TechPression

Category: Technology

  • Cameroonian court unfreezes MTN’s $23 million bank account after two years

    Cameroonian court unfreezes MTN’s $23 million bank account after two years

    MTN, a South African mobile operator, announced on Wednesday that a Cameroonian appeals court had unfrozen its bank accounts, which had been seized in 2022 due to a loan dispute with a Cameroonian business tycoon.

    In September 2022, a court order froze MTN Cameroon’s accounts, which held 14 billion CFA francs (approximately $23.20 million). This freeze put the company’s operations in jeopardy, as MTN Cameroon, part of Africa’s largest mobile carrier, serves approximately 15 million users in the country.

    The dispute stemmed from a real estate loan issue between South Africa’s First National Bank (FNB) and Ahmadou Baba Danpullo, a Cameroonian business mogul who owns Bestinver Group. 

    When FNB liquidated several of Danpullo’s properties in South Africa due to a loan default, he retaliated by targeting South African companies operating in Cameroon, including MTN. This led to a Cameroonian court freezing MTN’s accounts as part of a third-party debt order.

    In 2023, MTN Cameroon revealed that its funds would be moved to an escrow account overseen by the court registrar. 

    However, the company appealed the court’s decision, and on February 24, 2024, the appeals court ruled that Bestinver Group companies had no right to seize MTN’s accounts. In a statement dated March 31, MTN welcomed the decision, affirming the legitimacy of its defence and the restoration of its rights.

    Despite this ruling, Mbanzehe Aggee, one of Danpullo’s solicitors, stated that he would continue pursuing legal action to seize the assets. “We are following legal procedures to obtain an enforcement order,” he said.

    In recent years, MTN Cameroon has encountered legal and regulatory issues that are indicative of larger conflicts between international corporations and regional business and political interests.

    Story background 

    On September 5, 2024, Techpression reported that despite a continuing court-ordered seizure of its bank accounts, MTN Cameroon, a subsidiary of South Africa’s MTN Group, pledged to continue operating in the Central African nation.

    The accounts, which contain more than 14 billion CFA francs (about $23.72 million), have been frozen since September 2022 due to a legal dispute between First National Bank (FNB) of South Africa and business tycoon Ahmadou Baba Danpullo of Cameroon.

    The controversy started when FNB liquidated Danpullo’s South African holdings after a real estate loan default. Danpullo retaliated by going after other South African companies doing business in Cameroon, such as MTN and Chococam, a division of Tiger Brands, in an attempt to recoup his losses.

    Danpullo bases his case on the assertion that the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) of South Africa, which owns shares in FNB, has substantial holdings in MTN Cameroon and Chococam.

    MTN Cameroon, on the other hand, denied any involvement in the disagreement, claiming that PIC is not a shareholder in the business and that the identities of the company’s stockholders are publicly available in Cameroonian courts.

    The then MTN Cameroon CEO Mitwa Ng’ambi expressed regret over the development, saying, “We do not understand how we have been brought into this matter that we are not even remotely involved in.”

    She further stated that the circumstance has hurt the business’s operations and diverted funds from its primary goal of offering digital solutions in Cameroon.

    Ng’ambi stated, “This case poses a serious distraction from our business purpose,” adding that MTN has been compelled to take legal action to challenge the court’s ruling.

    Due to the blocked funds necessary for day-to-day operations, MTN faced more challenging circumstances to continue paying its 200,000 distribution agents and over 800 staff.

  • Vox to offer OneWeb satellite in South Africa via Q-KON

    Vox to offer OneWeb satellite in South Africa via Q-KON

    On Tuesday, Q-KON and Vox announced an expanded partnership, with Vox joining as a OneWeb Partner through Q-KON’s Twoobii super smart satellite solutions.

    This strategic move aims to enhance Vox’s enterprise connectivity portfolio by incorporating Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services, which will provide enterprise customers with reduced latency, superior network reliability, and faster data transfer speeds.

    Read also: Unlocking Africa’s Potential: How technology and investment can drive job creation

    Q-KON and Vox deliver LEO solutions to enterprises

    The partnership between Q-KON and Vox is designed to leverage the advantages of LEO satellite constellations. By integrating Twoobii-OneWeb solutions, Vox can offer its enterprise customers a primary connectivity option or a high-availability backup for traditional terrestrial systems. This mainly benefits underserved markets, enabling them to access reliable voice services with defined Quality of Service (QoS) configurations.

