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Driving Digital Transformation: NuRAN Wireless and the Expansion of Africa’s Connectivity

Posted by Paul Nanuwa at 10:46 AM on Thursday, September 19th, 2024

Introduction:

As Africa continues its digital transformation journey, the continent’s undersea internet cables symbolize a pivotal leap in bridging the digital divide. These technological advancements not only reshape connectivity but also catalyze economic growth and societal progress. Amid these developments, NuRAN Wireless is playing a vital role, aligning its ambitious goals with industry innovations. As we trace the history of undersea cables and their profound impact on connectivity, NuRAN Wireless stands poised to capitalize on the current momentum, supported by its strategic milestones and ongoing expansion into underserved regions.

Industry Outlook and NuRAN Wireless’s Trajectory

The rapid development of Africa’s internet infrastructure, driven by undersea cables, has brought increased bandwidth, lower internet costs, and new digital opportunities across the continent. However, while urban centers have reaped the rewards, rural and remote areas still grapple with significant connectivity gaps. As a leading supplier of mobile and broadband wireless infrastructure, NuRAN Wireless is strategically positioned to address these gaps with its Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) model. By deploying cost-effective, scalable solutions, NuRAN is extending connectivity to regions previously out of reach.

NuRAN’s efforts align with industry trends highlighted in the macro-level overview. The ongoing investments in undersea cables have improved internet access for businesses, educational institutions, and healthcare providers, and NuRAN’s infrastructure solutions aim to amplify these gains by bringing high-speed mobile access to even the most remote areas.

Voices of Authority

NuRAN Wireless CEO, Francis Letourneau emphasizes that connectivity is the gateway to unlocking Africa’s economic potential.

“We are committed to bridging the connectivity gap in rural and underserved regions of Africa. Our solutions are not just about bringing mobile networks to these areas; they’re about empowering communities with access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.” – Francis Letourneau, CEO, NuRAN Wireless

This statement reflects NuRAN’s strategic approach, as the company continues to focus on empowering underserved communities with reliable and affordable wireless services. By aligning with these industry dynamics, NuRAN is not just building towers—it’s building opportunities for growth, innovation, and inclusivity.

“Our NaaS model is a game-changer for Africa. It allows us to rapidly deploy affordable and scalable solutions to areas where traditional network rollouts have been economically unviable, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital revolution.”- Francis Letourneau, CEO, NuRAN Wireless

NuRAN Wireless’s Highlights

NuRAN has made significant strides in expanding rural connectivity across Africa, and its recent achievements reflect its growing role in the sector. The company has signed multiple NaaS agreements, including a five-year contract with MTN Benin for the deployment of up to 200 new sites. This brings NuRAN’s total contracted sites to over 5,000, surpassing 50% of its goal to build 10,000 sites within five years.

These deployments are particularly notable in countries like Cameroon, where NuRAN is working to complete 122 sites while also launching operations in Ivory Coast, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. By leveraging its flexible business model, NuRAN continues to expand its presence in regions with the highest need for reliable internet access.

Key Highlights and Advantages: A Quarter of Growth

NuRAN’s second-quarter financial results for 2024 reflect the company’s strong operational performance and strategic initiatives:

  • Revenue Surge: NuRAN reported a revenue of $1.51 million for Q2 2024, a 151% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This surge is primarily attributed to the growth of its NaaS revenue, including backdated billing in Cameroon, which was not invoiced in the previous year.
  • Impressive Gross Profit: The company’s gross profit soared by 646%, reaching $1.19 million, a significant turnaround from the negative gross profit reported in Q2 2023. This improvement highlights the effectiveness of NuRAN’s operations in Cameroon, where the gross margin hit 79% for the quarter.
  • Controlled Expenses: While total expenses rose by 58% to $4.01 million, largely due to increased financial costs related to short-term borrowings, NuRAN successfully reduced its net loss by 14% to $2.43 million, signaling better cost management and operational efficiency.

Real-World Relevance

For the everyday investor, NuRAN’s contributions to Africa’s connectivity can be likened to the construction of highways in an isolated region. Just as these roads open up new routes for commerce and communication, NuRAN’s mobile towers bring the internet to people and businesses that were previously cut off from the digital economy. By expanding mobile coverage to rural areas, NuRAN is not only enabling local businesses to reach new markets but also providing access to essential services like telemedicine and e-learning, which can significantly improve quality of life.

