Faced with numerous operational challenges — including fragmented systems, complex inventory management, disjointed sales processes, and inefficient order management — a leading telco in Tanzania sought a unified, agile platform to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences.

The telco offers a broad spectrum of mobile services such as voice, data, messaging, and value-added offerings. With extensive network coverage across urban, semi-urban, and rural areas, the company has invested heavily in infrastructure to ensure reliable connectivity. Additionally, it operates a popular mobile money service that enables users to perform financial transactions like money transfers, bill payments, and airtime purchases directly via mobile devices, significantly contributing to financial inclusion nationwide.

Complexities hindering growth

The client encountered several systemic hurdles that prompted the need for a comprehensive digital solution. Firstly, there was a lack of integration between their Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, iCAP, and their billing platform, VxView. This disjointed setup created operational inefficiencies and hindered seamless customer management and billing processes. Multiple inventory platforms further complicated inventory management, leading to errors and inefficiencies.

The absence of a centralised Sales Lead Platform meant the company struggled to systematically track and manage sales opportunities, resulting in missed potential and disorganised workflows. Additionally, the sales lead process was not integrated with the CRM, causing disjointed workflows and potential loss of sales.

The existence of multiple product catalogues and configuration systems introduced complexity and inconsistencies in product management, while the lack of a unified data aggregation system made comprehensive reporting difficult. Architecturally, the existing system was based on a Point-to-Point integration approach, with limited exposure to open APIs and no adherence to Open Digital Architecture (ODA) standards. The heavy reliance on customisation and lack of standardisation further hampered agility and future scalability.

Embracing a digital future with Canvas 

Partnering with 6D Technologies, the client implemented Canvas — an all-encompassing digital BSS platform. The transformation encompassed the deployment of an Offline Charging System (OFCS) to support accurate rating and charging, alongside systems for sales leads, CRM, and an upgraded product catalogue to enable tailored plans for both individual and enterprise customers. The new platform streamlined order capture, processing, management, and provisioning, leading to more efficient operations. An enhanced billing system was introduced to improve billing accuracy for enterprise clients.

To support a variety of services, the solution included network support for LTE, GSM, fixed-line, broadband, co-location, corporate APN, and toll-free services. A key component of the transformation was the development of integration adapters focused on reusability, ensuring seamless communication between systems.

Over 12,000 comprehensive test cases were executed during deployment, minimising disruptions and aligning the transformation with critical business milestones. The iterative design approach enabled the team to adapt to specific local customisation needs without impacting project timelines, culminating in a successful migration that matched existing revenue reports upon cutover. The architecture leveraged Canvas’s open, API-driven design, moving away from the previous point-to-point approach.

This facilitated better system exposure, standardisation, and future scalability. The platform supports LTE and TETRA networks and includes modules such as a Unified Product Catalogue, Offline Rating Engine, Postpaid Billing and Invoicing, Payment and Collection, Self-care, and Service Activation.

The API layer ensures easy integration with third-party systems and payment gateways, tailored to the operator’s specific requirements. The flexible, modular architecture allows for seamless future expansion, ensuring the solution remains aligned with evolving industry standards and customer expectations. This strategic approach minimised complexity and maximised operational agility.

Delivering value across the board

The deployment of Canvas delivered multiple benefits, including a centralised product catalogue that streamlined retail and corporate offerings, improving the customer experience. The retail and corporate billing systems now operate with minimal disputes, ensuring billing accuracy and efficiency. An integrated campaign and loyalty management system offers a comprehensive view of customer interactions, empowering targeted marketing and engagement strategies. Business process automation was achieved using Camunda-based Journey Management, which optimised critical workflows and enhanced operational efficiency.

The platform supports a wide array of networks, including 3G, 4G+, LTE, broadband/FTTx, IPTV/Cable TV, and IMS, serving diverse customer segments such as prepaid, postpaid, hybrid, and corporate clients. The legacy OCS and BSS systems were migrated successfully to the new cloud-native platform, ensuring a smooth transition. The modular and scalable design provides the flexibility to adapt to future technological developments and business needs. The impact of the digital transformation was substantial.