    Theo van Zyl, Head of Wireless Solutions at Vox, noted, “Becoming a OneWeb Partner through Q-KON is a strategic move that allows both companies to leverage synergies and enhance value for customers. Therefore, African enterprise users can now fully utilise LEO satellite connectivity.”

    Kathleen Morris, Satellite Product Manager at Vox, emphasised the company’s commitment to strong partnerships, stating, “At Vox, our growth has always been built on trusted technology collaborations. Thus, as a partner of Eutelsat OneWeb LEO services through Q-KON, we can offer our customers a full suite of connectivity options.”

    Read also: Smart village initiative brings AI benefits to rural Zambia

    Strengthening satellite connectivity across Southern Africa

    This partnership strengthens satellite connectivity across Southern Africa by providing high-performance, resilient connectivity for enterprises.

    Hendrik Bezuidenhout, Account Director: Key Accounts at Q-KON, highlighted the value of securing Vox as a Twoobii-OneWeb reseller, stating, “Providing world-class LEO services to enterprise customers throughout Southern Africa further strengthens the business case for satellite connectivity across all sectors.”

    Vox’s selection of Twoobii VSAT Access has already proven successful in offering seamless voice and data connectivity across South Africa, with speeds ranging from 2 Mbps to 20 Mbps. This solution is optimised for off-grid users and offers rapid deployment and high uptime availability of 99.5 per cent.

    Integrating LEO services will further enhance Vox’s ability to deliver robust and reliable connectivity solutions to its enterprise customers.

  • Microsoft announces redesign of Windows 11 Blue Screen of Death

    Microsoft announces redesign of Windows 11 Blue Screen of Death

    Microsoft announced a major overhaul of the infamous Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) on Tuesday. This change marks a departure from the classic error message that has been synonymous with system crashes for decades. The announcement is part of a broader effort to modernise Windows 11 design and user experience.

    Read also: Microsoft, Presight collaborate to drive AI innovation for startups

    Design changes and user experience

    The new design is more minimalist and streamlined, aligning with Windows 11’s design principles. The classic blue background, frowning face, and QR code have been removed and replaced by a more straightforward error screen.

    Currently, Windows Insiders see a green screen, but Microsoft may opt for a blue or black background in the final version. The error message is now shorter and less alarming: “Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart.”

    This change aims to reduce panic and get users back to productivity quickly. As Microsoft noted, “We’re previewing a new, more streamlined UI for unexpected restarts which better aligns with Windows 11 design principles and supports our goal of getting users back into productivity as fast as possible”.

    Removing the QR code and the frowning face will make the experience less daunting. Instead, the new screen preserves technical information about the error at the bottom, ensuring users can still access necessary details. This redesign is part of a broader update that includes features like quick machine recovery, designed to address boot issues by automatically detecting and applying fixes from the Windows Recovery Environment.

    Read also: Moniepoint unveils MonieWorld to streamline UK-Nigeria money transfers

    Impact and additional features

    The redesign comes after a series of system crashes, including a notable incident involving a faulty CrowdStrike software update that prompted widespread BSOD appearances.

    Microsoft is also introducing new tools like speech recap, which allows users to access spoken content and follow live transcription. These changes reflect Microsoft’s effort to enhance user experience and reduce downtime. The new BSOD design is available to Windows Insiders on Windows 11 24H2 Beta, Dev, and Canary channels. While the final colour of the screen remains uncertain, the shift towards a more streamlined and less alarming error message is clear.

  • Addis Ababa unveils prepaid system for 100 new electric buses to enhance public transport

    Addis Ababa unveils prepaid system for 100 new electric buses to enhance public transport

    The Addis Ababa City Administration on April 1 introduced 100 electric buses to enhance a sustainable public transport system. This project is part of Ethiopia’s larger initiatives to modernise urban mobility, lower carbon emissions, and lessen dependency on fossil fuels.

    The electric buses, which were unveiled by the Addis Ababa City Administration on Tuesday, are intended to offer a more effective, comfortable, and sustainable substitute for conventional transportation. 

    Inclusion of prepaid card system for easy payments

    The buses are poised to revolutionise urban commutes in Ethiopia’s capital thanks to their state-of-the-art service features, which include a prepaid card system for easy payments.