Looking Ahead with NuRAN Wireless

NuRAN’s forward-looking strategy is well-aligned with the optimistic industry forecast. As Africa continues to build its digital backbone with undersea cables and complementary technologies, the need for mobile and broadband infrastructure in remote areas will only grow. NuRAN’s vision of deploying cost-efficient, sustainable wireless solutions positions the company to be a critical player in the next wave of Africa’s connectivity revolution. With projects lined up across multiple countries and strategic partnerships in place, NuRAN is prepared to seize new opportunities in both existing and emerging markets.

Conclusion:

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, NuRAN Wireless is emerging as a key contributor to Africa’s connectivity growth. As the industry continues to expand and adapt to new challenges, NuRAN’s innovative solutions and strategic deployment of mobile networks put the company at the forefront of closing the digital divide. The company’s commitment to bridging connectivity gaps and fostering inclusive development makes it a strong contender in the race to shape Africa’s digital future.

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Great Atlantic Resources $GR.ca – Central Banks See Ravenous Demand For Gold In Q2 To Protect Against Looming Risks $OM.ca $GGX.ca $GWM.ca $CNX.ca $SIC.ca $MOZ.ca $AGB.ca

Posted by AGORACOM at 9:40 AM on Thursday, August 1st, 2019

SPONSOR: Great Atlantic Resources Corp (TSX-V: GR) Great Atlantic Resources. A Canadian exploration company focused on the discovery and development of mineral assets in the resource-rich and sovereign risk-free realm of Atlantic Canada, one of the number one mining regions of the world. Great Atlantic is currently surging forward building the company utilizing a Project Generation model, with a special focus on the most critical elements on the planet that are prominent in Atlantic Canada, Antimony, Tungsten and Gold. Click Here for More Info

  • Central banks’ insatiable appetite for gold dominated the marketplace between April and June, according to the latest data from the World Gold Council
  • Global gold demand totaled 1,123 tonnes in the second quarter, up 8% from the second quarter of 2018.
  • For the first half of the year, physical gold demand rose of 2,181.7 tonnes, its highest level in three years.

(Kitco News) – Central banks’ insatiable appetite for gold dominated the marketplace between April and June, according to the latest data from the World Gold Council (WGC).

In its second-quarter Gold Demand Trends report, the council said that central banks bought a total of 224 tonnes of gold between April and June. Official gold reserves increased by 374.1 tonnes in the first half of the year — “the largest net H1 increase in global gold reserves in our 19-year quarterly data series,” the analysts said in the report.

“Buying was again spread across a diverse range of – largely emerging market – countries,” the WGC said.

The WGC said that nine central banks bought gold in the first half of the year.

“Central banks, like other investors, sought safety in gold as they looked to protect themselves in the face of many looming risks,” the analysts said.

The report said that global gold demand totaled 1,123 tonnes in the second quarter, up 8% from the second quarter of 2018. For the first half of the year, physical gold demand rose of 2,181.7 tonnes, its highest level in three years.

The report highlighted renewed strength in key sectors of the gold market. In particular, gold jewelry demand in India increased by 12% to 168.8 tonnes, compared to the second quarter of 2018. This was the best year-over-year quarterly increase since the second quarter of 2017.

“Indian demand was boosted early in the quarter by the wedding season and festival buying, before slowing sharply as the gold price rallied in June,” the report said.

The WGC noted that India’s gold demand faces strong headwinds as purchases have come to a “virtual standstill.”

“The slowing economic environment and restrictions on the movement of cash during the elections were a drag on demand in April and May,” the report said.

The India gold market was also hit with higher tariffs in early July with import duties rising to 12.5% from 10%.

“Although we do not expect this to have a long-term impact on gold demand in India, we do see it having a dampening impact on Q3, particularly as gold prices have remained elevated,” the WGC said.

While India saw strong growth in the second quarter, the world’s largest gold consuming nation saw its third consecutive quarterly drop. The WGC said that Chinese jewelry demand dropped by 4% in Q2 to 137.8 tonnes.