The telco expanded its customer base to include a broader range of segments, including prepaid, postpaid, hybrid, and corporate clients. Migration from legacy Huawei OCS and BSS systems was completed smoothly, supporting a user base of approximately 80,000 customers supported by Oracle Database.

Subscription growth increased by 32%, with monthly data usage per subscriber rising by 12%. Subscriber churn was reduced by 2.3%, indicating improved customer retention. Additionally, the operator experienced an increase in net new subscribers, reflecting the effectiveness of the new system in attracting and retaining customers. Overall, 6D Technologies’ Canvas platform empowered the operator to embark on a transformative journey — revitalising their BSS infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency, and delivering superior services to their customers. African Wireless Communications

Sixty-five people were killed during recent demonstrations as police used "disproportionate force", according to the state-funded policing watchdog.

In a report released yesterday, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) said police failed to notify it about most of the fatal shootings. 

The Authority said it observed "significant breaches of constitutional policing standards", including "lack of professionalism", during the protests that occurred on June 12, 17 and 25, and July 7.

IPOA deployed teams to monitor the protests following Albert Ojwang’s death, the anti-Finance Bill 2024 commemoration, and the Saba Saba anniversary. 

In its monitoring report, the Authority also recorded 342 civilian injuries, and 171 injuries from police officers. 

It also noted that the officers deployed on the streets were not provided with meals.

IPOA is faulting the National Police Service (NPS) for failing to furnish it with information on the circumstances surrounding the deaths of protesters. 

The watchdog has recommended to the Inspector General of Police (IG) to allocate sufficient budget to ensure that meals, water, and allowances are provided for police officers deployed to provide security during protests.

According to Section 25(2) of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority Act, 2011, police should, upon a death or serious injury, take all necessary steps to secure evidence which may be relevant for the investigation, including pictorial and written evidence, and must, in writing, notify the Authority, and supply it with the evidence and all other relevant facts. 

“The failure to notify IPOA of deaths undermines independent oversight, violates legal reporting obligations, and signals a worrying culture of non-compliance,” says the Authority in the report that covered 13 counties: Mombasa, Meru, Embu, Nyeri, Laikipia, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Kakamega, Kisumu, Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, and Machakos.

Out of the 65 documented fatalities, the Authority, as part of its investigations, has attended 61 autopsies so far.

One person, face mask hawker Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, was shot dead on June 17, while on June 25, some 23 civilians lost their lives to police brutality, and on July 7, about 43 people were killed, bringing the total to 65, according to IPOA, which linked the deaths to lack of professionalism, use of disproportionate force, and failure to uphold public safety and rights. 

Police have been accused of attempting to cover up their acts of commission and omission during the protests. Further, some officers were reported to have either concealed or cleared evidence from victims of gunshot wounds, a case in point being an incident in Juja where anti-riot officers were captured on camera dragging a protester into Juja Police Station during the Saba Saba protests.

The shocking video further showed the officers physically assaulting another man who was trying to assist the injured civilian.According to the IPOA report, some police vehicles had concealed number plates, and certain commanders had hidden their rank insignia and name tags. Uniformed officers were also seen without visible name tags or service numbers on their uniforms.

“The Authority observed police officers with concealed faces, moving in unmarked vehicles, lobbing teargas and firing at protesters. It was further noted that police concealed station names and the number plates of some vehicles,” says IPOA. 

IPOA noted that the protests in most of the monitored areas began peacefully. Except in Mombasa during the 25 June 2025 protests, other areas monitored began peacefully but later turned chaotic, culminating in the looting of shops and other businesses.

“Goons looted, torched, and vandalised government and private property in Nairobi, Kiambu, Nyeri, Nyandarua, Meru, Kirinyaga, Kajiado, Embu, and Laikipia,” says the report, whose main objectives, among others, were to monitor and document police conduct during protests, and assess officers' access to appropriate equipment, meals, drinking water, and lawful working conditions. 

