Sierra Leone’s population was approximately 8.86 million at that time. This means that about 7.02 million people did not use the Internet. The lack of access limits opportunities for youth, especially in creative industries.

The MultiChoice Talent Factory has trained hundreds of young filmmakers across Africa, including Sierra Leone. However, many still struggle to reach audiences due to poor connectivity. Alex Xolo, a writer who won a Safta for his work on the youth drama series LLB (Law, Love and Betrayal), noted that storytelling deals with human issues on all levels.

GlobalCorp seeks to sell its operations for $200 million amid these challenges. The company provides non-banking financial services such as direct leases and consumer finance solutions. Yet, the digital gap may hinder its growth potential in Sierra Leone.

Salima Monorma Bah emphasized that despite expanding the national fiber backbone to 14 of the country’s 16 districts, the usage gap remains high. This situation impacts not only personal connections but also access to essential services.

The future remains uncertain as Sierra Leone continues to grapple with its digital divide. Officials have not shared any specific plans to address these connectivity issues comprehensively.

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Sierra Leone’s population was approximately 8.86 million, yet 7.02 million people did not use the Internet at that time. This gap highlights the challenges of accessibility and affordability.

The expansion of the national fiber backbone (NFB) to 14 out of 16 districts has not resolved the issue. Salima Monorma Bah noted, “Despite the national fiber backbone being expanded to 14 of the country’s 16 districts, the usage gap remains high.”

In film and television, initiatives like the MultiChoice Talent Factory aim to empower young filmmakers across Africa. This program has trained hundreds of individuals, helping to develop local content and storytelling.

Alex Xolo, a participant in this program, won a Safta for his writing on the show LLB (Law, Love and Betrayal). He expressed his surprise at his achievement, stating, “It still feels surreal and unexpected.” He encourages others to pursue their passions despite uncertainties: “Start, even if you’re unsure. Do it scared.”

GlobalCorp is also involved in this landscape, preparing for a potential sale valued at $200 million. They provide non-banking financial services including direct leases and consumer finance.

The future remains uncertain as officials have not disclosed how these developments will impact the digital landscape in Sierra Leone. However, bridging this digital divide will be crucial for economic growth and access to essential services.

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The bank plans to reorganize into a Non-Operating Holding Company (NOHC) structure. The listed entity will be renamed ‘Co-op Bank Group PLC’. A new subsidiary, ‘Co-op Bank Kenya Limited’, will handle licensed banking operations in Kenya.

As of December 2025, Co-op Bank holds total assets of KSh 827.4 billion. It operates 222 branches across Kenya and South Sudan. The bank has a 64.56% stake held by Co-op Holdings Co-operative Society Limited.

The restructuring aims to enhance operational efficiency and support regional expansion. The South Sudan unit reported a profit before tax of KSh 236 million for FY2025.

Dr Muriuki emphasized that the NOHC model provides a scalable platform for expansion into diversified financial services and other regional markets.

This approach mirrors that of its predecessors: enhanced operational efficiency and a more robust structure for sustained growth.

The restructuring will place all subsidiaries under a clean group umbrella—this offers greater flexibility for capital allocation across subsidiaries and future regional banking expansion.

Co-op Bank has set ambitious targets under its 2025-2029 strategic plan, aiming to grow total assets beyond KSh 1 trillion.

It is noteworthy that Co-op Bank is the sixth NSE-listed banking group to adopt the NOHC structure.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding specific timelines for regulatory approvals. However, the upcoming AGM on May 15, 2026, will be crucial for moving forward with this restructuring plan.

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“By combining Indosat’s AI-native ambitions with Safaricom’s proven fintech and ecosystem expertise, we are focused on delivering innovations that customers can genuinely feel from smarter networks and safer digital transactions to more personal and intuitive experiences,” said Vikram Sinha, a key participant in the collaboration.

