Radisys, a company controlled by Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, is set to expand its presence into Africa by providing affordable 5G network infrastructure, applications, and smartphones to Ghana-based Next-Gen Infrastructure Company (NGIC). This move comes as part of a collaboration that will also involve the Government of Ghana, Ascend Digital, K-NET, Nokia, Tech Mahindra, and mobile operators AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana. The aim is to help NGIC build the first 5G network infrastructure in Ghana to provide affordable mobile internet, similar to what Jio Platforms, a subsidiary of Ambani’s Jio Platforms, achieved in India.
NGIC, which has already secured a 5G license, is planning to launch its services nationwide within the next six months and then expand into other African countries. This expansion is expected to bring Fixed Wireless Access alongside 4G and 5G cellular services to drive economic growth and digital inclusion in Ghana. Radisys and NGIC aim to build a disruptive and affordable shared broadband infrastructure across the country to benefit the people of Ghana.
NGIC plans to offer affordable 5G smartphones through its partners this year to enhance the lives of people in Ghana and provide digital services in education, healthcare, and payments. The creation of NGIC as a neutral, shared platform accessible to all mobile network operators and tower companies will help to rapidly expand 5G services across the country. Ghana’s Minister for Communications and Digitalization, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, expressed her admiration for India’s digital infrastructure and the low-cost mobile data usage, stating that Ghana is keen to replicate this success in their own country.
Reliance Jio Infocomm, Ambani’s mobile operator in India, has played a significant role in the rapid growth of internet users in the country by offering affordable smartphones, digital platforms, and localized content and applications. As the largest cellular operator in India, Reliance Jio ended last year with over 470 million subscribers. Mukesh Ambani topped Forbes Asia’s list of India’s 100 Richest with a net worth of $92 billion. Aside from its telecommunications business, Reliance Industries also has interests in oil and gas, petrochemicals, retail, and other industries, making it a diversified conglomerate with a strong presence in various sectors.
Overall, Radisys’ expansion into Africa through its partnership with NGIC is poised to bring affordable 5G technology to Ghana with the support of various stakeholders. This move reflects Ambani’s vision of providing accessible and innovative digital solutions to emerging markets, similar to what he has achieved in India. The collaboration aims to drive economic growth, digital inclusion, and bridge the digital divide in Ghana by offering affordable connectivity and digital services to the people. With NGIC’s plans to expand into other African countries in the future, this partnership could have a significant impact on the continent’s digital transformation and development.
