RWANDA EAST AFRICA

Tongyu Communication, a leading global provider of communication solutions, showcased a range of products and technologies tailored for the African region at MWC Kigali 2025.

These included the large-scale deployed MacroWiFi ultra-longrange wireless coverage system, satellite communication solutions and 5G-Advanced key technologies, underscoring the company’ s commitment to advancing Africa’ s Digital Transformation through localised innovation.

Africa’ s diverse terrain and dispersed population present coverage and cost challenges for traditional communication network deployment. In response, Tongyu developed MacroWiFi, a system that uses a high-gain dual-beam antenna array and a 180 ° wide-angle design, enabling ultra-long-distance transmission of 1.5 – 2.8 kilometres – up to 10 times the range of traditional WiFi. By networking multiple units, operators can connect several villages, farms or community settlements, significantly reducing deployment costs.

In real-world deployments, MacroWiFi has proven adaptable and cost-effective. It requires no complex cabling, supports rapid installation within one to two days and handles more than 200 concurrent user connections.

Leaders and technical experts from nine Eastern African countries have united to accelerate regional spectrum harmonisation, a key step toward achieving affordable, high-quality broadband connectivity and realising the vision of a Single Digital Market for Eastern Africa.

The Joint Spectrum Management and Knowledge Exchange Workshop, held in Kigali, Rwanda, brought together representatives from the East African Community( EAC), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development( IGAD), the GSM Association( GSMA) and the International Telecommunication Union( ITU), with support from the World Bank under the Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project( EARDIP).

Held under the theme‘ Strengthening Regional Harmonisation and Cross-Border Connectivity in Eastern Africa’, the workshop aimed to strengthen technical and policy capacity for co-ordinated spectrum management and regulatory convergence, unlocking opportunities for affordable connectivity, digital inclusion and investment predictability.

“ Spectrum is not merely a technical asset; it is the oxygen of Digital Transformation,” said Didier Nkurikiyimfura, Director of Emerging Technologies and AI, Smart Africa Secretariat.“ How we manage it will determine how fast Africa can connect its citizens, innovate and grow its digital economy.”

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