As South African schools strive to prepare students for a future where technology is central, the demand for better connectivity becomes synonymous with the demand for quality education.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry