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Business Brief
By Business Insider Africa

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From the Editor

Rather than doubling down on a single-provider model, Ghana has chosen competition. The government has opened a nationwide 5G spectrum auction after cancelling an earlier exclusive agreement, giving multiple telecom operators the chance to compete for licences.

The move is expected to raise significant revenue, but more importantly, it signals a different approach to building digital infrastructure.

As more African economies expand digital infrastructure, the rules behind those investments may shape competition for years to come.

Victor Inusa
Victor Inusa,
Newsletter Editor.

Today’s Must Read

After revoking Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani-backed deal, Ghana opens 5G auction worth over $200 million

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Ghana's National Communications Authority launched a 5G spectrum auction with 11 lots across the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz, and 3 GHz bands.

With reserve prices starting at $10 million and total minimum values exceeding $230 million, the auction is expected to generate well over $100 million for the government.

This open bidding model replaces an earlier exclusive infrastructure deal with Next-Gen InfraCo, a consortium backed by Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani.

President John Mahama's administration revoked that agreement over concerns that a single provider would limit competition and slow innovation. Major operators including MTN Ghana, Telecel Ghana, and AT Ghana are expected to participate. Read more…

The Big 3

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🇲🇦 Africa's most industrialised nation plans to build more hotels and spend $20 billion in preparation for the 2030 World Cup

Morocco will expand its hotel capacity by 60,000 beds (about 20%) and invest over $20 billion in infrastructure ahead of co-hosting the 2030 World Cup. The initiative targets long-term tourism growth, aiming for 26 million visitors by 2030.

The funding covers railways, roads, airports, and stadiums, while shifting focus toward broader market diversification and cultural hubs like Rabat. Read more…

🇹🇿 Africa’s second-largest economy eyes Tanzania’s ports and railways in fresh East Africa investment push

Egypt and Tanzania signed MoUs covering transport, electricity, and renewable energy to boost bilateral trade and regional logistics links. The strategic collaboration targets port expansion, railway development, agricultural partnerships, healthcare, and educational scholarships.

Both nations are encouraging private-sector investment to advance regional supply chains and economic integration under the AfCFTA. Read more…

🇧🇼 Another African country has raised the alarm to its citizens concerning Russia's alleged deception

Botswana has warned citizens against fraudulent international job schemes deceiving individuals into joining Russia's war against Ukraine. Research shows over 1,400 Africans were recruited between 2023 and 2025 under false promises of study or work, with at least 316 dying in combat.

Other nations like Kenya reported over 250 conscripted citizens, prompting warnings of legal consequences. Read more…

Quote Of The Day

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Geopolitics & Power

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🇳🇬 ECOWAS approves historic Nigeria-Morocco $25 billion energy gas pipeline to power Europe and West Africa

West African leaders approved a $25 billion, 6,000 km gas pipeline linking Nigeria to Morocco to supply West Africa and Europe. Running through 13 coastal nations, it will carry 30 billion cubic meters of gas annually, with 15 billion for export.

It aims to boost energy security, electricity access, and market integration. Operations will be run from Casablanca, with governance in Abuja. Read more…

Global Trends, African Impact

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Apple overtakes Nvidia as world's most valuable company, supported by over $3 Billion in revenues across Africa

Apple reclaimed its spot as the world's most valuable company on July 17, 2026, reaching a $4.88 trillion market cap after Nvidia's shares dropped. Investors are shifting focus to consumer-faced AI. Apple holds over 15% of Africa's smartphone market, generating over $3 billion annually.

While its premium pricing limits mass-market growth against Transsion, iPhones are booming among young Africans. Read more…

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Executive Trivia

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Did You Know?

(Photo Credit: Artimachines)

The very first computer mouse was actually made out of a hand-carved block of wood! Built back in 1964, this boxy device look nothing like the sleek plastic designs we use today. It only had a single red button on top and used two metal wheels on the bottom to track movement.

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