On this edition of Next Africa, the continent's booming tech ecosystem, with the rise of several unicorns in recent years, the startup community is finding its feet. Fintech leads the charge with two IPOs on the continent for the first time in more than five years, signaling growing confidence in the scalability of African tech. We speak with AI powered firm Optasia on its expansion push and with unicorn Flutterwave on how it's positioning for growth.Plus, bridging the digital divide, from the startup helpi ...

Bangkok, Thailand--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2025) - Following the recent tablets donation in Thailand, OPPO has successfully fulfilled its pledge to donate 1,000 tablets to five countries across Asia and Africa through a collaborative initiative with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and children's programming education brand CODEMAO. Upholding its mission of "Technology for Mankind, Kindness for the World," OPPO leverages innovative technology to advance ...

Is it true that the speakers of minoritized languages such as Kasubian, Basque or Anu spoken in Japan can strengthen, promote and transmit their languages only through the legal and social mechanisms. Well, I don't really think so because the advancement in the artic artificial intelligence especially in the language technologies opens a variety of opportunities for the documentation and revitalization of the underresourced languages. I mentioned the word underresourced languages.What are these languages. W ...

Core Insights - Comcast is expanding broadband service to homes and businesses in and around the Colusa Indian Community, enhancing connectivity for both tribal and non-tribal lands [1] - The expansion is part of Comcast's broader investment strategy, which includes over $4 billion in technology and infrastructure in California over the past three years, supported by a $3.2 million Federal Funding Account grant [2] - Comcast is also contributing $5,000 to the Friends of the Colusa Library to promote digital opportunities and access to high-speed internet for local residents [3] Investment and Infrastructure - The expansion adds to Comcast's significant investments in California, totaling more than $4 billion in the last three years [2] - Comcast's network is designed for reliability and security, providing multi-gigabit Internet speeds and 99.9 percent reliability, serving over 64 million homes and businesses nationwide [4] Consumer Services - Comcast's residential services, marketed under the Xfinity and NOW brands, offer a comprehensive suite of products including Internet, video, mobile, and voice services, enhancing user experience with powerful WiFi and low-latency connections [5] - The company aims to provide a seamless experience for customers engaging in various online activities, from streaming to remote work [5] Business Solutions - Comcast Business provides a range of connectivity and communication solutions tailored for local businesses, recognized as a leader in flexible and scalable options [6] - The company is noted for being one of the fastest-growing providers of Ethernet services, supporting organizations of all sizes [6] Community Commitment - Comcast's initiatives extend beyond infrastructure, focusing on increasing economic mobility through programs like Internet Essentials, which has connected over 2.2 million Californians since 2011 [7] - The company has invested over $130.5 million in cash and in-kind donations to California nonprofits aimed at enhancing digital skills and expanding connectivity [8]

Core Insights - Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. reported third-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 19 cents, an increase from 14 cents a year ago, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 46.15% [1][10] - The company posted revenues of $117.7 million for the third quarter, reflecting a robust 58% increase compared to the previous year, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $112 million [2][10] Revenue Breakdown - Commercial revenues, which accounted for 62% of third-quarter net sales, rose 116% year over year to $73 million, driven by the in-flight connectivity (IFC) segment [6] - Defense revenues, making up 20.5% of total revenues, declined 22.3% year over year to $24.1 million due to a transition from mature programs to new ones [7] - Revenues from Peru increased to $20.6 million from $9.8 million a year ago, attributed to new upgrade projects and higher equipment deliveries [7] Operational Highlights - Gilat secured multi-million dollar orders from the U.S. Department of Defense and the Israeli Ministry of Defense for advanced SATCOM systems [3] - The company achieved significant commercial wins for its SkyEdge IV platform and Gilat Stellar Blu's Sidewinder ESA terminals, which are gaining traction among satellite operators and airlines [4] - Gilat Peru secured an additional $25 million order from Pronatel, bringing total orders from Pronatel to $85 million, contributing to digital inclusion efforts in remote areas [4] Financial Performance - Non-GAAP gross margin decreased to 32% from 38% [8] - Non-GAAP operating income for the quarter was $12.8 million, up from $8.3 million in the previous year [8] - Adjusted EBITDA soared 45.8% year over year to $15.6 million [8] Cash Flow and Liquidity - The company generated $28.4 million of net cash from operating activities in the quarter, compared to $14.7 million in the prior-year quarter [9] - As of September 30, 2025, Gilat had $155 million in cash and cash equivalents, a significant increase from $5.5 million as of June 30, 2025 [11] 2025 Outlook - Gilat raised its full-year 2025 revenue guidance to between $445 million and $455 million, indicating a 47% year-over-year growth rate at the midpoint [12] - Adjusted EBITDA guidance was also raised to a range of $51 million to $53 million, reflecting management's confidence in sustained operational strength [13]

RT Ayodele Olawande (@ayowisdom_)Earlier today, I had the privilege of delivering the Keynote Address at the Solana Summit Africa 2025, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja. The event was a powerful gathering of innovators, developers, and visionaries shaping the future of technology, finance, and digital inclusion across Africa.I commended Superteam Nigeria for creating a remarkable platform that amplifies Africa’s place in the global blockchain ecosystem. Our dialogue on stablecoins went far beyo ...

