Technology
Leaders of Africa’s digital infrastructure investment in a discuss
Leaders from MTN, C-Squared, Seacom and Convergence Partners discuss the critical issues ahead of their speaking roles at TMT Finance Africa in Cape Town 2019
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 7, 2019 — Digital and broadband infrastructure investment is clearly one of the top priorities for Africa’s key telecom operators and investment firms in 2019. In this article, leaders from MTN, C-Squared, Seacom and Convergence Partners discuss the critical issues ahead of their speaking roles at TMT Finance Africa in Cape Town 2019 http://www.TMTFinance.com/capetown
With the huge and increasing demand for data and increasing opportunities for 5G and fibre, digital communications companies including mobile and fixed operators, as well as a range of digital infrastructure specialists and investors, are targeting significant investments in new digital infrastructure.
Byron Clatterbuck, CEO Seacom, one of Africa’s leading submarine and terrestrial broadband operators, sees a really opportunity in making the case for fibre in Africa: “Fibre penetration is still very low in most African countries, so huge opportunities exist to get involved in the rollout of intra-regional projects, national projects, and even international subsea infrastructure projects. The global cloud services companies are now putting Africa on their development roadmap, and committing significant investment to several African markets.”
For Clatterbuck, this presents a big opportunity for other investors to leverage these investments and to cooperate with these global giants in delivering new services to the business and home markets.
Envir Fraser, CSO & Partner at Convergence Partners, an impact investment management firm focused on the telecommunications, media and technology sector in Africa, expects broadband to continue offering investment opportunities as the need for high quality broadband increases with step changes in prices. “This does mean that the opportunities are shifting from pure greenfield builds and opportunities to brownfield expansion and consolidation in the sector. The needs for “big pipes” to realise the 5G reality will also need increased investment in connecting towers and high sites to high-speed fibre or wireless backhaul networks”, says Fraser.
Working with governments on digital infrastructure investment
To help maintain a high level of investment, Kholekile, Ndamase, Executive: Group Mergers and Acquisitions at MTN, Africa’s biggest mobile telecommunications operator, warns Governments should have a careful plan when considering the licensing questions such as coverage obligations vs license fees vs a fund to finance rural connectivity.
“If government could forego the immediate remuneration of a license fee and opportunity costs of localisations, but instead placed reasonable coverage obligations on operators, it may be more beneficial in the long run to have all their citizens connected to digital and have them participating in the digitally-enabled economy. Making more spectrum available in certain markets would also reduce network congestion and Capex expenditure which will allow the much-needed capital to be spent in the more underserved areas”, Ndamase explains.
Expect consolidation in digital and fibre infrastructure
Consolidation in the sector is also to be expected, according to Alexander Kiel, CFO, at CSquared, the Google-backed African fibre network operator. “Fibre, like other infrastructure, is a game of scale, we do expect some consolidation to happen over time, with it most likely to start with transfer of management of public fiber assets to private operators.” Over time, as fibrecos increase in scale and expertise, Kiel also expects to see more sale and lease-back deals between the fibrecos and the mobile operators.
For Seacom’s Clatterbuck, “whether it is MNOs trying to bring together a number of African “OpCos” under one brand with synergies at the group level, or it is “fixed” fibre operators consolidating to control and manage as much of the end-to-end network as possible, there is no shortage of M&A and funding opportunities in Africa. “Consolidation will continue as markets grow and possibly shrink, and as global players look for market entry vehicles going forward,” he says.
Who will be leading fibre investment?
In the next 12 to 18 months, CSquared’s Kiel expects a number of greenfield projects to come out, with multiple roll-outs, “especially in the metro areas where there is still a gap… these deployments will be driven by mobile operators and independent fibrecos”, he comments.
In about five years time, Convergence’s Fraser foresees a market with a limited number of scale players offering a broader set of offerings to operators. He expects “a shift to customer focused services and product offerings as well as continued increase in bandwidth speeds.”
As for MTN’s Ndamase, “fibre and 5G will open up a whole new experience for consumers with particular benefits will not necessarily be seen with the way we currently experience the digital world.” He reckons industries such as Autonomous Vehicles, Automation of business processes, VR & AR and a whole host of other industries that are yet to appear will primarily benefit from this shift.
