Technology news shaping Africa now: coverage deals, flagship phones, and unmanned boats

Three tech stories right now tell you where things are heading: telecoms fixing coverage gaps, phone makers racing on camera and AI, and defence firms rolling out drone boats fast. Each affects how you work, travel and stay safe — so here’s what matters and what you can do about it.

Telecoms: national roaming that actually helps users

MTN and 9mobile just signed a national roaming deal approved by Nigeria’s NCC. That means about 2.8 million 9mobile customers can use MTN’s larger network where 9mobile is weak. Practically, you should expect better call quality and fewer dead zones in rural areas once the switch is live. If you’re on 9mobile, ask your provider when roaming kicks in, and check if your plan or SIM needs an update. Watch for changes to data tariffs — improved coverage doesn’t always mean lower bills.

Flagship phones: what the iPhone 17 Pro signals for buyers

Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro (expected Sept 2025) brings major camera and chip upgrades: a 48MP telephoto lens, A19 Pro chip, 12GB RAM, Wi‑Fi 7 and Apple’s own 5G modem. iOS 19 ships with the phone, though deeper on-device AI is likely next year. For shoppers in Africa, that means better low-light and zoom shots, faster performance for video and editing, and stronger 5G compatibility — but confirm local band support before buying. If you want AI features now, compare high-end Androids too; they may offer similar tools sooner and sometimes at a lower price.

Quick tips: check carrier 5G bands, compare battery life tests from trusted reviewers, and consider trade‑in offers to cut the upfront cost.

Drone boats: a fast step into unmanned maritime operations

SubSea Craft revealed the MARS USV, a drone boat built in 100 days. It’s designed for naval missions, resupply, sensor work and launching UAVs. That speed of development is notable — it shows defence tech is moving fast and could soon be used for coastal security, surveillance, or even civilian tasks like search and rescue and ocean mapping. For coastal communities and navies, the practical impact is better patrol reach and lower risk to human crews. Keep an eye on exports, local contracts, and whether regional shipyards will adopt similar designs.

So what ties these stories together? Faster product cycles, closer industry partnerships, and the push to fill infrastructure gaps. For you that means services get better more quickly but also that rules and prices can change fast. To stay ahead: follow regulator updates (like the NCC), check carrier coverage maps before you travel, read hands‑on phone reviews, and watch local procurement news for maritime tech contracts.

Bookmark this Technology page and check back often — we’ll flag the practical changes that affect your phone, your connection and your coastlines as these stories develop.