Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 25 | Page 22

PROJECT UPDATE LATEST REGIONAL PROJECT UPDATE RWANDA MTN and VANU have announced the integration of the two networks which will extend MTN’s Network to Rwandans, in rural areas, who are currently unconnected. The agreement will allow for the provision of GSM services, including voice and data, which were previously inaccessible to several people in rural Rwanda. The agreement will not only benefit existing MTN subscribers, but it creates an opportunity for MTN to grow its customer base. Founded in 1998, Vanu provides solutions that make it possible for people in areas with traditionally poor or no coverage to connect with each other and the outside world. SOUTH AFRICA Seraphim Solar System has announced the inauguration of a new 500 MW solar cell factory in the Coega Industrial Development Zone of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, along with 200MW half-cell module assembly expansion in Eastern Cape. This new cell factory will be the first in the African continent. This is another step forward for Seraphim’s goal of expanding global production capacity, previously opening a 300 MW module plant in South Africa. The new expansions will bolster Seraphim’s manufacturing supply chain in South Africa by directly supporting its growing module assembly plant already operating in Eastern Cape since last summer. The new factory equipment plans are a critical element in Seraphim’s globalisation strategy to mitigate against unpredictable tariffs levied on Chinese manufacturers. 22 INTELLIGENTCIO www.intelligentcio.com