Internet

WIOCC secures US$300m investment to expand Africa’s digital infrastructure

WIOCC Group has secured a combined US$300mn investment from Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and Vision International Investment Company (Vision Invest) to accelerate the expansion of digital infrastructure across Africa

The investment follows the signing of a Shareholder Subscription Agreement (SSA) between WIOCC Group, AFC and Vision Invest at the LEAP 2026 Global Technology exhibition in Riyadh. The funding will support WIOCC Group’s strategy to develop and operate open-access, carrier-neutral digital infrastructure while strengthening connectivity and digital ecosystems across the continent.

Key investment highlights

• US$300mn: AFC and Vision Invest will make a combined investment in WIOCC Group.
• Pan-African expansion: WIOCC Group operates across more than 30 African countries.
• Data centre growth: The investment will accelerate data centre deployment and consolidation.
• Terrestrial fibre: WIOCC plans to expand its open-access terrestrial fibre footprint across Africa.
• Subsea infrastructure: The company will invest strategically in new subsea assets to strengthen international connectivity.
• Digital economy: The investment is intended to support growing demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data and digital services.
• Open-access infrastructure: WIOCC will continue developing infrastructure that enables businesses and service providers to access connectivity and digital services across African markets.                                                                                                                                                                                           

The investment comes as demand for digital infrastructure continues to increase across Africa. Internet adoption remains significantly below the global average, highlighting the need for further investment in connectivity and supporting infrastructure.

According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 35.7% of Africa’s population was using the internet in 2025, compared with a global average of 73.6%. At the same time, the expansion of cloud computing and artificial intelligence is increasing demand for high-capacity networks, data centres and international connectivity.

WIOCC Group has developed an extensive open-access digital infrastructure platform spanning terrestrial fibre, subsea connectivity and data centre infrastructure. Its operations support customers seeking to enter new markets and deliver digital services at scale.

The company is backed by African telecommunications operators and strategic investors, alongside international development and investment institutions. Its shareholder base includes Uganda Telecom, Dalkom Somalia, Djibouti Telecom, Mozambique Telecom (TMCEL), Zanzibar Telecom (Zantel), Botswana Fibre Networks (BoFiNet), Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA), ONATEL, TelOne and Telkom Kenya.

Commenting on this investment, Samaila Zubairu, president & CEO of AFC, said, ‘The Africa we build must be connected, competitive and equipped to create value from the digital economy, not only consume it. Just as transport corridors enable trade and energy networks power industry, fibre, data centres and subsea cables are now essential infrastructure for growth, innovation and AI. Our investment in WIOCC will expand the open-access digital backbone African businesses and communities need to integrate, innovate and compete globally.’

For WIOCC Group, the new investment will provide additional financial capacity to execute its long-term growth strategy across three core areas: data centres, terrestrial fibre and subsea infrastructure.

Chris Wood, group CEO of WIOCC Group, further explained, ‘Africa is uniquely positioned to capitalise on the next phase of global digital growth. As demand for cloud, AI and digital services accelerates, robust and scalable infrastructure will be essential to unlocking the continent’s potential. This investment enables WIOCC to execute its long-term growth strategy by accelerating data centre deployment and consolidation, expanding the continent’s open-access terrestrial fibre footprint and investing strategically in new subsea assets, strengthening Africa’s digital infrastructure platform and enhancing connectivity between the continent and key international markets.’

The investment also strengthens the partnership between WIOCC Group, AFC and Vision Invest as Africa enters a period of increasing demand for digital infrastructure.

President & CEO of Vision Invest, Omar N. Al-Midani, added, ‘WIOCC Group has built one of Africa's leading digital infrastructure platforms, and we are proud to partner together with AFC and WIOCC’s existing shareholders as the company enters its next phase of growth. Home to the world's youngest population and expected to account for more than one-quarter of the global population by 2050, demand for digital services in Africa will continue to rise, necessitating impactful investments in connectivity and digital ecosystems to unlock new opportunities for innovation, economic diversification and sustainable growth as well as opportunities for businesses, innovators and communities across Africa.’

The additional capital is expected to strengthen WIOCC Group’s financial position while supporting its expansion into new markets and enhancing its ability to respond to changing customer requirements.

Joshua Smythwood, group chief strategy and M&A Officer of WIOCC Group, concluded, ‘The successful completion of this investment marks an important step in WIOCC Group’s evolution, enhancing the Group’s financial strength and enabling the management team to strengthen our market position, accelerate growth, enhance our ability to meet the evolving needs of customers across Africa, and generate long-term value for investors and stakeholders.’

The US$300mn WIOCC investment represents a significant step in the development of Africa’s digital infrastructure ecosystem. With additional investment in data centres, terrestrial fibre and subsea assets, WIOCC Group aims to expand the open-access infrastructure needed to support cloud services, AI, digital businesses and cross-border connectivity across the continent.

