AXIAN Telecom, a prominent pan-African telecom company, declared on Tuesday that it has signed the GSMA Humanitarian Connectivity Charter (HCC).
The HCC was established by the GSMA in 2015 with the goal of improving Mobile Network Operators’ (MNOs’) capacity for planning, reaction, and recovery in the event of rapid onset catastrophes, including natural disasters.
AXIAN Telecom makes this significant move through its MNOs in Tanzania, Madagascar, Comoros, Senegal, and Togo, which were recently streamlined under the name Yas.
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In addition to creating best practice guidelines for the mobile industry before, during, and after catastrophes, the HCC’s guiding principles seek to give communities impacted by disasters resilient and easily available connectivity.
Sharing timely information that helps communities, first responders, and the larger mobile ecosystem is its main goal.
Early Warning System to manage disasters
As part of its commitment, AXIAN Telecom is working with the GSMA through Yas in Madagascar to create an Early Warning System (EWS) that will improve planning and response to disasters.
This system, which is supported by four pillars, enhances community and national response capacities by gathering data, monitoring hazards, conducting risk assessments, and issuing timely alerts.
In the wake of Cyclone Chido’s devastating impact on Mayotte on December 14, AXIAN Telecom activated its resources to support the affected communities.
Restoring damaged mobile infrastructure, facilitating free connection between Comoros and Mayotte via Yas Comoros, the operator of AXIAN Telecom, and collaborating with Free-Groupe Iliad and Télécoms Sans Frontières to organise both human and material assistance are all part of their relief operations.
These initiatives demonstrate AXIAN Telecom’s dedication to promoting humanitarian connectivity throughout all of its service areas and local communities.
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AXIAN Telecom, GSMA’s comments
Commenting on the signing, AXIAN Telecom CEO Hassan Jaber said: “For many years, people have been affected by disasters, with the Cyclone Chido serving as a stark reminder of the devastating toll these events can take on communities. AXIAN Telecom is deeply remorseful for the hardship the people of Mayotte continue to endure and remains committed to supporting our communities.
We are determined to leverage technology for good and help our communities be better prepared for such unfortunate events. While the initiative is less than a decade old, we commend the progress made so far and are excited to once again collaborate with GSMA, beginning with EWS4ALL. This project will be pivotal, particularly in our East African and Indian ocean-based regions, which are highly vulnerable to natural disasters.”
Kimberly Brown, Head of Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation, GSMA added: “Connectivity is a lifeline for emergency affected populations, the GSMA’s Humanitarian Connectivity Charter fosters industry-wide cooperation in times of crisis, and we are pleased to welcome AXIAN Telecom as a signatory.
Mobile network operators continue to play a critical role in humanitarian preparedness, response, and recovery, harnessing mobile technology to support communities in need. AXIAN Telecom’s efforts in Madagascar, including the development of an Early Warning System, exemplify this commitment – ensuring communities are better equipped to anticipate and mitigate disasters. This is a valuable contribution to the Early Warnings for All initiative.”