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Totogi has been selected by an Africa-based MVNE to run 30 mobile brands and nearly one million subscribers on a single cloud-native charging platform

Energy

Totogi Today has revealed that an Africa-based mobile virtual network enabler (MVNE), supporting around one million subscribers across 30 mobile brands, has chosen Totogi Charging-as-a-Service to manage its entire multi-brand operation on a single cloud-native charging platform

The MVNE oversees a broad mix of prepaid, eSIM, broadband, and value-added mobile services for both consumer and enterprise offerings, all delivered through a unified infrastructure. By adopting Totogi’s pay-as-you-grow, price-per-transaction model, the operator aims to maintain tighter cost control, enable flexible scaling, and simplify the management of multiple brands through one multi-tenant charging environment.

Totogi’s multi-tenant platform introduces a new operating model for the MVNE. Each MVNO brand operates within its own dedicated tenant, with full autonomy to create tariffs, set pricing, and launch promotions, without relying on the MVNE for routine changes. This approach allows brand teams to move faster, while the MVNE retains overarching visibility and governance across the platform. The self-service capability removes much of the operational friction typically associated with supporting multiple MVNOs.

“Running multiple brands on one charging platform is the kind of operational complexity that would paralyse a legacy charging deployment,” said Danielle Rios, CEO of Totogi. “With Charging-as-a-Service on AWS, this MVNE gets elastic scale, instant pricing changes, and the ability to spin up new MVNOs, each with its own separate tenant, without spinning up new infrastructure. Each MVNO controls its own offers; the MVNE manages the platform. This is what modern charging looks like: one platform, 30 brands, a million subscribers, zero change requests.”

The deployment is currently in progress, with full implementation expected to be completed in early 2026.

The African Development Bank is helping improve transport connectivity in Somalia. (Image source: AfDB)

Construction

The African Development Bank Group’s Board of Directors has approved an additional US$76.37mn to support Somalia’s Road Infrastructure Programme, which forms part of the wider Horn of Africa corridor initiative connecting Somalia with Djibouti and Ethiopia

The supplementary financing includes US$49.16mn from the African Development Fund, the Bank Group’s concessional financing arm, alongside US$27.21mn from the Transition Support Facility, which is dedicated to assisting countries affected by fragility and conflict.

This Programme is focused on enhancing transport links within Somalia and improving connectivity with neighbouring countries across the Horn of Africa. By strengthening road networks, the initiative seeks to boost cross-border trade, promote regional integration and contribute to greater stability in the region.

According to Mike Salawou, Director of Infrastructure and Urban Development at the Bank Group, the need for additional funding reflects the project’s expanded ambitions. “The Programme has evolved from minimal interventions to full road upgrades, enabled by improved designs and the integration of new components, including bridges, additional road sections, and trade facilitation measures, social infrastructure to maximise the benefit for the local community,” he said.

The funding will be used to upgrade two priority road corridors. These include a 15 km section linking Zeila to Asha Addo in Somaliland, as well as a 22 km stretch between Beled Weyne and Kalabeyr in Hirshabelle State.

Beyond road construction, the Programme incorporates community-focused development and resilience measures. Planned activities include improving access to essential services through the development of boreholes, refurbishing classrooms for use as skills training centres, building markets and storage facilities, and rehabilitating health centres.

To further stimulate economic growth, the initiative will also support cross-border trade by strengthening assistance for small traders and enhancing customs and trade management capacity. Measures include introducing a simplified trade regime between Somalia and Ethiopia for small-scale traders and expanding Somalia’s automated customs system to improve efficiency and modernise procedures.

Meta Global Vision expands Africa Turbo to streamline automotive and industrial parts supply for mining operators. (Image source: Meta Global Vision Holdings LLC)

Mining

Meta Global Vision Holdings LLC has reported ongoing development and expansion of Africa Turbo, its automotive and industrial parts platform designed to support mining companies, fleet operators, and automotive repair businesses across African markets

Africa Turbo focuses on the supply of automotive components, heavy-duty engine parts, and tyres, targeting organisations that depend on reliable access to equipment parts to sustain day-to-day operations. The platform is structured to consolidate sourcing from international suppliers, providing customers with a single access point to a broad range of components used across industrial and mobility applications.

