Kenya 

CA Tasked to Explain Delay in Implementing Cheaper Call Rates

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has asked the Senate Standing Committee on Information, Communication, and Technology to explain why the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has not implemented lower Mobile Termination Rates, despite expert advice recommending a major reduction.

On 19 November, the Senator clarified that the Mobile Termination Rates (MTR) are the main factor influencing the cost of voice calls across networks, and that lowering them would make communication services more affordable and accessible for all Kenyans.

(Source: Citizen Digital)

 

 

Tanzania 

Brussels Airlines to Start Direct Flights to Kilimanjaro

Tanzania’s tourism and aviation sectors have received another significant boost after Brussels Airlines announced it will introduce direct flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) starting June 3, 2026, adding to a series of global carriers expanding or resuming services to the country. The Star Alliance member will operate two weekly flights between Brussels and Kilimanjaro, further opening the northern safari circuit to European travellers.

(Source: The Citizen)

Uganda

Gov’t Directs Local Governments on Contracts Below USh10M

The Government has reaffirmed that all local government contracts valued below shillings 10 million must be awarded exclusively to women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). It describes this requirement as both a legal obligation and a key strategy for reducing unemployment among vulnerable groups.

The directive was reiterated on 19 November 2025, as a team from the Ministry of Local Government (MoLG), led by Johnson Musinguzi, the Assistant Commissioner for Procurement Inspection, held engagement meetings with accounting officers, procurement officials, contracts committees, and community development officers in Masaka District and Mbarara City – the sessions aimed to strengthen the enforcement of the reservation scheme.

(Source: New Vision)

Ethiopia 

Ethiopia Engages RUSAL to Fast Track $IB Aluminium Smelter Project

Sovereign wealth fund Ethiopian Investment Holding (EIH) has signed an agreement with aluminium producer RUSAL to advance the development of a 500,000-metric-ton-per-annum aluminium smelter in Ethiopia. EIH and RUSAL have established a joint technical committee to oversee the project, with site identification and feasibility studies already in progress.

The smelter project aims to meet rising regional and global aluminium demand, bolster Ethiopia’s industrial sector, and reduce foreign exchange outflows from aluminium imports. Construction is expected to last three to four years, with the smelter anticipated to operate for more than 50 years. The estimated cost of the project is USD1 billion, with 70% of the funding to be obtained from committed debt providers.

(Source: Energy Capital & Power)

Somalia 

Immigration Agency Implements Security Measures After Data Breach

The Immigration and Citizenship Agency of Somalia (HSJ) has confirmed that an illegal data breach has compromised parts of the country’s electronic traveller information system (e-TAS), prompting a swift government response and a continuing national investigation.

According to the agency, the breach was detected recently, prompting HSJ to swiftly initiate containment measures and commence a detailed investigation into how the incident occurred. Officials state that the priority is to understand the extent of the breach, prevent further damage, and protect the integrity of the national travel database.

(Source: TechAfrica News)

 

South Sudan 

Gov’t Strengthens Telecom Oversight With Swearing-In of New NCA Board

President Salva Kiir Mayardit officially swore in the newly appointed Chairperson and Members of the Board of Directors of the National Communication Authority (NCA), marking the formal start of their duties nearly two months after their appointment on Monday.

The ceremony confirmed Tejwok Simon Ajak as the Chairperson of the NCA Board, the regulatory authority responsible for overseeing South Sudan’s telecommunications sector, before assuming this role, Eng. Ajak served as Deputy Chairperson of e-service and held a position within the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority.

During the swearing-in, President Kiir urged the Board to strengthen the NCA’s mandate by ensuring that communication services nationwide become more reliable, accessible, and responsive to national development needs.

(Source: TechAfrica News)