Leaders from the largest African telecom, media and technology companies, investment banks and investors are meeting to assess the latest investment opportunities at the annual TMT Finance Africa in Cape Town 2019 conference on March 28.
Over 75 key speakers have been announced for the event, which features CxOs and senior executives from Vodacom, MTN, Rand Merchant Bank, Vumatel, Helios Towers Africa, ENSafrica, CSquared, Dark Fibre Africa, Convergence Partners, Seacom, Angola Cables, Standard Bank, IFC World Bank, DLA Piper, WIOCC, Paix Data Centres, BCX, European Investment Bank, Investec Asset Management, GreenWish Partners and others.
Key sessions at the senior executive only event include: Telecom Leadership Africa; Broadband Infrastructure; Digital Infrastructure Africa; Next Generation Media; Powering Mobile Towers; Data Centre and Cloud; Mergers and Acquisitions; TMT Investor Strategies; Broadband Infrastructure; Financing TMT; Fintech and Mobile Money; and Smart City.
– TMT Finance
LG Electronics (LG) has made significant strides in the global market with its innovative brand strategies, earning its place as a top global brand.
On October 10, LG was ranked 97th with a brand value of approximately USD 6.5 billion in the Best Global Brands 2024 report by global brand consulting firm Interbrand.
Interbrand’s evaluation of the Best Global Brands assesses brand value through a comprehensive analysis of a company’s financial performance, role of brand and brand strength. Factors such as direction, engagement and relevance are considered. As a pioneer in the industry, Interbrand’s ISO-certified evaluation criteria are widely regarded as the most reliable methodology in branding and marketing.
LG’s brand value has surged, reflecting significant improvements in both business and brand competitiveness compared to the previous year. LG’s brand value increased by a substantial 38.7 percent year-over-year, receiving high scores in the categories of role of brand and brand strength.
Interbrand attributes this positive assessment to LG’s clear vision as a Smart Life Solution Company and its sustained growth through the exploration of new opportunities. The company has also adapted its brand strategies to ensure consistent customer engagement across diverse regions and generations, utilizing communication methods that resonate with audiences both online and offline.
In July of last year, LG unveiled its vision to evolve into a “Smart Life Solution Company,” enhancing customer experiences across various environments, including homes, commercial spaces, mobility and virtual realms. Since embarking on its transformation, LG’s brand value has skyrocketed. From approximately USD 3.1 billion in 2022, it has more than doubled to about USD 6.5 billion in 2024.
Interbrand has also praised LG’s “Brand Reinvent” initiative, which aims to establish LG as a youthful and dynamic brand that resonates with customers across generations and regions.
To achieve this, LG has unified its brand message under the brand promise of “Life’s Good,” ensuring it is embraced by all organizations globally and integrated into every customer touch point of brand experience. This includes redefining its brand identity and visual expression. “Life’s Good” encapsulates the brand’s mission to help everyone savor life’s precious moments through its products, services and communications. In the digital realm, the brand symbol “Face of the Future” engages customers with a friendly smile and wink, fostering a sense of connection through various digital expressions.
In addition, LG is launching brand campaigns and pop-up events that invite future customers, particularly Generation Z, to engage both online and offline.
The global campaign “Optimism your feed” aims to spread positivity through online algorithms, encouraging a better life with an optimistic outlook. This initiative garnered significant attention, amassing over 1.8 billion views within two months of its launch on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
Moreover, LG is going to keep enhancing its engagement with Generation Z by creating offline customer experience spaces that reflect young customers’ interests, such as lifestyle, games and music.
LG has previously been recognized as one of the top 100 global brands for three consecutive years from 2005 to 2007.
“We are transforming from a leading home appliance and consumer electronics company into a Smart Life Solution Company. As part of this transformation, we’ve initiated our brand reinvention based on our long-standing promise, ‘Life’s Good,'” said William Cho, CEO of LG Electronics. “At this historical moment of business transformation, we are proud to be recognized as one of the top 100 global brands, a testament to our strong brand presence and growth potential.”
