Rural Africa has taken a giant leap forward in connectivity thanks to a new alliance between Tarana and Microsoft.

The companies unveiled plans to roll out next‑generation wireless broadband across underserved regions under Microsoft’s Airband Initiative. For residents long limited by spotty or prohibitively expensive internet, this partnership offers tangible hope.

At the heart of the collaboration is Tarana’s fixed wireless access (ngFWA) system, which delivers fiber-fast speeds without needing fiber lines critical in regions where laying cables is impractical.

The companies will supply government‑approved telecom gear at subsidized rates, alongside hands‑on training for local providers.

Tarana CEO Basil Alwan described the partnership as a milestone. “By working with Microsoft, we can dramatically reduce costs and complexity,” he said, highlighting how this model empowers smaller operators to leapfrog infrastructure hurdles.
For communities once locked out of digital life, this could be nothing short of transformative.

This effort builds on Microsoft’s commitment to connect 100 million people across Africa by year’s end.

Officials acknowledge that less than 30 percent of rural Africans currently enjoy reliable internet access making this rollout vital for education, commerce, healthcare, and civic engagement.