Core Insights - Millicom has successfully acquired Telefónica's telecommunications operations in Ecuador for USD 380 million, enhancing its presence in South America [1][2] - This acquisition is part of Millicom's strategy to deepen its footprint in high-potential markets, following its recent acquisition in Uruguay [2][3] - The CEO of Millicom emphasized the company's long-term confidence in Latin America and its commitment to digital connectivity and sustainable growth [3] Company Overview - Millicom operates in eleven countries and is recognized as a leading telecommunications group in Latin America, focusing on digital inclusion and innovation [3] - The company provides a variety of digital services, including mobile financial services, local entertainment, pay TV, and business solutions, serving over 46 million customers [8] Ecuador Market Profile - Ecuador has a population of approximately 18.1 million, with a youthful demographic and a significant urban population, creating a connected consumer base [7] - The economy is dollarized with solid macroeconomic fundamentals, projected GDP growth of 1.7% in 2025 and 2.0% in 2026, and low inflation around 1.3% [7] - The telecommunications market in Ecuador is competitive, with steady demand for mobile and broadband services, showing growth rates of approximately +1.4% in mobile and +3.6% in fixed broadband [7]

Core Insights - Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. has signed a $25 million agreement with Pronatel to modernize the Regional Broadband network in the Cusco region of Peru, enhancing connectivity for public institutions [1][2][3] - The upgraded network will provide high-speed internet of 200 Mbps to approximately 208 public institutions and 69 public free WiFi hotspots, improving access to essential services such as education and healthcare [2][3] - This initiative reflects Gilat's ongoing commitment to digital inclusion and its partnership with the Peruvian State, aiming to strengthen critical public services in remote areas [3][4] Company Overview - Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. is a leading global provider of satellite-based broadband communications, with over 35 years of experience in delivering technology solutions for various applications [4][5] - The company offers a comprehensive portfolio that includes cloud-based platforms, high-performance satellite terminals, and integrated ground systems for both commercial and defense markets [5][6] - Gilat's products support multiple applications, including government, defense, broadband access, and critical infrastructure, while adhering to stringent service level requirements [6]

Summary of Protean eGov Technologies Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Protean eGov Technologies - **Industry**: Digital identity services in India, specifically related to Aadhaar Key Points 1. **Contract Announcement**: Protean secured a landmark contract worth ₹13.70 crores (approximately $1.65 million) from UIDI to establish and run Aadhaar Seva Kainzas in 188 districts across India [1][2][4] 2. **Project Scope**: The project involves managing front-end activities related to Aadhaar enrollment, biometric and demographic updates, and other services, which are essential for UIDI's mission to provide unique identities to Indian residents [2][3] 3. **Duration and Operations**: This is a six-year engagement where Protean will manage the complete setup and daily operations of the Aadhaar services [3][5] 4. **Market Size**: Aadhaar is the largest biometric identity platform globally, serving 1.4 billion Indian citizens, which is more than the combined populations of North America and Europe [4] 5. **Revenue Model**: Revenue will be recognized on a per-transaction basis rather than as a fixed project fee, with expectations of even revenue spread throughout the contract period [14][34] 6. **Potential for Expansion**: The current contract covers 188 districts, which is only 70% of the total districts in India, indicating potential for future growth and additional revenue opportunities [12][50] 7. **Transaction Pricing**: The average transaction fee is estimated to be around ₹105-110, but specific rates are confidential [20][37] 8. **Payment Flow**: Funds will be collected by UIDI and then paid to Protean on a monthly basis based on transaction volumes [23][34] 9. **Cost Structure**: Major costs include setting up centers, hardware, and manpower [24][25] 10. **Competitive Landscape**: Protean is one of two main players (alongside BLS International) in this contract, with exclusive rights to certain districts [66][67] 11. **Revenue Expectations**: The project is expected to contribute approximately ₹190 crores (around $23 million) in revenue annually, with a significant impact on EBITDA [101][105] 12. **Operational Timeline**: Revenue from this project is anticipated to start contributing to the P&L from Q3 2025 [78] Additional Insights - **Historical Context**: The contract replaces previous operators, indicating a shift in service provision for Aadhaar services [56][58] - **Future Considerations**: The project may be renewed after six years, but specifics are uncertain [80][81] - **Service Continuity**: Other services related to Aadhaar will continue to be available through post offices and banks, ensuring accessibility for citizens [88][90] This summary encapsulates the critical aspects of the conference call, highlighting the strategic importance of the contract for Protean and its implications for the digital identity landscape in India.

Core Insights - Nokia and MX Fiber are collaborating to deploy a high-speed optical transport backbone network in Southeast Mexico, enhancing connectivity in underserved regions [1][2] - The new network aims to support economic revitalization and modern services for communities, businesses, and government projects [2][6] Network Expansion and Technology - MX Fiber is expanding its network by 1,800 km using Nokia's Flex-Grid DWDM technology and 1830 Photonic Service Switch (PSS), providing scalable services of 10G, 100G, and 200G [3][9] - The Nokia 1830 PSS solution allows for efficient service delivery with future upgrades to 400G and 800G without service disruption, ensuring robust connectivity [4][9] Economic Impact - The deployment supports major infrastructure projects like the Interoceanic Corridor and Maya Train, which are expected to drive economic growth in the region [5][9] - Enhanced connectivity will benefit customers in Chiapas, Tabasco, Quintana Roo, and soon Campeche and Veracruz, facilitating access to modern data centers and industrial parks [2][3] Future Readiness - The network includes dynamic management and real-time performance monitoring through Optical Time-Domain Reflectometry (OTDR), ensuring readiness for future demands [4][6] - The collaboration is positioned as a significant step towards digital inclusion and economic empowerment in Southeastern Mexico [6]