Technology
LG WashTower: A high-performance, space-saving laundry solution designed for today’s urban households
As global demand grows for sustainable living, energy efficiency, and minimalist design, companies are reshaping their product offerings to stay competitive and meet consumer expectations. At the forefront of this shift in the home appliance market is LG Electronics with its cutting-edge WashTower – a high-performance, space-saving laundry solution designed for today’s urban households.
Boasting advanced features, large capacities, and innovative technology, the WashTower is more than just a washer-dryer combo – it’s a game changer for those seeking efficiency, smart connectivity, and excellent cleaning performance.
Ideal for compact spaces, the LG WashTower’s slim, vertical design fits seamlessly into small laundry rooms or closets without sacrificing performance. Standing at 1655mm tall and 600mm wide, it offers ample capacity—13kg in the washer and 10kg in the dryer – perfect for large loads like bedding or towels, all while saving valuable floor space.
The 2024 LG WashTower™ is a revolutionary solution that aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s vision for modern, sustainable living,” said Oktae Kim, Product Director, Home Appliance Division, LG Electronics Nigeria. “Its space-saving design and advanced features cater to the unique needs of our customers in the country, setting a new benchmark for laundry care.”
Unlike traditional stacked units with controls in hard-to-reach places, the LG WashTower™ introduces an all-in-one control panel designed to simplify laundry care. With the TurboWash 360, DUAL Inverter Heat Pump™ Dryer, Auto Cleaning Condenser, and LG ThinQ™ connectivity, the WashTower™ enhances functionality and convenience, meeting the demands of modern, fast-paced lifestyles.
Some of its most impressive features include:
Built-in Intelligence Takes Out the Guesswork
When it comes to doing laundry, one out of two consumers default to the Normal Cycle on their washers and dryers because they simply don’t know which to choose. LG WashTower takes out the guesswork with built-in intelligence that uses sensors to detect fabric texture and load size, and then automatically selects the right wash motions, temperatures, and more for precision fabric care.
And it gets smarter: WashTower will even learn your preferred settings. Simply activate Smart Learner in the LG ThinQ® app, and it will remember your ideal wash temperature, spin speed, or dry level. With Smart Pairing™, the washer can even tell the dryer the right compatible drying cycle, making LG WashTower the ultimate laundry hack.
Help Remove Allergens in Fabrics
LG washers are the industry’s first to be CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The Allergens™ wash cycle goes beyond everyday cleaning, using the gentle power of steam to remove common household allergens in fabrics by more than 95 percent. In addition, LG TurboSteam™ technology in the dryer helps sanitize and refresh clothes in between washes as well as children’s toys, decorative pillows and more.
Exceptional Cleaning and Drying Performance
With steam function in the washer and heat pump in the dryer, the WashTower effectively sanitizes clothes and removes wrinkles, which is a boon for those with allergies or sensitive skin. Its durable, never-rust stainless steel drum ensures long-lasting reliability, and the absence of an agitator means it’s gentle on delicate fabrics. The dryer starts to preheat before the end of washing, so drying takes less time. With the Dual Inverter Heat Pump™, an energy-saving way to dry, the dual cylinders allow for faster drying and energy saving.
Laundry Made Better – for You and the Planet
Designed with energy efficiency in mind, the LG WashTower includes energy monitoring capabilities, helping consumers save money while helping the planet. ENERGY STAR certified washers and dryers use 25 percent less energy and 33 percent less water than traditional models.
Verdict: A Smart, Stylish Choice
The LG WashTower stands as a top contender in the world of washer-dryer combos, offering a perfect blend of technology, performance, and space-saving design. With no drawbacks, the WashTower’s overall functionality, energy efficiency, and convenience make it a strong choice for families and individuals alike.
If you’re looking for a washer-dryer combo that combines smart technology with stylish design, the LG Wash Tower is a reliable, high-performing option.
The LG WashTower™ strengthens LG’s position as a leading innovator in the home appliance sector. With its cutting-edge technology and user-friendly interface demonstrates LG’s dedication to shaping the future of home appliances. It’s more than just a product – it’s a testament to LG’s vision of bringing convenience, efficiency, and sustainability into every home.