“Demand ground to a halt once the June price rally began and retailer’s promotional efforts could not tempt consumers back. Reportedly, showrooms were deserted as the quarter came to a close,” the analysts said.

ETF Investment Demand Remains Robust

The second quarter started on a sour note for gold investors but ended with a bang, according to the report. Renewed interest in gold-backed exchange-traded products led the investment surge, increasing by 67.2 tonnes in the second quarter an increase of 99% from the second quarter of 2018.

The gains were predominantly seen in June as the month saw inflows of 126.7 tonnes, reversing April’s outflows of 57.2 tonnes. The WGC said that total hold holding reached a six-year high of 2,548 tonnes in the first half of the year.

“Geopolitical uncertainty, dovish monetary policy commentary by central banks, and a rising gold price were among the key factors that drove investors to increase their holdings,” the analysts said.

The WGC highlighted the growing trend of European and U.K. investors leading the way in the gold market. It noted that U.K.-listed funds accounted for 75% of all global inflows during the second quarter.

“Investors sought the safe haven of gold amid the uncertainty surrounding Brexit and the leadership battle that followed Theresa May’s resignation as Prime Minister,” the analysts said. “The sharp drop in the value of the pound also fueled inflows during the quarter as the U.K.’s growth prospects were cut following repeated failures in Brexit negotiations.”

The WGC added that historic negative bond yields in German bonds also added to gold’s investment appeal.

Lackluster Coin and Bar Demand

Although investors have been jumping into gold-backed ETFs, interest in physical gold was fairly muted. The WGC said that gold coin and bar demand dropped 12% in Q2 to 476.9 tonnes, the lowest level since 2009. They noted that June’s sharp price rally has weighed on physical demand.

“This market has been struggling for some time, with many traditional gold investors focused on America’s healthy economic growth, low unemployment, and continued wage growth,” the WGC said. “The gold price rally in June triggered selling by some investors, and coin premiums in the secondary market fell to their lowest level since before the global financial crisis, spurring gold exports from the US to Germany.”

Tech Sector Sees Lower Gold Demand

Although not a significant factor for the physical gold market, analysts said that the tech sector saw gold demand drop by 3% in the second quarter to 81.1 tonnes.

“This was the third consecutive quarter of falling demand, due to a range of challenges in the electronics sector, including the ongoing trade dispute between China and the US. However, there are signs of recovery and we expect declines to continue to slow throughout H2 2019,” the WGC said.

Gold Supply Rises Due To Record Production

The council noted that robust gold demand is being met with strong production; the analysts said that gold supply increased by 6% in the second quarter to 1,186.7 tonnes. The supply was led by record gold production between April and June.

The WGC added that gold production increased by 2% to 882.6 tonnes in the second quarter. “This is a record level of global output for a second quarter and follows on from a Q1 record of 847.5t.

Global gold production was let by Canada, Russia and the U.S. that saw their domestic production increase by 9% in the third quarter. Australia, which has reported record gold production in 2018 saw an increase of 6% in the second quarter.

The WGC also noted an increase in recycled gold as consumers sold into higher prices late in the quarter.

SOURCE: By Neils Christensen

Great Atlantic Resources $GR.ca – Gold Heats Up And Silver Joins The Race $OM.ca $GGX.ca $GWM.ca $CNX.ca $SIC.ca $MOZ.ca $AGB.ca

Posted by AGORACOM at 11:06 AM on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2019

SPONSOR: Great Atlantic Resources. A Canadian exploration company focused on the discovery and development of mineral assets in the resource-rich and sovereign risk-free realm of Atlantic Canada, one of the number one mining regions of the world. Great Atlantic is currently surging forward building the company utilizing a Project Generation model, with a special focus on the most critical elements on the planet that are prominent in Atlantic Canada, Antimony, Tungsten and Gold. Click Here for More Info

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GR: TSX-V
  • Next level for gold is $1500
  • Ray Dalio, Billionaire hedge fund manager pro gold
  • Potential interest rate cuts gold positive

Now that gold has broken through the $1,450 an ounce level, a six-high year high, the next big test is $1,500. And as I’ve said before, it can do this in the blink of an eye under the right conditions.

We may end up seeing those conditions emerge sooner rather than later.