ReuNION submarine cable strengthens La Réunion digital connectivity

Orange is partnering with a consortium of telecom operators and infrastructure companies, including Telco OI, Réunicable and La Réunion Connectée, on the ReuNION submarine cable project, a major digital infrastructure initiative designed to strengthen La Réunion’s international connectivity, improve network resilience and reduce latency

The ReuNION submarine cable forms part of a broader effort to modernise the island’s undersea telecommunications infrastructure, with some existing systems approaching the end of their operational life. The next-generation cable will provide a more direct international connection to South Africa, supporting long-term network performance, resilience and growing digital traffic demands.

Orange to manage cable landing and deployment

As part of the consortium, Orange will act as the “landing party”, taking responsibility for the physical arrival of the submarine cable on La Réunion and its connection to terrestrial networks. This role includes securing permits from local authorities, managing civil engineering works at the landing site, establishing a secure landing station and connecting the submarine cable to the island’s digital infrastructure.

This critical link will transform the submarine cable into an accessible connectivity resource for operators and users across La Réunion.

For the project, Orange Marine will be responsible for cable deployment, while the design and manufacturing of the system will be entrusted to Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN), in line with the project’s technical and regulatory requirements.

The ReuNION project benefits from European financial support, notably through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) programme, which is dedicated to developing strategic digital infrastructure. It has also received funding approval from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

These initiatives demonstrate the European Union’s commitment to strengthening digital connectivity in overseas territories such as La Réunion and recognise ReuNION as strategic infrastructure at the European level.

Following the signing of agreements among consortium members, the next phases will include detailed marine surveys, permit applications and the simultaneous launch of cable manufacturing and laying operations.

“This future cable is key to La Réunion's digital development and regional growth – it will meet the rising traffic demands and the need for resilience. In line with our 'Trust the future' strategy, we are investing in this project and will leverage our expertise in its construction, including deployment and landing,” states Jean-Louis Le Roux, executive vice-president of Orange International Networks.

Orange expands global submarine cable expertise

Worldwide, Orange is involved in over 40 submarine cables totalling nearly 450,000 km of fiber. The Group combines expertise in designing, deploying and operating cutting-edge infrastructure, ranging from very high-speed terrestrial networks and subsea cables to landing stations.

With its extensive expertise in submarine infrastructure and reliable, secure international connectivity, Orange holds a strong position in the sector and is a key partner in developing digital infrastructure.

Through its subsidiary Orange Marine, Orange handles the laying and maintenance of submarine cables. In addition, Orange Wholesale operates a strategic network of cable landing points across the Group’s territories, facilitating interconnection between submarine cables and terrestrial networks.

The ReuNION submarine cable will strengthen La Réunion’s international connectivity by providing a more direct route to South Africa, while improving network resilience and supporting the island’s long-term digital development.

AFR-IX and OAN strengthen Limpopo digital infrastructure

AFR-IX Telecom and Open Access Network are strengthening their collaboration to develop a reference data centre in Limpopo while expanding access to high-capacity fibre infrastructure across the province

The partnership will extend connectivity capabilities in key locations including Louis Trichardt, Polokwane, Musina, Tzaneen and Mokopane, bringing data centre, fibre and international connectivity services closer to businesses, telecommunications providers and communities.

Open Access Network owns and operates an open-access fibre network in Polokwane, providing telecommunications operators and internet service providers with access to shared, neutral infrastructure. The company has worked with AFR-IX Telecom since 2024 through an existing colocation agreement.

Under the expanded arrangement, Open Access Network will continue to lead fibre network deployment and operations while contributing its metropolitan fibre infrastructure. AFR-IX Telecom will supply IP Transit services, international connectivity and data centre equipment.

The two companies will jointly operate a reference data centre serving Limpopo. The facility will incorporate AFR-IX Telecom technology and provide carrier-grade hosting, connectivity and network services within the province.

The collaboration is already supported by three network and data centre facilities. OAN-PTG-NOC-001, also known as PTG-01, is operational, while OAN-TUR-NOC-001, or TUR-01, is also operational. OAN-PTG-NOC-002, known as PTG-02, is currently being developed and is expected to become operational within 60 days of publication of the article.

Open Access Network has built around 130 km of fibre routes across Limpopo’s cities and towns. Through agreements with other neutral fibre operators, it can also access open ducts and fibre infrastructure, extending its reach across the communities where it operates.

Its current infrastructure footprint includes approximately 1,500 aerial fibre home passes and connectivity to nine active business parks and residential apartment developments, alongside its 130 km metropolitan fibre network.

The company has also demonstrated its ability to deliver fibre infrastructure rapidly, including a previous deployment of approximately 4 km of fibre in seven days. Additional smaller-scale network extensions can be completed at short notice, depending on route feasibility, required approvals and confirmed deployment specifications.

Expanding broadband reach

The partners are targeting approximately 10,000 home passes across Polokwane by 2027. The planned expansion will combine aerial and underground fibre infrastructure to extend broadband availability throughout the city.

The development is expected to create further wholesale opportunities for local service providers while improving access to high-speed connectivity for businesses and residential developments. It could also provide infrastructure to support emerging smart-city applications and increasing digital service requirements.