The company highlighted that mining operators and repair facilities in many African markets continue to contend with fragmented supply chains, uneven product availability, and lengthy procurement cycles. Africa Turbo was developed to help mitigate these challenges by coordinating supplier engagement and logistics through a centralised platform.

According to Meta Global Vision Holdings LLC, Africa Turbo collaborates with established suppliers to support consistent quality standards and dependable supply for industrial customers operating under varied regional and environmental conditions. The platform is intended to serve both large-scale industrial operations and independent repair workshops seeking predictable access to parts.

“Africa Turbo was developed to respond to recurring supply challenges faced by industrial and automotive operators across the continent,” said Wendtoin Arsene Tonde, Marketing Director at Meta Global Vision Holdings LLC. “The platform focuses on improving access and coordination rather than introducing new consumer-facing products.”

Meta Global Vision Holdings LLC added that Africa Turbo forms part of its wider portfolio of infrastructure-focused platforms. The company continues to assess regional demand and potential operational partnerships as the platform evolves.

Further announcements on platform features and regional reach are expected as Africa Turbo continues to expand its operations.

Botswana railway modernisation project

Logistics

RITES Ltd. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of the Republic of Botswana, through its Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, to support the development and upgrading of the country’s transport infrastructure

The agreement is focused on advancing Botswana’s railway and broader transport networks by leveraging advanced technologies, international best practices, and targeted capacity-building programmes. The collaboration is intended to strengthen local expertise while improving operational efficiency, safety, and reliability across the transport sector.

Under the MoU, Botswana will utilise RITES Limited’s technical and consultancy expertise to support the development and modernisation of its railway systems. RITES’ role will include assistance with the supply of rolling stock, commissioning services, repair and maintenance support, operational advisory services, and the modernisation of railway workshops.

Beyond railways, the partnership also extends to a wide range of transport infrastructure projects, including highways, bridges, airports, and buildings, supporting Botswana’s long-term infrastructure development goals.

In addition, RITES will deliver capacity-building initiatives and technical training programmes, promote structured knowledge exchange, and provide quality assurance services such as third-party inspections, pre-shipment inspections, and final acceptance testing. The collaboration also includes the deployment of advanced digital solutions, including integrated train operations systems and passenger management platforms.

Afreximbank, Heirs Energies secure US$750m financing deal. (Image source: Afreximbank)

Finance

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and Heirs Energies Limited have unveiled a US$750mn financing arrangement aimed at strengthening Heirs Energies’ capital structure and releasing liquidity to meet its working capital needs as it advances an extensive field development programme

The funding is expected to play a key role in boosting Nigeria’s domestic energy supply at a time of rising demand.

The agreement was signed in Abuja by Dr George Elombi, president and chairman of the board of directors of Afreximbank, and Tony O Elumelu CFR, chairman of Heirs Energies Limited. Structured as a dual-tranche, senior secured reserve-based lending facility, the financing is intended to support Heirs Energies’ next phase of expansion as the company seeks to increase and sustain oil and gas production.

Under the transaction, Afreximbank served as Mandated Lead Arranger, Facility Agent, and Security Agent. The deal is viewed as a significant step in the strategic relationship between Afreximbank and Heirs Energies, reflecting deeper collaboration between the two organisations.

Speaking after the signing, Dr Elombi described the partnership as evidence of Afreximbank’s focus on value creation and backing African entrepreneurs.

“Without investments, such as the one being provided to Heirs Energies, many fossil fuel-dependent African economies would face dire economic challenges,” said Dr Elombi. “Our aim, among others, is to empower the African entrepreneur. Our core strength is in the value of the partnerships we continue to forge.”

He also acknowledged Mr. Elumelu’s continued support for Afreximbank, noting that such collaborations have helped position the institution as a key driver of Africa’s economic transformation and broader development objectives.

