LATEST REGIONAL PROJECT UPDATE
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EGYPT
Telecom Egypt , Egypt ’ s first integrated telecom operator and one of the largest subsea cable operators in the region , has unveiled plans to launch hybrid African ring path ( HARP ) by 2023 , a new subsea system that will outline the African continent , forming the shape of a harp .
2
IVORY COAST
The Africa Digital Inclusion Facility has approved grants worth US $ 1.3 million for two research efforts to enhance women ’ s digital access to loans and micro-insurance . The African Development Bank has approved two grants for research that will increase African women ’ s access to a range of digital financial services .
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3
ETHIOPIA
GIZ and Orange recently launched an Orange Digital Centre in Ethiopia , the third in Middle East and Africa ( MEA ), to train young people in digital technology and boost their employability . After launches in Tunisia and Senegal , Ethiopia will be home to the third Orange Digital Centre in MEA .
4
SOUTH AFRICA
South African digital FinTech enablement provider , Ukheshe Technologies has confirmed it is expanding its operations internationally . The move comes on the back of several successful high profile projects and partnerships in various African countries including Kenya , Zimbabwe , Zambia , Namibia , Nigeria , Malawi , Botswana , Angola , Tanzania , Rwanda , Burundi , DRC , Mozambique and Ghana .
5
NIGERIA
As part of its commitment to ensuring access to affordable broadband connectivity in Africa ’ s underserved populations , Tizeti , West Africa ’ s pioneer solar-based Internet service provider ( ISP ) is rolling out its 4G LTE network in Edo State , Nigeria with monthly fixed broadband costs pegged at four thousand naira ( US $ 8 ). With the move , millions of people in Edo State previously outside the broadband envelope can now take advantage of high-speed broadband Internet from Tizeti .
24 INTELLIGENTCIO AFRICA www . intelligentcio . com