The Authority noted patterns of rival demonstrations by goons determined to stop the protests from taking place, with some claiming to be protecting businesses from looters in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), Mombasa, and Eldoret.

“Participants in the counter-protests used motorcycles and walked through the streets wielding wooden sticks, crude weapons such as stones, and knives,” says the Authority.

IPOA monitors observed widespread destruction of both public and private property, including arson attacks on vehicles, government buildings, and private businesses. The police were unable to prevent the looting and destruction, appearing overwhelmed to manage the situation effectively.

Among other key recommendations to the IG include lawful protests not being mischaracterised as riots in order to minimise unnecessary violence, injuries, and resource strain.

The IG should also ensure all police assets and vehicles are clearly marked.

Additionally, the IGP should adopt the use of body-worn cameras and videography during protests to strengthen accountability and support evidence-based prosecution of offenders.

“The Inspector General of Police should ensure that medical personnel are facilitated during protests, and that prompt medical aid is provided to the injured. In line with Section 10(1)(h) of the National Police Service Act, the IGP should also establish a dedicated Public Hospital Security Unit to safeguard public medical facilities and support medical responders, especially in high-risk protest areas,” says IPOA.

The IG was also urged to establish mechanisms for proactive engagement with protest organisers to reduce tensions and foster mutual agreements on the security and management of assemblies.

“The Inspector General of Police, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, should ensure that County Policing Authorities, as provided under Section 41 of the National Police Service Act, are fully operational, well-resourced, and actively engaged,” the Authority recommended. By Hudson Gumbihi, The Standard

Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah has launched a scathing attack on opposition politicians, accusing them of hijacking the Gen Z-led protests to serve their own political interests without offering meaningful solutions.

Speaking during a local radio interview on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Wajackoyah noted that the initial Gen Z demonstrations were well-organised and issue-based. 

However, he observed a shift where opposition figures have infiltrated the movement, redirecting its energy toward personal attacks on President William Ruto rather than focusing on concrete reforms or policy proposals.

“First, Gen Z, everything was okay. Now we are seeing Gen Zs being hijacked by some of these opposition leaders to condemn Ruto. I don’t stand with that. There are these leaders who have now come in, and they have coined a message to condemn Ruto so that they can be seen as an alternative. What they are not telling us is what they will do after Ruto’s replacement,” Wajackoya said.

He questioned the opposition’s true intentions, arguing that their primary goal appears to be positioning themselves as an alternative to Ruto without outlining what change they intend to bring.

According to him, these leaders continuously criticise the current administration but remain silent on their own track records while in government.

He pointed out that some of them held powerful positions during past regimes when gross human rights violations occurred, including deaths in River Yala, yet they now present themselves as champions of justice.

“If you see them, they are not telling us what they did while in power; they have no moral authority to come in and interfere with the Gen Z revolution. Some of those fellows were very bad; some of them were ministers when people died in River Yala,” he added.

Wajackoyah insisted that these individuals lack the moral authority to involve themselves in the Gen Z movement, which he believes should remain free from political manipulation.

Gachagua’s tenure

In a rare moment of agreement, Wajackoyah acknowledged former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent efforts to provide explanations on state decisions during his tenure in office.

He stated that, despite their strained relationship, Gachagua is at least attempting to communicate—something he believes is lacking from other opposition figures.

 He suggested that even if Gachagua’s statements may be questionable, his willingness to speak out contrasts with the silence of those who once held powerful offices and are now seeking relevance without accountability.

“Maybe this time I am trying to agree with Gachagua, though we are not friends. Although we made a truce, Gachagua is telling people what Matiangi would have been telling people. Even if Gachagua is lying, he is at least telling us, I was told to do this, but the other leaders are not saying,” he added. Mabonga Makhangu, People Daily