NEC XON powers Africa’s Super Wi-Fi leap

NEC XON, a leading African ICT solutions integrator and subsidiary of Japan’s NEC Corporation, has introduced Super Wi-Fi, an advanced long-range wireless technology built specifically for industrial and large-scale outdoor applications

Across Africa, industries continue to struggle with Wi-Fi connectivity gaps. From expansive mining operations and ports to major construction sites and remote energy facilities, many of these locations extend far beyond the reach of fibre or LTE networks.

Traditional meshed Wi-Fi systems often prove too expensive and inefficient to cover vast industrial areas, while latency issues hinder real-time machine operation and monitoring. Super Wi-Fi addresses these issues by providing coverage up to ten times greater than conventional Wi-Fi, ensuring robust, low-latency connectivity even in complex, remote environments.

Solving traditional connectivity barriers

“Many heavy industrial NEC XON customers struggle with traditional Wi-Fi due to range, latency, and interference,” explained Willem Wentzel, senior architect at NEC XON. “Now we can offer them Super Wi-Fi, which overcomes those barriers. It’s built with intelligent antenna technology and advanced radio algorithms that mitigate noise and extend coverage, delivering high throughput and low latency. In ideal circumstances this extends across multiple kilometres but for more real-world environments we find the effective range is 900m to 1.3km.”

Unlike LTE, which requires costly licensed spectrum and agreements with mobile operators, Super Wi-Fi operates in unlicensed bands, making it faster to deploy and more cost-effective for private industrial use.

“Each base station can cover hundreds of metres to several kilometres, connecting customer premises equipment (CPE) units across mining pits, port terminals, or remote field offices,” added Bernadette George, NEC XON presales: 4G, 5G and oRAN Ecosystem Connect and Access.

The technology also features 8×8 MIMO smart antennas, dual-band operation across 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and lower 6 GHz, and rugged IP67-rated enclosures, with explosion-proof variants available for oil and gas environments. Through centralised cloud management, Super Wi-Fi supports configuration, analytics, and proactive maintenance, integrating seamlessly with critical services such as CCTV, cybersecurity, and analytics to provide a unified view of site operations and safety.

Proven global deployments

Super Wi-Fi has already demonstrated its potential globally. In Senegal, the technology reduced required access sites by 90% in a citywide deployment, earning the “Connecting West Africa” award. It has also proven successful across industrial terminals in Malaysia and large warehouses in Mexico and India.

According to Wentzel, simplicity and scalability are key advantages. “It’s easy to install, requires far fewer access points than traditional networks, and integrates cleanly into existing infrastructure. The result is lower total cost of ownership and better operational continuity, especially in sectors where downtime isn’t an option.”

Now rolling out across African industries, from mining and ports to utilities, construction, and banking, Super Wi-Fi is set to redefine connectivity for industrial operations. As Wentzel concluded, “Super Wi-Fi is not just about better connectivity. It’s about enabling safer, more efficient, and more intelligent operations across Africa’s most challenging environments.”

Strengthening cooling solutions across Southern Africa

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Mitsubishi Electric Hydronics & IT Cooling Systems S.p.A. (MEHITS), headquartered in Bassano, Italy, has acquired a stake in Intramech Pty Ltd., a South African company specialising in sales and services for applied HVAC and IT cooling systems

By strengthening its partnership with Intramech, known for its strong sales, service, and engineering expertise in southern Africa, Mitsubishi Electric aims to expand both companies’ technical capabilities while enhancing its one-stop service offerings for applied HVAC and IT cooling systems.

Through the integration of Mitsubishi Electric’s product portfolio with Intramech’s local know-how, the two companies will complement each other in maintenance, equipment engineering, and system integration. Together, they will provide end-to-end services, including design-related technical support, sales, installation, operation, and maintenance, across southern Africa.

The collaboration comes at a time when data centre construction is surging globally, including across Africa, driving increased demand for IT cooling. Data centre operators are also seeking more comprehensive services covering installation, operation, and maintenance of cooling equipment.

According to Mitsubishi Electric, “The new partnerships will allow Mitsubishi Electric to strengthen its presence in southern Africa to deliver more comprehensive customer support and better meet the demand for applied HVAC and IT cooling system solutions, which is forecast to grow significantly in the regional market.”

MultiChoice strengthens Africa’s digital ecosystem, protecting creative content and customer data through advanced cybersecurity solutions

Cybersecurity has evolved from a technical necessity to a core pillar of trust, business continuity, and safe digital experiences

For MultiChoice, Africa’s leading video entertainment company, protecting both customer data and the creative works at the heart of its business is a top priority. In an increasingly connected environment, threats such as phishing, ransomware, and piracy continually evolve, posing risks not only to corporate systems but also to the creative content that drives Africa’s entertainment economy.

