What if Africa’s telecom future isn’t about bigger networks—but smarter, sharper services that actually understand their users?

In this episode of the TechAfrica News Podcast, Chief Editor and Founder Akim Benamara sits down with Roman Khalenkov, Chief Commercial Officer at PortaOne, for a wide-ranging look at Africa’s evolving telecom space. With over two decades of experience across product strategy, sales, and consulting, Khalenkov brings grounded insight into where the industry is headed—and what’s still holding it back.

About Our Guest

Roman Khalenkov is a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in the telecommunications industry. His career spans leadership roles across sales, organizational management, product development, management consulting, and marketing strategy. As Chief Commercial Officer at PortaOne, he continues to shape the future of digital infrastructure, bringing a rare blend of technical insight and commercial acumen to every conversation.

Telecom’s Evolution: From Fax Machines to Smart Devices

Khalenkov opens with a reflection on Africa’s mobile-first development. Unlike markets burdened by outdated systems, many African countries skipped straight to digital, creating space for faster transformation. “We don’t see fax machines here,” he quipped—marking how Africa often bypasses what others must phase out.

Fragmented Markets, Uneven Regulation

He quickly adds nuance: Africa isn’t one telecom market—it’s over 50, each with its own rules. South Africa, with minimal licensing barriers, fosters innovation. Nigeria, in contrast, has issued MVNO licenses but lacks a clear business framework, leaving many operators stalled.

The Three MVNO Models That Work

Khalenkov outlines three MVNO models gaining traction:

• Franchise Replication across borders (e.g. Lebara).
• High-volume IoT deployments to offset low ARPU.
• Niche, high-margin segments like sea-to-shore connectivity.

Success, he notes, comes from knowing your market, not just having the tech.

Smart Software, Smarter Scaling

For PortaOne, software is what turns ideas into operational scale. Billing, CRM, KYC systems—they all need to work together. With automation and integration tools now more accessible, even smaller providers can deliver a seamless customer experience.

On AI: A Tool, Not a Revolution—Yet

While AI dominates headlines, Khalenkov remains cautious. “It’s not a game changer—yet,” he says. For now, AI is best suited to support functions like call centres and technical support, where structure and automation matter more than novelty.

“I think it's premature today to talk about AI as a game changer, specifically in telecoms. It will come there eventually, and we can speak about how I see where it will come first. But today, I simply don't see that as more than just an additional piece of functionality.

- Roman Khalenkov, Chief Commercial Officer, PortaOne

This episode was filmed on: 13 November 2024 in Cape Town

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