Technology

WEC Water takes on unsafe sanitation in South African schools

The WEC Water NEWgen set up at a South African school.

The compact and modular design of the NEWgenerator makes it easy to transport, install and commission on site. (Image source: WEC Water)

WEC Water, a leading mechanical and electrical EPC contractor, has supplied and installed 15 NEWgenerator off-grid sanitation systems in a number of Eastern Cape schools

The contractor undertook this work in light of the undignified and unsafe sanitation that posed a major problem to some schools in Eastern Cape. According to Ntwanano Mandlazi, project engineer at WEC Water, many had previously relied on unsafe and unhygienic pit latrines while being located in areas where water is scarce and electricity is unreliable.

Safe and efficient water treatment

In order to meet such challenges, WEC Water proposed the NEWgenerator that treats blackwater from toilets and basin water through biological, physical and chemical processes to a quality suitable for reuse as flushing water in a virtually closed loop system.

According to the company, each NEWgenerator is built into a 6 m refurbished shipping container and consists of an anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR), membrane filtration, a nutrient capture system (NCS) and disinfection. The systems also allow for remote monitoring by the WEC Water team and each unit is powered by 10 solar panels.

Each NEWgenerator is reportedly capable of treating 1,250 l of wastewater per day and nutrients can be recovered from the NCS for conversion into fertiliser. Further, the biogas which can be produced from the treatment process can be captured for cooking.

An impact in South Africa

The systems have now been deployed to 15 schools in the region.

“Once the WEC team has built, installed and commissioned the units, we also have a five-year operations and maintenance contract,” Mandlazi surmised. “This highlights our dedication to supporting these schools with the ongoing operation and upkeep of these units. We are particularly proud of our association with the NEWgenerator technology as it enables Africa to overcome the major challenges of access to safe flushing water and sanitation, ultimately restoring a greater sense of dignity to its people. The technology not only benefits schools but also informal settlements, and small businesses.”

GSMA and Hayo to drive connectivity across Africa

A digital infographic with two real hands touching fingers.

The GSMA unifies the mobile ecosystem to drive innovation that promotes positive business environments and societal change. (Image source: Hayo)

The GSMA, a global member-led organisation representing the mobile industry, has welcomed Hayo to its community

Bringing more than three decades of experience delivering communications services and digital solutions to Africa, the Middle East and around the world, Hayo has an overarching mission of closing the digital gap in Africa. It aims to do this by bringing technology and digital solutions to underserved rural areas, as well as urban developments.

As such, its voice will be a welcome addition to the GSMA. Already the organisation comprises nearly 700 mobile network operators and more than 450 companies ranging from technology providers to enterprises from vertical industries. As a new addition to these ranks, Hayo and GSMA community experts will work together to solve industry challenges and accelerate innovation to positively impact the future of mobile technology.

“Joining the GSMA is a key milestone for Hayo and represents a very exciting opportunity to accelerate digital transformation across the mobile ecosystem on a global scale,” remarked Feraz Ahmed, CEO at Hayo. “We have a wealth of experience not only in telecoms, but also digital solutions, to deliver on-the-ground innovation that has a positive impact on local people’s lives. We’re looking forward to connecting with other GSMA members to collaborate and maximise the potential of new, existing and emerging technologies for businesses and consumers alike.”

“We are pleased to welcome Hayo as an industry member and look forward to their valuable insights and collaboration on GSMA initiatives that help shape the mobile ecosystem,” said Colin Bareham, general manager, membership, GSMA. "Our members represent a truly diverse group of organisations, including many different vertical industries, and together, we have the power to transform businesses and societies around the world.”

Partners to accelerate adoption of digital solutions across Egypt and Africa

Key stakeholders from both organisations posing for a picture after signing the agreement.

The signing ceremony took place during the 28th Cairo ICT Exhibition and Conference. (Image source: Cassava)

At the 28th Cairo ICT Exhibition and Conference, eFinance Investment Group and Cassava Technologies signed an agreement to identify opportunities for collaboration and expansion across Africa

Cassava boasts an extensive portfolio stretching from fibre broadband networks, satellite communications, data centres, renewable solutions, financial technology, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, as well as cloud and cybersecurity services.

eFinance, as a developer of digital payments infrastructure, has penetrated all corners of Egypt’s digital market and has established a portfolio of subsidiaries that has enabled its growth across multiple markets, supporting the country’s digital economy.

