TechPression

Tag: Gabon

  • Gabon grants Airtel comprehensive fixed operator licence

    Gabon grants Airtel comprehensive fixed operator licence

    Airtel has been granted the first-ever fixed operator licence in Gabon in a historic signing deal on January 7, marking a significant advancement for the Gabonese telecom industry.

    With the licence, Airtel consumers in Gabon will be able to have access to better services, such as fibre optic high-speed internet and enhanced connection in distant locations.

    Additionally, by closing the digital divide and improving telecommunications services across the country, this accomplishment will be crucial in advancing digital integration in Gabon.

    Read also: Airtel Gabon secures licence for first technology-neutral fixed network

    Closing the digital gaps

    These developments put Airtel Gabon at the forefront of a movement to close digital gaps and enhance telecom offerings, greatly advancing the digital integration of all inhabitants.

    “Our ambition is to connect Gabonese people wherever they are and provide them with tools to fully participate in the global digital economy,” the company stated.

    This development also demonstrates the Gabonese government’s steadfast commitment to fostering open and healthy competition among operators, which is a crucial tool for bringing down the price of telecom services.

    By incorporating these goals into the national strategy to address the exorbitant cost of living, the government exhibits its unwavering commitment to fostering an environment that promotes the welfare of the populace. Airtel Gabon, a vibrant and strategic partner in the country’s digital development, is essential to realising this common goal.

    Read also: MTN Uganda secures $100 million debt financing from five banks for network expansion

    Airtel Gabon’s role in Gabon’s digital transformation agenda 

    To assist the nation’s digital transformation, the organisation has been investing in human resources, technology, and infrastructure for a number of years.

    With the newly-acquired licence, Airtel is demonstrating its dedication to closing the digital divide by providing services that are sustainable, creative, and easily accessible.

    The company stated, “We welcome the decisive impetus given by the authorities, and renew our commitment to be a leading partner in building a connected, competitive and inclusive Gabon.”

    “Together, we are convinced that this dynamic contributes not only to the modernization of the telecommunications sector, but also to improving the lives of all Gabonese, thereby reducing inequalities and promoting equitable economic development.”

    With the help of the Ministry of the Digital Economy, as well as the strategic vision of His Excellency the President of the Republic, this significant advancement represents a sea change for the Gabonese populace.

  • Airtel Gabon secures licence for first technology-neutral fixed network

    Airtel Gabon secures licence for first technology-neutral fixed network

    Airtel Gabon has secured Gabon’s first technology-neutral licence for establishing and operating a fixed network, a move aimed at enhancing internet connectivity and advancing the country’s digital economy. 

    The agreement was signed on Thursday January 9 by Célestin Kadjidja, President of the Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP), and Thomas Herbert Gutjahr, CEO of Airtel Gabon, in the presence of General Bonjean Rodrigue Mbanza, Minister of the Digital Economy.

    “This licence outlines Airtel Gabon’s responsibilities in deploying a fibre optic FTTH network, with strict operational standards to ensure reliable, high-speed internet—an essential foundation for a data-driven future,” Kadjidja stated.

    Read also: Airtel Kenya Separates Itself From Airtel money

    Improving infrastructure for a connected Gabon

    This development is part of Gabon’s broader strategy to strengthen its digital infrastructure and boost access to quality internet services. The license enables Airtel Gabon to roll out fibre-optic networks, offering individuals and businesses dependable, high-speed connectivity at competitive prices.

    The initiative builds on ongoing efforts to enhance the country’s telecommunications landscape, including the construction of a 208-kilometre fibre-optic network linking Libreville and Port-Gentil. Estimated at 4.3 billion CFA francs, this project is expected to improve internet access between Gabon’s key urban hubs, addressing longstanding gaps in connectivity.

    Read also: Airtel Uganda plans $216m Initial Public Offering 

    Extending access to underserved areas

    In addition to fibre-optic services, the license allows Airtel Gabon to offer data transport through microwave technology, enabling connectivity for businesses and communities in remote parts of the country. This approach seeks to ensure that rural areas benefit from the same level of service as urban centres, fostering greater digital inclusion.

    By advancing its telecommunications infrastructure, Gabon aims to create a more competitive environment for businesses while equipping its citizens with the tools needed to participate in a modern, digital economy. Airtel Gabon’s enhanced capabilities are poised to support local industries, improve service delivery, and drive economic growth across sectors.

    As the rollout begins, Gabon’s leadership highlights the significance of investing in digital infrastructure as a critical step toward securing the country’s economic future and strengthening its position as a regional player in technology.

