Page 92 - SAMENA Trends - September-October 2022

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Liquid South Sudan Rebrands as Liquid Intelligent Technologies

Liquid Telecom South Sudan, the local unit of pan-African as Liquid Intelligent Technologies South Sudan, reflecting its
technology group Cassava Technologies, has officially rebranded transformation into a ‘one-stop-shop technology group’ for local
businesses and consumers. The rebrand also marks Liquid’s
launch of several new business-focused services, including cloud
and cyber security, which add to its existing range of products.
Since its launch in South Sudan in 2019, Liquid has brought
terrestrial fiber connectivity to the country, linking it to its network
across the East Africa region and beyond, including Burundi,
Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. This network
is able to deliver affordable internet access to South Sudanese
homes and businesses, while providing fiber connectivity to the
capital Juba, connecting mobile operators, carriers, enterprises,
and government organizations. Liquid has also invested in VSAT
broadband service to extend reliable internet access and enable
seamless operations to remote regions while providing backup
service to those living in urban centers. ‘This strategic rebranding
to Liquid Intelligent Technologies is us saying that our customers
and the country are now positioning for future applications that run
on the assets that we have built in Africa,’ said Liquid Intelligent
Technologies South Sudan CEO Martin Mushambadope, adding:
‘Fast, reliable, pervasive, and affordable internet is a human right.
This is a cornerstone of Liquid’s investment strategy in South Sudan
with terrestrial fiber, satellite, and other wireless technologies. With
this rebrand, Liquid will create more recognition and awareness of
our ability to provide connectivity and digital solutions for local
businesses, empowering them to transform their operations and
compete on a bigger scale.’

Qatar State Fund Eyes Vodafone Egypt Stake

The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) reportedly reached an Vodafone Group holds 55 per cent. The UK-based group is in the
advanced stage in talks to buy a 20 per cent stake in Vodafone process of selling its majority stake to Vodacom Group, although
Egypt from Telecom Egypt, part of a wider $2.5 billion investment the transaction has not yet been completed. In July, Vodafone CEO
in state-owned assets in the North African country. Bloomberg Nick Read conceded the deal has been “slightly protracted” due to
reported the potential agreement could be signed by the end of this a need to get clearance from national and financial regulators, but
year. It’s not clear which other companies are also being targeted expressed confidence that the matter would be concluded soon.
by Qatar’s state sovereign wealth fund. In a statement to the stock Reports last month indicated Vodacom had gained approval from
exchange on Thursday (20 October), Telecom Egypt indicated it had the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority. However,
not received any official offer regarding a sale of shares in Vodafone the Financial Supervision Department of the Reserve Bank of
Egypt. Telecom Egypt owns 45 per cent of Vodafone Egypt, while South Africa apparently still needs to approve the deal.

Oman Awarded First IoT License

An Omani technology start-up, Artificial Recognition Technology solutions in Oman and regionally, our mission is to connect the
(ART), has been awarded the first ever license by the unconnected through our large-scale LoRaWAN Gateway network
Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) to provide IoT to cover all areas of Oman. This will enable the 4th Industrial
services, reports the Oman Observer. ART received its IoT Service Revolution to take hold in the Sultanate of Oman, thereby spawning
Provider concession under the recently enacted IoT Security the growth of smart cities through deployments of wider and
Regulation Framework and Standard 2022. ART’s MD Arfat al affordable networks that, in turn, will improve the quality of life of
Aghbari said: ‘While our vision is to optimize digital transformation individuals and the community.’

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