This strategic partnership between Safaricom PLC and PT Indosat Tbk aims to accelerate AI-driven innovation in the telecommunications sector. The collaboration is set to deliver advanced networks, personalized customer experiences, and secure digital financial services.

Safaricom, a leader in mobile and financial services in Kenya, has been at the forefront of technological advancements, particularly with its M-PESA platform. M-PESA has evolved into a powerful financial ecosystem, allowing users to pay bills, save money, and access various financial services.

In addition to M-PESA, Safaricom has introduced several applications aimed at enhancing financial literacy and savings culture among Kenyans. For instance, Chumz is a mobile application that allows users to save as little as KES 5 and offers an attractive 6% annual interest on flexible savings.

Furthermore, the M-PESA Super App consolidates various financial services, lifestyle, and utility mini-apps into a single platform, making it easier for users to manage their finances. The Ziidi Money Market Fund allows M-PESA customers to invest with as little as KES 100, earning competitive daily interest.

Peter Ndegwa, another key figure in the partnership, emphasized the broader implications of this collaboration, stating, “From smarter networks and safer transactions to more intuitive digital experiences, this collaboration goes beyond innovation; it is about shaping inclusive digital economies where individuals, businesses, and communities can thrive.”

As the telecommunications industry continues to evolve, the effectiveness with which operators utilize technology will play a crucial role in shaping its future. Safaricom’s partnership with Indosat is a clear indication of the direction the industry is heading.

Kenya maintains stable growth and regulatory clarity, while Ethiopia is making progress on regulatory, pricing, and currency fronts. This context underscores the importance of collaborations like that of Safaricom and Indosat in fostering innovation.

The partnership intends to translate AI capabilities into practical solutions that improve customers’ daily digital experiences, marking a significant step forward in the telecommunications landscape.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific implementations and timelines of the initiatives stemming from this collaboration, but the focus on AI-driven solutions is expected to enhance user engagement and satisfaction.

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“The trust of our over 40 million M-PESA customers, who rely on this platform every day, is our greatest responsibility,” stated Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa, highlighting the company’s commitment to customer service amid rising concerns.

The Senate Standing Committee on Information, Communication and Technology expressed its displeasure over Safaricom PLC’s failure to appear before it to discuss pressing issues regarding service delivery and data protection. Senators voiced their frustrations regarding low internet quality, dropped calls, poor voice service, and network congestion.

The committee emphasized the urgent need for interventions to enhance service quality, reflecting a growing dissatisfaction among users of Safaricom’s services. This scrutiny comes as Safaricom continues to dominate the telecommunications market in Kenya.

In a related development, Safaricom recently announced a new privacy feature for its M-PESA service, which will conceal the sender’s phone number during money transfers. Ndegwa remarked, “We have listened to customer concerns about privacy and are introducing a new enhancement that minimizes the personal information shared while conducting Send Money transactions on M-PESA.”

According to Ndegwa, “If the recipient needs the sender’s full details, they can request us for them within 24 hours of the transaction.” This new feature aims to protect user privacy while ensuring seamless transactions.

Safaricom’s M-PESA service, which has over 40 million customers, continues to evolve with new features. The M-PESA Super App consolidates various financial services, lifestyle, and utility mini-apps into a single platform, enhancing user experience.

Additionally, the National Treasury is under pressure to meet conditions for the sale of a 15% stake in Safaricom to Vodacom, a deal that has been approved by Parliament but includes stipulations to prevent job cuts associated with the transaction.

As Safaricom navigates these challenges, it remains focused on improving its service offerings and addressing customer concerns. The company has also introduced innovative financial products, such as the Chumz app, which allows users to save as little as KES 5 and offers annual interest rates of 6% for flexible savings and 8% for locked savings.

Furthermore, the Ziidi Money Market Fund enables M-PESA customers to invest with a minimum of KES 100, while Zimele’s MMF provides annual returns of 9-10% net of fees.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the timeline for addressing the Senate Committee’s concerns or the next steps in the ongoing negotiations with Vodacom.

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