Dr Elombi reiterated Afreximbank’s commitment to advancing the African Energy Bank initiative, stating, “we should get to higher strides and get the Energy Bank so we can move most of the energy portfolio there. We will put tremendous capital in it to be as bold and as innovative as Afreximbank”.

He further indicated that Afreximbank is open to working with Heirs Holdings and its affiliated businesses as they expand into other West African markets, including Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, as well as across the wider continent. “Our aim is to spread and support the domination of the African brand across Africa.”

Tony O Elumelu, CFR, chairman of Heirs Energies Limited, said, “This transaction is a powerful affirmation of what African enterprise can achieve when backed by disciplined execution and long-term African capital. It reflects the successful journey Heirs Energies has taken – from turnaround to growth – and reinforces our belief in African capital working for African businesses. This is Africa financing Africa’s future.”

Heirs Energies occupies a central position in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, where crude oil continues to hold major national and international significance.

The relationship between Afreximbank and Heirs Energies dates back to 2021, when the company, then operating as Heirs Oil and Gas, completed the acquisition of a 45% participating interest in the OML 17 Joint Venture. The US$1.1bn transaction was financed by a consortium of international and local banks led by Afreximbank and represented one of the largest indigenous energy acquisitions in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Afreximbank contributed up to US$250mn to that financing, highlighting its commitment to developing Africa’s energy sector and supporting intra-African trade and African-owned businesses.

Following the acquisition, crude oil output increased from around 25,000 barrels per day to an average of 50,000 barrels per day, alongside growth in associated and non-associated gas production. Heirs Energies also achieved first gas from the Agbada Non-Associated Gas Plant on 21 November 2021, only months after assuming control of an asset that had remained under construction for more than a decade under the previous operator.

Today, Heirs Energies is the leading gas supplier within the Eastern Domestic Network and provides gas to three major power plants, together accounting for roughly 15% of Nigeria’s installed electricity generation capacity.

the partnership aims to accelerate the transformation of West Africa’s manufacturing landscape. (Image source: RusselSmith)

Manufacturing

Caracol, a global leader in robotic large-format additive manufacturing, and RusselSmith, an ISO-certified provider of innovative asset integrity and advanced manufacturing solutions for critical industries in Africa, have announced a Strategic Partnership to deploy, develop, and commercialise Caracol’s Vipra AM platforms – its robotic Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) technology – in West Africa

This collaboration aims to establish a world-class advanced manufacturing hub in the region, supporting the growth of local industrial capabilities and enabling the adoption of innovative and sustainable production solutions.

Under the exclusive partnership, Caracol and RusselSmith will:

  • Deploy Caracol’s robotic large-format Vipra AM technology across key West African markets.

  • Develop local expertise and capacity in advanced manufacturing.

  • Support commercialisation opportunities across diverse industrial sectors.

  • Advance regional industrialisation by providing innovative, scalable, and sustainable manufacturing solutions.

By combining Caracol’s global leadership in robotic WAAM technology with RusselSmith’s regional presence and industry expertise, the partnership aims to accelerate the transformation of West Africa’s manufacturing landscape, enhancing its role as a hub for innovation, efficiency, and industrial growth.

Riccardo Nicastro, global chief commercial officer and managing director of Middle East and Africa for Caracol, said, "The partnership between RusselSmith and Caracol is a testament of commitment towards Africa and its technology and manufacturing independence, agnostically from industries, together we are pursuing the creation of value for the whole Continent."

This initiative marks the start of a long-term collaboration that will bring two Caracol Vipra AM advanced technology platforms to the region, while also fostering talent development, promoting sustainability, and creating new economic opportunities.

Kayode Adeleke, CEO of RusselSmith, stated, "Our exclusive partnership with Caracol represents another bold stride in shaping the future of advanced manufacturing in West Africa. By introducing robotic WAAM technology through Caracol’s Vipra AM platform, we are unlocking new possibilities for industrialisation across the region. This collaboration allows us to build local expertise, accelerate the development of scalable manufacturing solutions, and create opportunities that strengthen Africa’s ability to compete globally. Together with Caracol, we are laying the foundation for a world-class hub that drives innovation, nurtures talent, and delivers sustainable growth for the industries we serve."