Akkam,
Victoria from Techpoint here,
Here’s what I’ve got for you today:
- Ghana to reduce the cost of mobile data
- From selling video games to building Trove Finance
- MTN South Sudan gets a licence to operate for 15 years
Ghana to reduce the cost of mobile data
Ghana’s government is taking steps to bring down the cost of mobile data. Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George has set up a 23-member committee made up of folks from different sectors, think Communications, Energy, Finance, the National Communications Authority (NCA), and even the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).
Their mission? Come up with a solid plan to slash data prices and make Internet access more aff0rdable for the average Ghanaian. They’ve got just 14 working days to wrap up their report.
Minister George isn’t sugar-coating things. He’s made it clear that this move is about putting people first, not protecting the interests of telecom giants. While acknowledging that telcos are businesses, he said his loyalty lies with Ghanaians and that current prices need serious rethinking. The committee won’t be looking to defend existing prices but will instead explore how to either cut costs or boost data bundles without hiking rates.
One surprising but essential player in the conversation? The energy sector. Turns out, electricity acc0unts for up to 80% of mobile network operators’ running costs. Combine that with Ghana’s shaky cedi-dollar exchange rate and low competition in the telecom space, and you’ve got a perfect storm for high data charges. The committee plans to address all these angles as they search for lasting solutions.
Industry insiders are on board. Ken Ashigbey, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, welcomed the initiative and recognised that the issue is complex. He promised that telcos will cooperate with the committee. Students also have a voice at the table. Daniel Oppong Kyeremeh, president of the National Union of Ghana Students, said he’s glad to see students included, noting how high data costs are a real challenge for online classes and academic research.
All in all, this committee could be the push Ghana needs to finally make Internet access more aff0rdable and fair. With collaboration across government, industry, and civil society, there’s hope that by the end of the year, Ghanaians will see some relief from the digital squeeze.
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From selling video games to building Trove Finance
Oluwatomi Solanke doesn’t just wear the “serial entrepreneur” badge; he’s lived it. But even with three companies and over a million dollars in funding under his belt, he’s not quick to claim the title. According to him, people throw that word around too easily. Still, it’s hard to argue when you look at his track record.
His hustle started early. In his first year at the University of Lagos, Tomi sold everything from insurance to video games. Well, he was just looking for money. It was the same back in secondary school, where he was that go-to guy for buying anything. That hunger to solve problems — and make money — would shape his journey into tech.
His first startup, WhoSpottedMe, was inspired by a heartbreaking problem: people getting into accidents or surviving attacks but having no way for loved ones to find them. He tried to solve it with facial recognition tech, pulling data from social media, news platforms, and public submissions. It was powerful, but expensive and hard to scale. After 18 months, he shut it down, calling it “a problem that was important but too early.”
Next came DropBuddies, a logistics startup that began as CreditMe, a platform for paying bills and buying airtime. It got funding from Don Jazzy and made it into the Tony Elumelu Foundation programme. But logistics in Nigeria isn’t for the faint-hearted. From unclear addresses to service issues and business model confusion, the startup struggled even after buying delivery bikes. Eventually, they sold off most of them.
In between, he co-founded other ventures, including a media tech company that got acquired. But Trove Finance, launched in 2018, would be the one to truly shake things up. The idea came after Tomi tried to buy US stocks and couldn’t just because he was in Nigeria. A conversation with his friend Austin Akagu, who faced a similar issue from the US, sparked the idea: what if Nigerians could access global investment opportunities from their phones?
That’s how Trove was born, one of the first platforms allowing Nigerians to invest in global stocks and local bonds with ease. Want to know how it all played out? For the full backstory, check out Chimgozirim’s story.
MTN South Sudan secures licence to operate for 15 years
MTN South Sudan is now officially licensed to operate in the country for the next 15 years. The telco previously operated under a Sudanese licence, so the new agreement with South Sudan’s National Communication Authority (NCA) aligns it with local laws. It also comes with a few promises, including improved service, expanded coverage, and a push for more innovation.
MTN is the dominant player in South Sudan’s telecom market, with 3.3 million subscribers by the end of 2024. With a population of more than 12 million, there is still plenty of room for growth.
At the signing ceremony in Juba, MTN South Sudan’s CEO, Ali Monzer, stated that the goal is to provide network coverage to 90% of the population within ten years.
That is a lofty goal, but South Sudan faces real challenges: connectivity is expensive, and a large portion of the population cannot afford broadband. On top of that, the country’s still finding its political footing and dealing with major infrastructure gaps, which makes rolling out large-scale projects a tough job.
Still, there’s some light at the end of the tunnel. The government plans to roll out its first-ever fibre optic network this year. And there’s even some international interest brewing: Qatar-based investment firm Future Union has shown interest in South Sudan’s telecom sector. Nothing concrete yet, but it could be a sign of more growth on the horizon.
In case you missed them
- Ifunanya Anamelechi, Zone’s VP of Legal, to teach business leaders how to win with regulation at Lagos Startup Expo 2.0
- South Africa’s Competition Tribunal rejects MultiChoice appeal, clearing way for SABC merger review
What I’m watching
- Body Language Expert Explains Why People Dislike You
- How Does Our Trauma Affect Our Sexy Kinks
Opportunities
- Want to exhibit or attend the Lagos Startup Expo in June? Visit this website here.
- Uber has opened applications for its 2025 Account Management internships. Apply here.
- Carry1st is looking for a Community Program Manager, North Africa. Apply here.
- Want to connect with professionals in tech sales and partnerships to exchange ideas and explore how revenue growth can scale Africa’s tech ecosystem? Join Tech Sales Connect 2025 on April 19th at Gomycode, Lagos. Register here.
- Jumia is hiring a Logistics Operations Manager. Apply here.
- Airtel Africa is looking for a Home BroadBand Manager. Apply here.
- Coca Cola is hiring a Senior Director, Human Insights Africa. Apply here.
- Kuda is hiring IS-Administrator. Apply here.
- OPEC is recruiting a Production Manager in Abuja. Apply here.
- Want to connect with professionals in tech sales and partnerships to exchange ideas and explore how revenue growth can scale Africa’s tech ecosystem? Join Tech Sales Connect 2025 on April 19th at Gomycode, Lagos. Register here.
- Building a startup can feel isolating, but with Equity Merchants CommunityConnect, you can network with fellow founders, experts, and investors, gaining valuable insights and exclusive resources to help you grow your business. Click here to join.
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Have a lovely Tuesday!
Victoria Fakiya for Techpoint Africa.
