Airtel and Cisco Launch Network-as-a-Service to Curb Data Losses in Ugandan Enterprises

Uncontrolled data losses at the company level may soon be a thing of the past, thanks to a new Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) solution launched in Uganda. The platform, a partnership between Airtel Uganda and global tech leader Cisco, aims to simplify enterprise IT infrastructure while enabling businesses to scale securely, flexibly, and intelligently.

The cloud-managed, subscription-based model replaces the need for companies to invest heavily in complex networking hardware. It offers smart connectivity, real-time monitoring, and advanced cybersecurity features — all designed to give businesses full control over their data and bandwidth usage without demanding in-house IT capacity.

Speaking at the launch in Kampala, Airtel Uganda General Manager Soumendra Sahu said the solution empowers businesses to focus on their core operations. “Instead of managing routers, servers, and security risks, companies can now let NaaS handle their networking needs — scalable, secure, and fully supported,” said Sahu. “We believe in a Uganda where businesses can focus on delivering to customers, creating jobs, and innovating.”

Powered by Cisco Meraki, the NaaS platform includes plug-and-play access points, cloud dashboards for real-time control, built-in firewalls, VPNs, threat detection, and role-based access control. Javed Johar, a Cisco executive, demonstrated how even small institutions like local hospitals can remotely prioritize bandwidth for medical applications and block non-essential streaming via a mobile dashboard.

“You may have internet, but if you don’t know what’s draining your bandwidth, you’re driving blind,” Johar said. “Now, with Airtel and Cisco, every school, hospital, or bank can operate like a Fortune 500 company.” He added that the platform enables users to detect misuse, block harmful content, automate diagnostics, and reboot devices remotely, all without touching a single cable.

Charles Mugasa, Airtel Uganda’s Business Development Manager, positioned the initiative as part of Airtel's broader vision of becoming Africa’s preferred digital enabler. He said the company is building Africa’s most connected infrastructure, with over 81,000 kilometers of fiber, more than 100 regional Points of Presence, 10 undersea cables, and satellite uplinks to serve even the most remote areas.

Mugasa emphasized that the network’s design ensures continuity, noting that even if Kenya goes offline, Uganda remains connected. The service is tailored to support mission-critical sectors. In financial services, it ensures data safety through PCI-compliant encryption and branch segmentation. In education, it allows for student device tracking and centralized Wi-Fi management. 

In healthcare, the platform supports Internet of Things (IoT) technologies for remote monitoring and diagnostics. In the retail and manufacturing sectors, it secures point-of-sale systems and enables automated software updates. In line with their commitment to social impact, Airtel and Cisco are aligning the NaaS solution with initiatives to promote digital inclusion. 

These include partnerships with UNICEF and the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to connect rural schools, as well as with the Mastercard Foundation to support youth digital skills development. Starlink has also joined the effort to extend connectivity to hard-to-reach areas. “Connectivity should not be a luxury — it’s a necessity,” Mugasa said. “Our mission is to serve both businesses and communities.” 

With over one million enterprise mobility users, Airtel Business is positioning itself at the forefront of digital transformation in Africa. This latest launch marks a significant milestone in enabling secure, intelligent, and affordable enterprise networking without the burden of traditional infrastructure. “Let us take care of your network, so you can take care of your business,” concluded Sahu. “This is the invisible engine behind your visible success.”