    By deploying the fleet along multiple routes, accessibility will improve, and dependency on fossil fuels will decrease. The project complements Ethiopia’s larger initiatives to support renewable energy sources and reduce the city’s infamous traffic.

    Adanech Abebe, the mayor of Addis Ababa City, Alemu Sime (PhD), the minister of transport and logistics, and other high-ranking federal and local officials attended the launch ceremony.

    Read also: Buy Now, Pay Later: Genus Inverters offer affordable power amid Nigeria’s blackouts

    Ethiopia’s efforts to facilitate transition to electric vehicles

    To facilitate the shift to electric vehicles, the Ethiopian government has put in place several initiatives. With a focus on environmental responsibility and passenger comfort, the Transport and Logistics Ministry launched more than 30 electric buses in Addis Ababa in April 2024. Plans to purchase 100 electric city buses were also revealed, demonstrating the dedication to creating a green economy.

    To lessen dependency on imports, the government has also started building public charging stations and is looking into producing EV batteries domestically. There are still issues, though, such as the lack of adequate infrastructure for charging and the requirement for qualified mechanics to service electric vehicles.

    The new fleet of electric buses have integrated Fare Collection System and Intelligent Transportation System technologies and were put together by the local company Belayneh Kindie Metal Engineering Complex using parts imported from China.

    Over 100,000 electric vehicles are currently in use nationwide, and the government plans to replace 95 percent of fuel-powered vehicles with electric vehicles by the end of the year 2025, according to the Ethiopian Ministry of Transport and Logistics.

    The Ethiopian government banned the import of petrol and diesel vehicles early last year in response to a global spike in fuel prices in an effort to hasten the transition to electric mobility.

  • Buy Now, Pay Later: Genus Inverters offer affordable power amid Nigeria’s blackouts

    Buy Now, Pay Later: Genus Inverters offer affordable power amid Nigeria’s blackouts

    In Nigeria, where erratic electricity defines daily life, Genus inverters have emerged as an essential tool for uninterrupted power. As of March 31, 2025, with the national grid collapsing nine times in 2024 and over 85 million Nigerians facing unreliable power, these inverters, distributed by Simba Industries, offer a reliable, clean energy backup.

    Coupled with their innovative “Buy Now Pay Later” plan, Genus makes power accessible despite economic challenges, transforming lives across homes and businesses.

    Powering Nigeria through crisis with Genus inverters

    Nigeria’s power sector struggles are well-documented: frequent outages and soaring fuel costs—around N1,000 per liter—make generators less viable. Genus inverters, leveraging pure sine wave technology, convert battery-stored DC to AC power akin to the grid, safeguarding appliances from damage. Unlike noisy, fuel-guzzling alternatives, they provide a silent, efficient solution, critical as electricity tariffs climb to N225 per kWh for Band A users, pushing demand for alternatives.

    Read also: Nigeria to ban solar panel imports in push for local production 

    Why Genus inverters shine in Nigeria

    Genus stands out with models like the Heiwa 950VA/12V and the robust 20kVA/360V, powered by advanced DSP and ASIC technology. These inverters boast an 80 percent power factor for efficiency, fast-charging batteries for frequent outages, and LCD displays to monitor backup time. Their load regulation feature—restarting up to six times—ensures durability, making them ideal for Nigeria’s unpredictable power landscape, from rural homes to urban offices.

    Buy now pay later: Making Genus accessible

    Simba’s “Buy Now Pay Later” plan, facilitated through the Carbon app, breaks down financial barriers. Customers download Carbon Zero, register with basic details and a N1,750— N2,000 debit card fee, and get a spending limit within 3-5 days. Purchases at Simba Den stores are then repayable over 3-6 months—zero percent interest up to three months, two percent and beyond. This flexibility is a game-changer in a nation where inflation strains budgets, letting users secure a Genus inverter without upfront costs.

    Transforming lives and businesses in Nigeria

    For families, Genus inverters keep lights on and phones charged, while small businesses—like barbers or tailors—save N69,000— N110,000 yearly on fuel, relying on silent power. In rural areas, paired with solar panels, they harness Nigeria’s 6.5 peak sun hours, offering sustainable relief. Compatible with long-lasting tubular batteries, Genus aligns with local manufacturing pushes, backed by Simba’s service network. 