Last Thursday, Federal Reserve Bank of New York President John Williams seemed to indicate that a rate cut could be expected later this month, saying that central bankers need to “act quickly” as economic growth cools. Although he later clarified his comment, claiming he was simply citing research and not forecasting central bank action, the price of gold jumped as much as 2 percent on the news before closing above $1,440 for the first time since May 2013.

Investors took some profits last Friday, knocking the price down around 1 percent after gold started to look overbought a day earlier. The metal was up two standard deviations over the past 60 trading days, its highest level since April 2016. I would consider each pullback such as this a buying opportunity, though, because I believe the best is yet to come for the metal.

Gold Price Up Two Standard Deviations

Gold Price Up Two Standard Deviations U.S. Global Investors

Ray Dalio seems to agree. In a lengthy post on LinkedIn—Dalio’s favorite platform for getting the word out—the billionaire hedge fund manager writes that he thinks we’re on the verge of a new economic paradigm shift and that central banks’ accommodative policies, from low rates to quantitative easing (QE), are unsustainable. To hedge against this, Dalio says, “I believe that it would be both risk-reducing and return-enhancing to consider adding gold to one’s portfolio.” Most investors are underweighted in gold, “meaning that if they just wanted to have a better balanced portfolio to reduce risk, they would have more of this sort of asset,” he writes.

A Monster Rally for Juniors

Select junior and micro-cap gold and precious metal miners also posted very strong growth over the past week, mostly on positive drilling results. In a press release dated July 15, Brixton Metals announced encouraging results at its wholly owned Thorn Gold-Copper-Silver Project in British Columbia. Gary Thompson, chairman and CEO of the Vancouver-based explorer and developer, said that Brixton “continues to unlock a mountain of value” at the property, which exhibits even greater mineralization than was previously thought.

Junior Miners Had a Strong Week

Junior Miners Had a Strong Week U.S. Global Investors

As for silver, I’m pleased to see that it’s finally playing “catch up” to gold, its price having hit a 52-week high after an incredible six straight days of gains.

Silver Is Trying to Narrow Its Gap With Gold

Silver Is Trying to Narrow Its Gap With Gold U.S. Global Investors

The Bullish Calls on Gold Continue

With gold having already broken out of its five-year trading range, is the best still yet to come?

I believe it is. And I’m not alone. Read what some analysts and strategists have to say:

Alpine Macro

“The Fed is getting ready to cut interest rates, which should set in motion a multi-year bear market in the dollar,” write analysts at Alpine Macro in a research note dated June 28. A weaker U.S. dollar is one of three “key ingredients” for a bull market, according to Alpine Macro, the other two being a more accommodative Fed and rising geopolitical risks.

“The technical break above $1,400 an ounce is a positive sign,” the firm adds. “New all-time highs for gold should be seen in the coming years.”

World Gold Council (WGC)

“The prospect of lower interest rates should support gold investment demand,” the World Gold Council (WGC) says in its mid-year outlook. “Our research indicates that the gold price was higher in the 12 months following the end of a tightening cycle. Moreover, historical gold returns are more than twice their long-term average during periods of negative real rates—like the one we are likely to see later this year.”

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)

“We continue to see no signs of rate hikes on the horizon over the next several years, and historically have seen gold continue on an upward trajectory beyond the last rate cut,” writes CIBC in a note dated July 14.

The bank points out that in two previous gold bull market cycles—in the 1970s and 2000s—negative real rates were the main contributing factor.

“During the last two major periods when real rates stayed below the 2 percent level and actually ticked into negative territory, the gold price moved over 320 percent in the 1970s… and approximately 400 percent from 2004 to peak in 2011.”

For full disclosures pertaining to this post click here.

PyroGenesis Announces Potential Contract; Over $20M First Year Revenues Plus Significant Subsequent Years Revenues $LMT $RTN $NOC $UTX $HPQ.ca $DDD.ca $SSYS $PRLB

Posted by AGORACOM at 9:16 AM on Monday, April 29th, 2019
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MONTREAL, April 29, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PyroGenesis Canada Inc. (http://pyrogenesis.com) (TSX-V: PYR) (OTCQB: PYRNF) (FRA: 8PY), a high-tech company, (the “Company”, the “Corporation” or “PyroGenesis”) that designs, develops, manufactures and commercializes plasma atomized metal powder, plasma waste-to-energy systems and plasma torch products, today announced that a potential contract (“Contract”) of over $20M in first year revenues, together with significant subsequent years revenues, is imminent.