“Polokwane is a strategic growth market for AFR-IX Telecom, and our continued investment in fibre infrastructure and network facilities demonstrates our long-term commitment to enabling world-class digital connectivity for businesses, communities, and future smart city initiatives. Our partnership with Open Access Network represents exactly the type of collaboration AFR-IX Telecom is committed to developing across Africa working with strong local partners to bring high-quality, resilient connectivity closer to the communities and businesses that need it most. By combining Open Access Networks’ fibre infrastructure across Limpopo with AFR-IX Telecom’s IP Transit expertise and international connectivity capabilities, we are creating a new benchmark for resilient, carrier-grade digital infrastructure in the region and building a strong foundation for economic growth, innovation, and digital inclusion.” — Craig Young, Country Manager – Southern Africa, AFR-IX Telecom

“Our partnership with AFR-IX Telecom allows us to strengthen Limpopo’s digital ecosystem by bringing carrier-grade IP Transit and data centre capabilities closer to local operators. Together, we are reducing dependency on infrastructure outside the province and enabling ISPs, enterprises, and network operators to access reliable connectivity with greater efficiency and flexibility.” — Ben Mutero, Regional Technical Support (RTS) Open Access Network

The expanded collaboration forms part of AFR-IX Telecom’s broader approach of working with regional infrastructure providers to strengthen digital networks across Africa. By combining local fibre assets with international connectivity and data centre capabilities, the partnership aims to improve network resilience while supporting wider digital participation and economic activity in Limpopo.

MTN partners to accelerate AI and data centre growth in Africa

The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence is driving a new wave of demand for computing power, cloud services and data-intensive technologies

As African markets accelerate their digital transformation, the availability of reliable, scalable and locally based infrastructure is becoming increasingly important to the continent’s economic competitiveness.

In response to this growing requirement, MTN Digital Infrastructure has announced a strategic partnership with a UAE-based data centre investment platform to support the development of AI-ready digital infrastructure across Africa.

The collaboration forms part of MTN’s Ambition 2030 strategy and is intended to strengthen the infrastructure base needed to support the continent’s evolving digital economy. It will focus on creating platforms capable of meeting rising requirements from cloud providers, enterprises, digital businesses and AI applications.

The partnership will bring together MTN Digital Infrastructure’s established presence across African markets, infrastructure assets and local market expertise with the UAE investment platform’s experience in data centre development, investment and operations.

The two organisations will use Africa Data Hub Holding Limited as the vehicle for developing and expanding future digital infrastructure projects in selected African markets. South Africa and Nigeria will be the initial focus markets, with opportunities expected to be developed and scaled as demand increases.

Bayobab, MTN’s digital connectivity business and a shareholder in the partnership, will complement the initiative by providing open-access connectivity and go-to-market capabilities. Through its pan-African network, Bayobab will help connect customers to digital infrastructure services across different markets.

The UAE-based investment platform was established by Tarek Al Ashram, a data centre developer, operator and investor with experience in the Middle Eastern market.

"Africa's digital economy is entering a new era, driven by rapid advances in artificial intelligence, cloud adoption and digital innovation. Realising this opportunity requires more than connectivity. It requires the infrastructure platforms that will power the next generation of digital services, businesses and innovation," said Mazen Mroué, CEO of MTN Group Digital Infrastructure.

"This partnership is a step forward in the execution of our digital infrastructure strategy and demonstrates the power of collaboration. Together, we are bringing investment, infrastructure expertise, connectivity and market access into a single platform capable of supporting hyperscalers, cloud providers, enterprises and technology innovators across Africa."

The investment platform sees parallels between Africa’s developing digital infrastructure requirements and the growth experienced in the Middle East. It intends to apply its experience in developing and managing large-scale data centre facilities to African markets through the new platform.

“Over the past years, we have seen firsthand how the development of world-class data centre infrastructure can support the rapid growth of cloud, digital services and AI across the Middle East. Africa now presents a similarly compelling opportunity, driven by strong underlying demand, rapidly expanding digital economies and an increasing need for resilient and scalable infrastructure”, Tarek Al Ashram said.

“We see significant potential to bring our experience in developing and operating large-scale data centre platforms to African markets, and Africa Data Hub Holding Limited provides the right platform through which to invest in and help shape that growth. Combining this experience with MTN's extensive African footprint and deep understanding of its markets gives us a strong foundation from which to build and scale the platform across the continent.”

The new partnership is expected to support MTN’s broader objective of developing open and scalable digital infrastructure capable of enabling innovation and expanding economic opportunities.

By combining investment capacity, data centre expertise, connectivity and local market knowledge, Africa Data Hub Holding Limited is positioned to support the growing infrastructure requirements associated with cloud computing, enterprise digitisation and artificial intelligence.

The initiative also reflects the increasing importance of data centres to Africa’s digital development. As demand for AI and cloud-based services expands, locally hosted and resilient computing infrastructure will be essential to improving access to advanced technologies and supporting the growth of Africa’s digital economy.

Through the partnership, MTN aims to strengthen the infrastructure ecosystem needed for the continent’s next stage of digital growth while helping position African markets to participate more effectively in the global digital economy.