For more information or to purchase the LG WashTower, visit https://www.lg.com/africa/washing-machines/lg-wt1310rh
The launch of the LG InstaView refrigerator introduced a new era in home refrigeration, combining advanced technology, exceptional energy efficiency, and unmatched convenience to transform how households interact with their appliances. The LG InstaView Door-in-Door™ Refrigerator does more than just keep food fresh. It’s a perfect mix of modern technology and everyday usefulness, taking cooking to a whole new level of sophistication and ease.
“At the core of the LG InstaView Refrigerator is the Inverter Linear Compressor, a ground-breaking technology that delivers remarkable energy efficiency,” says Oktae Kim, Product Director, Home Appliance Division, LG Electronics Nigeria. By adapting its cooling power to the refrigerator’s needs, this compressor minimizes power consumption, helping reduce energy bills while also contributing to a quieter kitchen. For long-term peace of mind, LG offers a 10-year warranty on the compressor, reinforcing its durability and reliability.
“One of the standout features of this fridge is the InstaView Door-in-Door™ technology. With just two knocks on the sleek glass panel, you can see inside the fridge without opening the door, helping preserve cold air and keeping your food fresher for longer. This not only adds a touch of modern elegance but also helps reduce energy consumption by limiting unnecessary door openings” he noted.
Some other key features in the LG InstaView Door-in-Door™ Refrigerator include;
A New Level of Convenience: Door-in-Door™ Access
The Door-in-Door™ compartment offers even greater convenience by allowing easy access to frequently used items like drinks and snacks. Instead of rummaging through the entire fridge, you can grab your essentials quickly and effortlessly. This feature also limits cold air loss, making it both a time-saver and an energy-efficient solution for busy households.
Purified Hydration: UVnano® Water Dispenser
Staying hydrated has never been more convenient or hygienic. The UVnano® water dispenser uses UV light to eliminate up to 99.999% of bacteria from the water outlet, ensuring that every sip is clean and safe. The self-cleaning cycle can be activated automatically or manually, making this feature both functional and reassuring for users who prioritize health.
Hygiene Fresh+™: A Breath of Fresh Air
Maintaining an odour-free refrigerator has never been easier thanks to Hygiene Fresh+™ technology. This system actively removes bacteria and unpleasant smells, circulating clean air throughout the fridge. With a 99.999% bacteria removal rate, your food remains fresh and healthy, while the built-in deodorization feature ensures that strong odour, like leftovers, never linger.
Even Cooling Every Time: DoorCooling+™ Technology
No more worrying about uneven cooling inside your fridge. The DoorCooling+™ feature ensures that every inch of the refrigerator is consistently cooled by placing air vents at the front of the appliance. This technology helps food stay fresh and evenly chilled, even in the door compartments, enhancing the quality and shelf life of your groceries.
Smart Control with ThinQ™ Technology
In the age of smart homes, LG takes convenience one step further with ThinQ™ technology. This feature allows users to control and monitor the refrigerator from their smartphones, whether at home or on the go. With just a few taps, you can adjust the temperature, activate Hygiene Fresh+™, or even diagnose potential issues, making maintenance and operation effortless.
Proven Benefits: Energy Savings, Convenience, and Hygiene
When it comes to pros, the LG InstaView Refrigerator excels in several areas. Its energy efficiency through the Smart Inverter Compressor and InstaView technology helps reduce environmental impact while cutting down on household energy bills. The convenience provided by the Door-in-Door™ feature, combined with the peace of mind from UVnano® and Hygiene Fresh+™ technologies, ensures that families have access to fresh, clean, and organized food storage.
Verdict
The LG InstaView refrigerator is a perfect blend of advanced technology, innovative design, and health-conscious features. From linear cooling that keeps food fresh to the Hygiene Fresh+ filtration system that ensures a clean storage environment, this fridge has everything you need for modern food preservation. Add to that the convenience of the Knock-Knock feature and the health benefits of UVnano, you have a refrigerator that truly stands out.
If you’re looking for a premium appliance that delivers freshness, hygiene, and style, the LG InstaView refrigerator is a worthy investment.
The LG InstaView Door-in-Door™ Refrigerator is available across Fouani showrooms and Dealer stores Nationwide. It’s a must-have for modern kitchens thanks to its many useful features.
For more information about the LG InstaView Refrigerator, visit https://www.lg.com/africa/instaview-door-in-door-refrigerators
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