First Independent Mena Newspaper
Internet shutdowns across Africa have surged in scale and frequency over the past decade, with nearly 200 incidents recorded between 2016 and 2024, according to a new study by the African Digital Rights Network (ADRN). The tactic, often used to suppress dissent and manipulate political outcomes, is being normalized by governments across the continent, researchers […]
Despite impressive strides in mobile network expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa, a new GSMA report reveals that millions remain offline — not due to lack of coverage, but because of high device costs and digital illiteracy. The paradox lies in progress: while 75% of newly connected global areas last year were in Sub-Saharan Africa, the continent […]
Sudan’s Telecommunications and Post Regulatory Authority has announced it will suspend voice and video call services on Meta’s WhatsApp platform beginning next Friday, citing threats to national security. The decision, described as a “precautionary measure,” comes as the war-torn country struggles with severely damaged communication infrastructure, particularly in Darfur and Kordofan. The restriction is expected […]
Morocco, a country boasting a rich history and culture, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, is now ready to offer the world an unforgettable experience for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup. The Kingdom, witnessing a rapid development in infrastructure and services, is preparing to welcome millions of visitors […]
Africa’s digital transformation is well underway, with mobile internet emerging as a significant catalyst for economic growth. A report by ‘The Economist Intelligence Unit’ estimates that expanded mobile internet use could contribute as much as $795 billion to the continent’s GDP. This opportunity aligns with the growing role of digital technology in Africa’s economic and […]
Togo and Benin have inked an agreement cutting significantly telecommunication costs including roaming and internet between the two countries. The agreement signed between ARCEP Benin and ARCEP Togo, the two regulators, will take effect on January 01 2024. Per the deal known as “Protocol d’Accord de Free Roaming entre le Togo et le Benin, and […]
Morocco and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to strengthen cooperation in cyber-security to reduce the risk of cyber-attack and protect online services and personal digital data from theft or damage. An agreement was inked Thursday in Dubai on the sidelines of “GITEX GLOBAL-2023” Tech show between General Directorate of Information Systems Security of Morocco’s […]
Chinese power and fiber optic cable manufacturer Hengtong will set up a plant in Egypt to produce fiber cable as result of a deal between the Chinese company and the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE). Hengtong will invest $18 million for the project with a capacity of up to 2 million kilometers in the zone. […]
Zanzibar has put 12 new oil and gas exploration blocks up for grabs, which in line with President Hussein Mwinyi’s $2.4 billion plan to entice shipping, oil exploration, and seaweed processing while fostering the “blue” economy, as the East African country is looking to explore other economic options outside of tourism Suleiman Masoud Makame, Zanzibar’s […]
The United Nations and African Union have called for calm in Senegal after at least 15 people were killed in an outbreak of violence following the sentencing of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. The sentencing of opposition politician Sonko for two years in jail on charges of ‘corrupting youth’ sparked some of the deadliest violence in […]