AFC and Vision invest back WIOCC’s pan-African digital expansion

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.