    As Nigeria pushes for local manufacturing under policies like the 2025 solar panel import ban, Genus, backed by Simba’s nationwide service network, aligns with this shift, promising quality and support from local facilities like The Simba Den.

  • MTN Uganda donates computers to support visually impaired students at St. Mary Gorreti School

    MTN Uganda donates computers to support visually impaired students at St. Mary Gorreti School

    In an effort to support inclusive education, MTN Uganda, through its MTN Changemakers initiative, donated computers, a workstation, and desks valued at UGX 20 million to St. Mary Gorreti Secondary School in Ngetta on Monday.

    The school, which was founded last year by the Itinga Charity Education Foundation (ICEF) and its partners, currently serves Senior One and Senior Two students. There are 45 students enrolled, 10 of whom are completely blind and 12 of whom have low or partial blindness.

    To help visually impaired students learn, the contribution includes 40 desks and three desktop computers with Braille JAWS software. The donation creates 80 extra learning spaces and guarantees that every student has a comfortable place to study.

    During the handover ceremony, Brian Kagwisagye, the Regional Business Manager for Northern Uganda at MTN, reiterated the company’s dedication to promoting universal access to education.

    “Education remains one of the most powerful tools for empowerment, yet for many learners with disabilities, access remains a challenge. Our support to St. Mary Gorreti Secondary School, Ngetta, reflects our belief that no child should be left behind. Through technology and infrastructure support, we hope to enable these students to pursue their ambitions unhindered,” he said.

    Read also: Africa Startup Factory awards N10 million to 10 women-led tech startups

    MTN Uganda’s Ambition 2025 strategy

    Brian pointed out that this MTN Foundation-led intervention is a component of MTN Uganda’s larger Ambition 2025 strategy, which seeks to advance education for all Ugandans in addition to fostering financial and digital inclusion. He went on to say that the program supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN, specifically Goal 4 (high-quality education) and Goal 10 (less inequality).

    By making sure that students with disabilities have access to the resources they need to succeed academically, ICEF—the organisation that founded the school— continues to promote inclusive education.

    ICEF Executive Director Acen Kevin praised MTN Uganda’s contribution, saying:

    “This initiative will significantly enhance the learning experience of our students, particularly those with visual impairments. By providing assistive technology and improving classroom infrastructure, MTN Uganda is not only addressing immediate challenges but also laying the foundation for a more inclusive educational system.”

    Read also: Wema Bank celebrates innovation and inclusion at Hackaholics 5.0 finale

    MTN Uganda to invest UGX 500 million in 25 projects nationwide

    Brian added that MTN Uganda is investing UGX 500 million in 25 projects nationwide as part of the second edition of the MTN Changemakers Initiative, assisting groups that are promoting change in important areas like economic development, health, and education.

     In addition, MTN Uganda has provided support for educational initiatives under the 40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation: vocational training through the Hands of Hope Skilling Centre in Iganga, the Empowering Single Mothers and Deprived Children in Education (ESMDCE) initiative in Kabarole, and paediatric cancer care at the Bless a Child Foundation.

    MTN Uganda reaffirmed its commitment to creating a lasting impact in communities throughout the nation last year by investing UGX 500 million in 25 community-driven projects through the MTN Changemakers initiative.

  • IFC invests $100 million in Airtel Africa to boost operations in Kenya and Rwanda

    IFC invests $100 million in Airtel Africa to boost operations in Kenya and Rwanda

    Airtel Africa, one of sub-Saharan Africa’s largest mobile network operators, is poised to receive a substantial investment of $100 million from the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This funding, announced on March 28, 2025, is designed to support capital expenditures and debt refinancing for Airtel’s subsidiaries in Kenya and Rwanda.

    Investment details and allocation

    The IFC’s $100 million loan will be divided between Airtel Kenya and Airtel Rwanda, with $70 million allocated to Kenya and $30 million to Rwanda.

    This investment extends previous financial support provided by the IFC, including a $200 million facility in April 2024 aimed at enhancing operations in Kenya, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The funding will primarily focus on expanding network infrastructure, modernising services, and refinancing existing debt to strengthen Airtel Africa’s financial health in these markets.

