This site is part of the Informa Connect Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 3099067.

Brand Logo

Telco of the Year Award

This award is dedicated to recognising and honouring network providers and services that have demonstrated exceptional commitment and effort in ensuring connectivity for all.

2024 Shortlist


Liquid Intelligent Technologies

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

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.

Ghana MTN

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.

EMTEL

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 'Max it' super app

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.

About the Telco of the Year Award


The Telco of the Year Award is dedicated to recognizing and honoring network providers and telecommunications services that have demonstrated exceptional commitment and effort in ensuring seamless and reliable connectivity for all. This prestigious accolade celebrates the pivotal role that telecommunications companies play in connecting people, businesses, and communities, driving digital transformation, and fostering economic and social development across the region.

In an increasingly digital world, the importance of robust and accessible telecommunications infrastructure cannot be overstated. This award acknowledges the outstanding achievements of telcos that have excelled in delivering high-quality services, expanding network coverage, and innovating to meet the evolving needs of their customers. By providing reliable and efficient communication solutions, these companies enable individuals to stay connected, businesses to thrive, and communities to access essential information and services.

Award Criteria


Network Quality and Coverage

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

Innovation & Technology

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

Digital Inclusion & Accessibility

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.

2024 Awards Timeline


Here is the timeline for the 2024 Africa Tech Festival Awards!

Key information:

  • The shortlist will consist of the top 5 candidates per category and will be subject to a public vote.
  • The top three shortlisted candidates with the most votes from the public will progress to the finals.
  • The finalists will be sent to our expert panel of judges, who will determine the winners.
  • The winners will be announced live at the ceremony in Cape Town on 13 November.