  • Gabon takes major step towards digitised education with new legal framework

    Gabon takes major step towards digitised education with new legal framework

    Gabon has enacted a draft ordinance to govern the digitisation of its education system. General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, the President of the Republic, presided over the Council of Ministers on Sunday, January 5, where this decision was made.

    With the goal of incorporating digital technology and educational platforms into teaching and learning methodologies, it represents a significant milestone in the reform of the country’s educational system.

    Read also: Congo seeks Qatar’s expertise to accelerate digital transformation efforts

    Aims of the initiative

    This program coincides with Gabon’s increased efforts to update its educational system.

    The government’s evident aim to democratise access to digital tools is demonstrated by the interministerial cooperation that was established last December to connect schools to the Internet.

    The shortcomings of conventional teaching approaches have also been brought to light by the health crisis, underscoring the need for reform to guarantee that learning continues even during emergencies.

    The press release reads, “The draft ordinance aims to strengthen the legal and regulatory framework governing the transformation of teaching and learning methods through the integration of digital technologies and educational platforms. This reform is all the more urgent given that the health crisis linked to COVID-19 has highlighted the need to develop alternatives to face-to-face teaching.”

    Read also: Thailand launch e-Visa application for Nigerians, Ghanaians, other African nations

    Benefits of the initiative

    As a result of this decision, the education system is expected to be more resilient in the event of a crisis, disparities between urban and rural areas will be lessened, teaching practices will be modernised, and a skilled workforce prepared to support the nation’s economic transformation will be trained.

    African nations are taking steps to update their educational systems in an increasingly digitalised environment.

    In order to address today’s educational issues and guarantee more equitable and accessible education, digital technology integration has become crucial.

  • Gabon welcomes Cameroonian ed-tech startup, Prepdia

    Gabon welcomes Cameroonian ed-tech startup, Prepdia

    Prepdia, a Cameroonian startup, has expanded to Gabon after experiencing significant growth in its home market. Prepdia helps students improve their outcomes by securely connecting them with qualified tutors for in-person and online courses.

    By connecting students with qualified tutors for in-person and online classes, Prepdia enables students to achieve better results.

    Prepdia was founded in 2019 with the aim of helping consumers connect with a dependable, nearby tutor who has been thoroughly vetted swiftly and effectively.

    About 1,200 students have been matched with over 400 tutors around the nation due to this service, which has also made it possible to sell more than 75,000 hours of tutoring.

    It has also started expanding into the rest of Francophone Africa, beginning with Gabon, where there are now more than 50 tutors registered. This expansion is still in its early stages. The startup has been self-funded up until this point, but it is mulling over the possibility of conducting a fund-raising campaign in the not-too-distant future in order to assist it in achieving its expansion goals in the region.

    Read also: Nokia, UNICEF provide digital education to Senalese children

    The Aim of Prepdia

    Malieh Maxime, who dropped out of school in 2015 and founded the company based on his own personal experiences, said that he believes the company is in a good position to help thousands of people in Africa gain access to qualitative educational assistance on the formation of right partnerships. 

    In his words, “It has been really amazing to see how we took an idea to this level with this type of impact, with no funding yet. I believe that we are well positioned to help thousands of Africans gain access to quality educational assistance with the right partnerships.”

    The Inspiration behind Prepdia

    Maxime wanted to be an engineer, but his parents couldn’t afford it. He assured his parents he could support himself by tutoring. He moved to Douala after passing the engineering entrance exam but couldn’t locate a home class to teach in the first year.

    In his words, “I aspired to be an engineer but my parents told me they couldn’t afford it. I told my parents I would be able to take care of myself by tutoring others. I passed the engineering entrance exam and moved to Douala, but couldn’t find a home class to teach in the first year.”

    The following year, a friend of his connected him with a parent who was looking for a tutor. He was astounded by the joy and satisfaction the parent displayed upon discovering a tutor for their child. 

    That’s when he came to the realisation that, in addition to the numerous enthusiastic young people who are looking for home classes to teach, many parents are also having trouble locating tutors.

    The emergence of a tech hub: Nnewi Tech Faculty

    However, there was not a single forum available that brought together the two distinct groups of people.

    Maxime said, “Learners and parents of these learners do not go online looking for tutors. It is not yet the case in Cameroon.”

    Learners and their parents have a difficult time locating tutors and making connections with them. If the learner or parent is concerned about the level of quality, the task becomes even more challenging. They have been aching for a straightforward means by which they can connect with, learn from, and pay qualified tutors. On the other hand, private tutors can’t wait to pass on their expertise and experience to their students while also earning a living in the process.

    After getting off to a strong start in Cameroon, Prepdia is now moving forward with plans to expand throughout the region in order to address these issues.