    Read also: Airtel supports Nigeria’s 3MTT program with N1 billion

    Airtel Africa operates in 14 African countries, serving approximately 156.6 million customers as of September 2024. The company’s mobile services in East Africa are a crucial contributor to its earnings, second only to Nigeria. The IFC’s continued support reflects its commitment to helping Airtel address challenges in markets where access to local funding remains underdeveloped.

    Strategic expansion and financial health

    This investment is part of Airtel Africa’s broader strategy to bolster its position in the African telecommunications sector. The company aims to meet the growing demand for broadband internet across the continent by enhancing network infrastructure and promoting financial inclusion through services like Airtel Money.

    The IFC’s funding will be delivered in the local currencies of Kenya and Rwanda, further supporting the financial stability of Airtel’s operations in these countries[3]. As noted by the IFC, the funding is linked to previous investments and will help upsize operations in covered countries.

  • ChatGPT faces backlash over AI model creating realistic fake receipts

    ChatGPT faces backlash over AI model creating realistic fake receipts

    ChatGPT is facing criticism over its AI model that can generate highly realistic fake receipts, raising concerns about its potential misuse for fraudulent activities.

    As part of its 4o model, ChatGPT debuted its new picture generator on Monday. This program is being used to create fake receipts because of its ability to create text within photos.

    Users are exploiting this feature to create false restaurant receipts, which could increase the number of AI deepfakes that scammers can employ.

    Social media influencer and venture capitalist Deedy Das posted a fake receipt for a San Francisco steakhouse on X, saying it was made using the 4o model.

    Read also: ChatGPT sparks controversy with AI-powered Ghibli-style art generation

    Technological capabilities and misuse

    Text-intensive applications like receipts are well-suited to the new image generator’s rendering ability. Nevertheless, this capability also presents a danger of fraudulent activities.

    According to a media source, a French LinkedIn user shared a crumpled AI-generated receipt from a neighbouring restaurant chain. Although the generator produces impressive results, it displays a comma instead of a decimal point and erroneously does arithmetic.

    According to OpenAI spokesperson Taya Christianson, every image generated by their platform has metadata proving ChatGPT generated it.

    Christianson stated that OpenAI “takes action” against users who breach their usage guidelines and that the organisation is “constantly learning” from practical applications and user feedback.

    Christianson also highlighted that AI-generated fake receipts could serve purposes beyond fraud, such as “educating individuals about financial literacy” and creating original artwork or product advertisements.

    OpenAI argues fake receipts can aid financial literacy education

    OpenAI defends using its image generator to create fake receipts as part of its goal to “give users as much creative freedom as possible.” This stance emphasises the potential for AI-generated content to be used in educational contexts, such as teaching financial literacy.

    Read also: Apple to launch AI doctor and fitness coach with iOS 19 in health app update

    While the technology is imperfect and can be improved with photo editing tools, OpenAI’s approach underscores the balance between providing creative tools and mitigating misuse.

    As Christianson explained, OpenAI aims to provide users with as much creative freedom as possible while addressing misuse through its guidelines and metadata tracking.

    The ease with which fake receipts can be generated raises concerns about potential exploitation by malicious actors.

    However, OpenAI’s position highlights the broader applications of AI-generated content beyond fraudulent activities. By focusing on creative freedom and educational uses, OpenAI seeks to maximise the benefits of its technology while managing its risks.

  • MTN Uganda empowers Kabarole women, children with UGX 15.4 million vocational training equipment, education support

    MTN Uganda empowers Kabarole women, children with UGX 15.4 million vocational training equipment, education support

    On Friday, MTN Foundation, the company’s corporate social responsibility division, donated UGX 15.4 million worth of vocational training equipment to the Empowering Single Mothers and Deprived Children in Education (ESMDCE) initiative in Kabarole District.

    This assistance is a component of MTN’s Changemaker Program, which aims to improve educational outcomes and promote economic empowerment for marginalised communities.

    ESMDCE was established in 2023 with the goal of giving impoverished children and single mothers access to education and skill development, two major obstacles to economic mobility in Uganda.

    In addition to providing 135 children with school fees and academic supplies to aid in their education, the donation will help 71 women by giving them the resources they need to start tailoring businesses.

    Read also: MTN partners with Airtel Africa to improve network access in Nigeria and Uganda

    Donated vocational training equipment 

    Three industrial machines, an overlock machine, a baby lock machine, ten foot-pedal machines, semi-industrial machines, a cupboard, a flat iron, sewing threads, sewing needles, and various sewing supplies are among the vocational training equipment included in the donation.