The new collaboration will initially target the Egyptian market and will leverage both parties’ respective strengths. Cassava will bring to the table its extensive African footprint, infrastructure and experience, while eFinance will utilise its market presence and reputation as a leader in Egypt’s digital transformation.

“eFinance has a track record of success in driving digital transformation in Egypt which is truly commendable,” said Hardy Pemhiwa, president & group CEO of Cassava Technologies. “This collaboration between Cassava Technologies and eFinance Group will accelerate the adoption of digital solutions in Egypt and the MENA region. eFinance’s experience across key sectors in Egypt make them an ideal partner for us as we expand our presence in Egypt and the region. This partnership further enhances our ability to deliver on our vision of a digitally connected future that leaves no African behind.”

These sentiments were also echoed by Ibrahim Sarhan, chairman and CEO of eFinance, who expressed his pride at partnering with Cassava. He added that the collaboration represents a significant milestone in offering a unique range of joint services across the African continent, with a particular focus on the Egyptian market.

Ubiquity reveals customer experience centre in Accra

The new building of Ubiquity against the Accra skyline

The investment underscores Ubiquity’s commitment to providing diverse offshore solutions for its clients. (Image source: Ubiquity)

Ubiquity, a leading global provider of customer experience, risk and compliance, and digital solutions, has opened a customer experience centre in Accra, Ghana

The facility is aimed at providing multilingual customer support solutions to global clients, primarily serving businesses in the financial services, healthcare, insurance and e-commerce sectors.

Located just minutes from Kotoka International Airport, it offers convenient access for international clients and is expected to unlock more than 500 professional employment opportunities for surrounding communities as per a company commitment.

“The decision to expand our global footprint into Africa comes with immense pride and excitement,” remarked Ubiquity co-founder & president, Sagar Rajgopal. “We are grateful to be a part of the thriving, cosmopolitan city of Accra which is virtually time zone neutral for the UK and EU. We are confident that its highly educated workforce, compassionate people, and favourable business environment can help us provide the best customer support and exceptional value for our partners and their customers.”

“Establishing a strong presence in Africa felt like a natural next step to support our clients with diverse offshore solutions, conducive time zone options and top talent access in a country like Ghana with such a booming economic climate,” Rajgopal added.

“This expansion allows us to enhance our service offerings and deliver even greater value to our clients while contributing to the local economy. We appreciate the warm welcome from the local community and look forward to welcoming many of its residents to our team as we continue to grow our presence here and across the region.”

A "digital lifeline" for Africa

The Paratus Group has made significant investments in its extensive and diverse fiber network. (Image source: Paratus)

Paratus Group, a pan-African telco, has announced the completion of its East-West Africa fibre route which offers a fast link to anywhere in the world to users from the southern African region

Representing the first coast-to-coast terrestrial route using Paratus built fibre infrastructure, it stretches from Maputo, through Johannesburg, across Botswana and Namibia, and to the West coast at the Cable Landing Station in Swakopmund.

According to Paratus, it offers an alternative terrestrial route and the current demand for this has been expedited by the recent network outages. CEO Schalk Erasmus explained, “This sea-change in imperatives has arisen due to breakages in certain subsea cable systems. Operators need a more reliable route and, with, our new East-West route, by connecting to the Equiano subsea cable, we can assure customers a fast and robust alternative. Our East-West fibre route isn't just a line on a map — it's Africa's digital lifeline.”

Paratus group chief commercial officer, Martin Cox, added, “As a steadfast partner with pan-African expertise, we offer unequalled wholesale capacity solutions for network operators. Because we understand the unique connectivity needs of the various regions, we have tailored our solutions to specific requirements, and we offer carriers and operators not only a diverse East-West route but also onward transmission to Europe.

“Recent undersea cable cuts have shown the importance of robust alternatives and why we've built redundancy into every kilometre, ensuring southern Africa stays connected, no matter what. This isn't just about backup – it's about uninterrupted operations and seamless communications. With Paratus, you're partnering with innovators who are weaving resilience into Africa's digital landscape.”