Mr. P. Peter Pascali, President and CEO of PyroGenesis, provides additional information in the following Q&A format.

Q. How significant is this potential Contract?

A. If awarded, as we anticipate, this Contract would be the single largest Contract in the Company’s history, representing over 3x last year’s revenues, and addresses the need of a very significant entity. Obviously, this Contract would also make PyroGenesis profitable.

Q. Do you have the infrastructure in place to perform under this Contract and will you need to hire additional personal to complete?

A. We have both the infrastructure and personnel in place to complete the project. We do not anticipate the need for additional capex or hiring more than one additional person. As a result, we anticipate very high margins with this Contract.

Q. Can you give us a sense of the economics, timeframe and details of the subsequent year revenues?

A. Most certainly.

First year revenues of $20M, together with subsequent year revenues, all meet our minimum targeted gross margins.

The net present value of all subsequent year’s revenues (using a 5% discount rate) is between $30-50M, giving the Contract a total value of between $50-70M.

Q. Why did you say “imminent”, and what are the next steps?

A. We said imminent because we expect this to be formally recognized shortly. Once this formal recognition has taken place, there will be a contractual arrangement after which a formal signing will kick off the Contract. This contractual arrangement will be quite detailed as it spans several years.

Q. What product line is this Contract for?

A. As much as I would like to, I cannot disclose, at this time, which business line it is in, or even where it is geographically. What I can disclose is that it is not related to our Military business line, and that it fits very well with our announcements over the past six months.

Q. How confident are you that this will materialize in the near term? 

A. There is always a risk, but we are of the opinion that all major hurdles have been dealt with, and the path is now clear to contract. As a result, we felt this was material news and we have an obligation to our shareholders to disclose at this time even before the formal contract is awarded.

Q. How does this impact the long-term prospects for the Company?

A. As disclosed, this will be a very significant Contract for the Company. This is in addition to the approximately $12M in revenues that will be generated from the two-build order for Plasma Waste Destruction Systems for the US Navy, we previously announced, which translates into combined revenues well in excess of $30M over the next 12-18 months.

About PyroGenesis Canada Inc.

PyroGenesis Canada Inc., a high-tech company, is the world leader in the design, development, manufacture and commercialization of advanced plasma processes and products. We provide engineering and manufacturing expertise, cutting-edge contract research, as well as turnkey process equipment packages to the defense, metallurgical, mining, advanced materials (including 3D printing), oil & gas, and environmental industries. With a team of experienced engineers, scientists and technicians working out of our Montreal office and our 3,800 m2 manufacturing facility, PyroGenesis maintains its competitive advantage by remaining at the forefront of technology development and commercialization. Our core competencies allow PyroGenesis to lead the way in providing innovative plasma torches, plasma waste processes, high-temperature metallurgical processes, and engineering services to the global marketplace. Our operations are ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certified, and have been since 1997. PyroGenesis is a publicly-traded Canadian Corporation on the TSX Venture Exchange (Ticker Symbol: PYR) and on the OTCQB Marketplace. For more information, please visit www.pyrogenesis.com.

INTERVIEW: QE2 Acquisition Corp. (QE: TSX-V) – Robust Growth Marks This Compelling Infrastructure Play

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 9:51 AM on Monday, November 24th, 2014

QE: TSX-V

Robust Growth Marks This Compelling Infrastructure Play

Welcome to CEO Interviews a production of AGORACOM in which we speak to small cap CEOs and Executives about their companies.  With us today is Brent Buhler, VP Finance of QE2 Acquisition Corp.

  • Alberta-founded firm that acquires and grows well-managed, profitable, asset-backed, Alberta-based businesses in the infrastructure and utility service sectors.
  • More than just lip service, QE2 reported revenues of ~ $2.3M for the quarter ended July 31
  • Growth strategy is a mergers and acquisitions program which leverages the synergies that can be achieved by vertical and horizontal integration.

Hub On AGORACOM / Corporate Profile / Watch Interview Now!