MultiChoice Rejects Canal+'s Acquisition Offer — plus other African stories

Here are the top stories in Africa and the Middle East region we are covering today – February 6, 2024.

• MultiChoice Rejects Canal+'s Acquisition Offer
• NCC Commences Wireless Internet Cloud Installation in Nasarawa
• Botswana Rejects Starlink's Satellite Internet Bid Ahead of Planned Launch
• Dyque Cube Unveils World’s First AI-Powered 5-in-1 Solar Powerhouse in Nigeria

MultiChoice Rejects Canal+'s Acquisition Offer

South African pay-TV giant MultiChoice Group Ltd has officially rejected a non-binding acquisition offer from Canal+, the Vivendi-owned pay-TV company to acquire all of the issued ordinary shares it does not already own in the company.

The proposed offer of $5.55 (R105) per share - valuing Muktichoice at $1.7bn (R31.7bn), by the French Giant media company was deemed undervalued by MultiChoice.

Canal Plus which currently holds a 30% stake in Multichoice is the largest shareholder in the South African company. It is also one of the largest satellite television services in Francophone Africa. By taking over Multichoice, the French company would break into new markets like Nigeria and Kenya. 

NCC Commences Wireless Internet Cloud Installation in Nasarawa

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has awarded the installation of a Wireless Internet Cloud at Nasarawa State's College of Education Akwanga.

This endeavour is in line with the NCC's commitment following the recent enactment of the Right of Way Regulation 2023 in Nasarawa State, which eliminates charges for the installation, placement, laying, and maintenance of telecommunication network facilities.

The project which is set to bolster the digital economy of the region will include key components such as a 10km Fiber Network, Network Operating Center, Dedicated Power Bank featuring a 10kVA Hybrid Online Inverter, 240 Mbps of Free Internet Service, and One Free Line Internet Bandwidth.

Botswana Rejects Starlink's Satellite Internet Bid Ahead of Planned Launch

Botswana has declined approval for Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service to operate in the country in what happens to be the latest setback for the satellite internet service in Africa.

Starlink's application, submitted in May 2023, lacked the necessary information, leading to the rejection by Botswana's Communication Authority.

Entities like Starlink are required to pay an application fee of P5,600 and an annual license fee of up to P386,000 (~$28,500) to operate in Botswana. This regulatory challenge follows Starlink's ban in South Africa for non-compliance and rejection in Zimbabwe due to concerns related to an EU investigation into Elon Musk's social media platform.

Dyque Cube Unveils World’s First AI-Powered 5-in-1 Solar Powerhouse in Nigeria

Dyque, a leading energy technology manufacturer, has launched Dyque Cube, the world’s first 5-in-1 AI-powered solar powerhouse in Nigeria, as it sets out to transform the energy landscape in Africa.

With its 15-minute stackable installation and advanced features like 5-layer battery protection and AI-powered energy management, Dyque Cube offers efficient and sustainable power solutions for homes and businesses.

The accompanying Dyque Energy App ensures seamless energy management, maximizing savings and efficiency. Committed to quality and innovation, Dyque aims to empower communities and industries across Africa with its cutting-edge green technology.

Follow all of Techloy's coverage of the technology news happening locally and globally and get up to date with what's happening in the key markets within the region.