NEWS
MediaTek to collaborate with telecom service providers to drive 5G adoption in Kenya
MediaTek , the world ’ s fabless semiconductor company powering nearly 2 billion connected devices a year ,
reiterated its commitment to work with telecom operators and OEMs in Kenya and the rest of East Africa to drive the adoption of 5G and help narrow the digital divide in the region . These initiatives were highlighted at Kenya ’ s first MediaTek Technology Diaries , hosted earlier this month .
The MediaTek Technology Diaries is an interactive , informative series aimed at demystifying the newest technologies transforming our daily lives . The series is in tune with MediaTek ’ s philosophy of making great technology available to help consumers connect seamlessly with the things that shape our daily lives by enhancing , enriching , and making us smarter and healthier .
MediaTek powers some of the biggest brands in the world and is committed to delivering cutting-edge innovation with its latest products and solutions across smartphones , smart devices , automotive , satellite connectivity solutions and next-gen wearables among others . MediaTek aims to improve 5G adoption in East Africa as a strategic priority for the upcoming year .
“ With fixed-line broadband penetration at only 2 % across Africa , 5G mobile and Fixed Wireless Access , has a key role to play in bringing the benefits of high-speed internet connectivity to more people ,” said Rami Osman , Director for Business Development , MediaTek Middle East and Africa .
Broadband demands are expected to continue rising in the Sub-Saharan region with the advent of augmented reality and virtual reality applications . This calls for closer collaboration among different players to improve the broadband infrastructure and help unlock the full 5G potential .
The MediaTek T750 and MediaTek T830 , enable operators to create dedicated 5G FWA consumer premises equipment , CPE . These full-featured systems-on-chip , let OEMs and operators build extremely highperformance multi-gigabit CPE products .
Tanzania , Uganda , South Sudan adopt diversified energy expansion plan
Boasting an abundance of renewable resources , East Africa has garnered substantial attention from major international players within its clean energy market . Robust policies and declining costs of technology in the sector , coupled with regional market and infrastructure reforms , are poised to accelerate the deployment of clean energy projects .
With a low electrification rate , South Sudan is a prime candidate for accelerated investment in decentralised energy solutions to increase rural energy access and stimulate industrial development . The country features opportunities for regional and international partners to support the development of solar mini-grids , an achievable and scalable energy solution for South Sudan ’ s rapidly growing population , which remains heavily reliant on diesel-powered generators for electricity .
As one of Africa ’ s largest oil producers , the country is also seeking an influx of capital and technology to expand its upstream sector . Last September , South Sudan finalised a three-billion-dollar deal with US oil company , Caltech Investment , to invest in and grow its petroleum industry and associated infrastructure .
Having set a goal to increase its share of renewable energy to 50 % by 2025 , Tanzania has implemented a series of programmes to support the development of solar , geothermal and hydropower projects , aiming to add 600 MW of hydropower and 400 MW of geothermal power capacity to the grid by 2025 .
The Africa Renewable Energy Fund , a private equity fund focused on the development of clean energy projects across sub-Saharan Africa , has invested in multiple renewable projects in the country , including a 10 MW solar plant in Singida .
Uganda ’ s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development released its Energy Transition Plan that focuses on raising energy access rates and requires eight billion in annual clean energy investments by the end of the decade . During this year ’ s COP28 summit , the Private Infrastructure Development Group committed $ 19 million towards the construction of a 20 MW solar PV project .
10 INTELLIGENTCIO AFRICA www . intelligentcio . com