    In addition to allowing the children to continue their education, these resources will give the women the skills they need to work for themselves—two essential steps in ending the cycle of poverty.

    According to ESMDCE founder Robert Kugonza, MTN Uganda’s assistance will improve the lives of those who are most in need.

    “This support will equip the beneficiaries with practical skills and educational opportunities that will shape their futures. For many, this is the first step towards financial independence and the chance to change the course of their lives,” he said.

    MTN’s commitment to empower underserved communities

    Andrew Tusubira, Regional Commercial Head – West at MTN Uganda, emphasised that the telecom company is committed not only to ensuring everyone enjoys the benefits of a modern, connected life but also to promoting a life of dignity and opportunity for all.

    “This partnership reflects our belief that empowerment goes beyond just providing resources; it’s about creating sustainable opportunities that uplift entire communities. Together, our ambition is unstoppable,” he said.

    According to Tusubira, MTN Uganda is investing UGX 500 million in 25 projects nationwide as part of the second cohort of the MTN Changemakers Initiative, which is run by the MTN Foundation. These projects will support organisations that are promoting change in important areas like economic development, health, and education.

    Along with ESMDCE, MTN Uganda has also provided support for educational initiatives run by the 40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation, vocational training at the Hands of Hope Skilling Centre, and paediatric cancer care at the Bless A Child Foundation.

    Additional projects are planned, such as the Bushenyi Carpentry Project, the Kalangala Home for Children with Special Needs, and water access projects in Lira and Soroti.

    Read also: MTN South Africa pioneers Africa’s initial satellite phone call

    Previous MTN empowerment initiative

    Through the MTN Changemakers initiative, MTN Uganda invested UGX 500 million in 25 community-driven projects last year.

    These initiatives are a component of MTN Uganda’s Ambition 2025 plan, which aims to alleviate social injustices and support the nation’s social and economic advancement.

  • Telkom finalises sale of Swiftnet to Actis and Royal Bafokeng Holdings

    Telkom finalises sale of Swiftnet to Actis and Royal Bafokeng Holdings

    The sale of Telkom’s mast and tower division, called Swiftnet, to a group led by Actis and Royal Bafokeng Holdings has been finalised. This calculated action signifies a dramatic change in Telkom’s financial and operational priorities.

    Actis owns a dominant 70 percent of Towerco Bidco Proprietary Limited in this consortium, with Royal Bafokeng Holdings keeping the remaining 30 percent. 

    The transaction was announced following Telkom’s notification to its shareholders on Monday morning that all suspensive conditions associated with the R6.75 billion sale had been successfully fulfilled.

    Last year, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) and the Competition Tribunal both gave their approval to the deal.

    Nevertheless, the competition watchdog’s approval was subject to some undisclosed requirements that were thought to be essential for the deal to progress.

    Read also: Telkom announces price hike for broadband and voice services for South African subscribers

    Deal proceeds to pay off debt

    Telkom has stated that it will use a portion of the sale’s proceeds to improve its overall balance sheet and pay down its current debt.

    “The completion of the Swiftnet sale marks an important milestone for Telkom,” stated Serame Taukobong, the Group CEO of Telkom. 

    He underlined that this deal will strengthen the company’s position as South Africa’s digital backbone by allowing it to investigate growth prospects consistent with its data-led growth strategy.

    Swiftnet, which has a portfolio of about 4,000 masts and towers, is being sold as part of Telkom’s larger plan to focus on its core business.

    Taukobong remarked, “This transaction is a pivotal moment in Telkom’s implementation of our data-led strategy under OneTelkom.”

    Funding of net-generation technology infrastructure 

    He added that in addition to strengthening the company’s balance sheet and lowering debt, the sale will generate extra funds that can be used to fund the infrastructure of next-generation technology. 

    To support its data-driven growth goals, Telkom keeps moving forward with the alignment of its asset portfolio and the sale of non-core properties. Following its withdrawal from its investment in Octotel, a fibre network operator, Actis acquired SwiftNet. 

    In 2020, Actis paid R2.3 billion to acquire a majority stake in Octotel. Another big shift in the telecom industry occurred in March when a group led by African Infrastructure Investment Managers declared that it had agreed to buy Octotel from Actis for an undisclosed sum.