To address these challenges, MultiChoice invests heavily in advanced cybersecurity systems, global best practices, and strategic partnerships. The company’s dedicated cybersecurity and information security teams monitor digital threats around the clock, ensuring data integrity and maintaining a secure environment for millions of customers across the continent. These efforts demonstrate that cybersecurity is not just about defending networks; it is also about protecting intellectual property and the creative output that fuels Africa’s storytelling industry.

A major area of focus for MultiChoice is combating piracy, one of the most persistent threats to the sustainability of local content. Piracy undermines creators, producers, and investors by depriving them of rightful earnings. To tackle this, MultiChoice has partnered with global leader Irdeto, a specialist in digital platform cybersecurity. Together, they have developed cutting-edge anti-piracy technologies capable of detecting, disrupting, and removing illegal content distribution networks in real time.

Beyond technology, MultiChoice collaborates closely with law enforcement to bring perpetrators to justice. Several operations have successfully dismantled piracy syndicates, leading to arrests and reinforcing the company’s commitment to defending Africa’s creative economy. Through these measures, MultiChoice is setting a benchmark for content protection across the continent, safeguarding intellectual property while supporting the growth of local creative industries.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month serves as a timely reminder that protecting digital assets, whether personal data or creative content, is a shared responsibility. MultiChoice continues to champion this mission by fostering a culture of awareness, innovation, and collaboration. By integrating advanced cybersecurity technologies, partnering with global experts, and actively supporting law enforcement efforts, the company ensures that African creativity is both respected and secure.

MultiChoice’s ongoing initiatives, from monitoring threats to combating piracy, reflect a broader mission: “to create a secure, trusted, and sustainable digital ecosystem where African creativity can thrive.” In doing so, the company not only protects its platforms and customers but also empowers the continent’s creative industry, ensuring that local storytellers, producers, and innovators can flourish in a safe and resilient digital environment.

The Octopi Distribution team celebrates. (Image source: Octopi)

Octopi Distribution has been named a dedicated HP Managed Print Solutions (MPS) distributor for the South African market and the wider sub-region

The company secured Tier 1 distribution rights for HP’s A3 and A4 managed print solutions across southern Africa, which it called a ‘major milestone’ in a media statement.

“Octopi Distribution is fully aligned with HP’s strategic objectives and market vision, ensuring seamless execution and maximum value for our clients,” said Safera Ibrahim, general manager, Octopi Distribution.

“By combining deep specialist expertise with an unwavering commitment to excellence, we deliver unmatched service and innovative Managed Print Solutions, reinforcing our status as a leading, strategic distributor and trusted partner in driving the future of HP Managed Print.”

The strategic partnership with HP positions Octopi Distribution as a leading distributor and service provider of specialised managed print solutions, supporting a select group of Tier 2 channel partners and resellers across the region with innovative, reliable, and customer-focused printing solutions and services, the Octopi statement noted.

Octopi Distribution, part of the Octopi Group, was formed to address the evolving needs of businesses seeking comprehensive, enterprise-grade print solutions.

The company's in-house HP Print Service Centre in Midrand, South Africa, provides fast support with strict quality control, ensuring minimal machine downtime, consistent service standards, and increased confidence for resellers and end-users.

In order to guarantee nationwide distribution and reach across South Africa and the larger southern Africa region, Octopi Distribution is supported by a number of key logistics partners.

“Octopi Distribution’s partners stand to gain significantly from the group’s comprehensive offerings, including asset and rental finance solutions, as well as the collective expertise in imports, logistics, supply chain services, sales and marketing, enabling efficient scaling, informed decision-making, and accelerated execution,” said Benno Spitholt, CEO of the Octopi Group.

“Furthermore, our established infrastructure allows us to support larger projects and rollouts with ease.”

The company’s sustainability commitments also align with HP’s global environmental goals, which includes responsible disposal and recycling programmes.

“HP Southern Africa is pleased to welcome Octopi Distribution as our new Tier 1 partner,” said Yesh Surjoodeen, managing director at HP Southern Africa.

“We are confident that they will play a pivotal role in expanding our A3 and A4 managed print services across the country and into Africa. Octopi Distribution’s deep industry knowledge, agile nature and customer centricity align perfectly with our ambition of delivering best-in-class managed print services.”

Read more:

Partnership fuels next-generation data centres

Are manufacturing cyberattacks increasing globally in 2025

Airtel breaks ground on new data centre