Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a part of Cassava Technologies, is Africa’s leading provider of digital infrastructure, with over 110,000 km of fibre and satellite connectivity spanning the continent. Since 2009, Liquid has built the largest independently owned network in Africa, connecting the continent to global subsea cable systems and providing high-speed internet access. Liquid also offers cloud and cybersecurity solutions through global partnerships, catering to public and private sectors and SMEs across Africa.

In 2023, Liquid undertook significant projects across various countries, including expanding its fibre network in Rwanda, Botswana, and Zambia, connecting rural areas and creating jobs. Notably, Liquid completed the Gaborone Metro Ring project in Botswana, extended connectivity to 600,000 homes in Zambia, and launched new fully redundant terrestrial routes between Kenya-Ethiopia and Zambia-Malawi, providing direct access to data centres and content caches across Africa. Through these initiatives, Liquid is transforming digital infrastructure across the continent, positioning itself as a leader in connectivity and digital transformation.

LANCK Telecom is a global telecommunications leader, offering voice, messaging, mobile, and fraud protection services in over 190 countries. With more than 1,500 partners and operations in Africa, the company plays a pivotal role in enhancing connectivity and economic growth across the continent. LANCK's services include high-quality voice and SMS termination, handling over 4 billion voice minutes and 3 billion SMS annually via 100% CLI-certified routes.

In Africa, LANCK Telecom has experienced significant growth, with a 24% increase in voice traffic and a 21% rise in SMS traffic from 2022 to 2023. The company’s innovative Fraud Management System (FMS) saves partners over $6 million monthly by blocking over 800 fraud attacks per day. LANCK’s expanding presence in Africa is highlighted by new offices in Kenya, 14 direct SMS interconnections, and partnerships with major MNOs and PTTs. Its commitment to secure, reliable, and innovative telecom solutions makes LANCK Telecom a strong contender for the "Telco of the Year" award.

Scancom PLC, operating as MTN Ghana, is a leading telecommunications provider in Ghana, known for delivering innovative voice, data, mobile money (MoMo), and digital services to both individual and corporate customers. By 2023, MTN Ghana led the market with 15.4 million data subscribers and 15.2 million active MoMo users, backed by over 282,000 agents nationwide. The company is committed to driving digital inclusion, economic empowerment, and societal development through its Foundation, which invests in healthcare, education, and economic projects.

In response to 4G traffic suppression in Accra since 2021, MTN Ghana partnered with Huawei to deploy a 2.6G FDD massive MIMO solution, boosting 4G network performance to deliver a 5G-level experience. This innovative solution addresses 4G capacity bottlenecks, ensuring optimal performance, rapid network deployment, maximum return on investment, and seamless technological evolution.

eSIM Voyaz service

EMTEL Ltd, a pioneer in telecommunications in Mauritius and the first mobile operator in the Southern Hemisphere, has launched eSIMVoyaz, a groundbreaking travel eSIM service. This innovation offers a seamless, secure, and affordable alternative to traditional SIM cards, allowing users to enjoy data roaming without the high costs associated with international roaming. The eSIMVoyaz service enables Mauritians to travel abroad and use their mobile devices as they would at home, or choose data-only bundles for flexibility. Notably, users can maintain their WhatsApp number and other over-the-top services without needing traditional cellular services.

This fully digital service can be accessed on EMTEL's website, where customers select their destination, choose a data bundle, and complete the purchase online. eSIMVoyaz is available to all Mauritians, regardless of whether they are existing EMTEL subscribers. Since its launch in March 2024, over 2,000 customers have purchased eSIMs, marking a significant achievement for EMTEL in transforming international mobile connectivity.

Orange, a global telecommunications leader, has launched Max it, a revolutionary super-app that integrates telecom, fintech, and e-commerce services for users across Africa and the Middle East. Building on the success of the My Orange and Orange Money apps, Max it merges mobile management, payment solutions, and digital content services in a single platform. With over 11 million active users across eight countries, it provides users, whether Orange customers or not, with seamless access to essential services like mobile payment, telecom management, and e-commerce, including digital tickets and content. The app is available in multiple languages and is designed to meet local needs, driving inclusion and financial accessibility.

Orange aims for 45 million active Max it users by 2025, leveraging its long-standing presence in the region. The app represents a key step in Orange’s multi-service strategy, enhancing digital life for users and contributing to the region's digital growth. Through partnerships, including with Tencent for mini-app technology, Max it is poised to provide tailored, inclusive, and scalable solutions, further advancing economic empowerment and digital transformation in Africa and the Middle East.

The telco must demonstrate excellence in providing high-quality network services with extensive coverage, ensuring reliable connectivity even in remote and underserved areas.

The company should showcase innovative use of technology, pioneering advancements in telecommunications that enhance user experience and drive industry standards.

The telco should actively work towards digital inclusion, ensuring that connectivity solutions are accessible and affordable for all segments of society, including marginalized and vulnerable communities.