Within reach Despite Angola’s access to internet remaining relatively low, with only 23% of its population being internet users, the country’s ICT and telecoms sector recorded an annual growth rate of 55% over the past decade. It now has 14 million consumers, according to data sourced from the International Telecommunications Union. As reported by IT News Africa, Hans Geldenhuys, managing sales director at Intelsat Africa, says that this growth lies in key verticals – including energy, banking and government – either diversifying its networks or expanding geographically. This is fuelling the high demand for broadband, especially mobile. Angola is currently undergoing a technology transformation in an attempt to emerge as the continent’s internet hub, according to Geldenhuys. ‘We are talking with local service providers who need support expanding the reach of broadband networks, creating infrastructure that connect last-mile deployments to remote businesses and residences and help Angola compete in the competitive African economy.’ 20 June 2017 Image: Gallo/Getty Images