Internet

DE-CIX, Internet pour tous and UNITED S.A. have expanded ACIX into a second Kinshasa data centre to strengthen regional interconnection

DE-CIX, in collaboration with the NGO Internet pour tous and Kinshasa-based connectivity and web hosting provider UNITED S.A., has announced the expansion of ACIX (Africa Congo Internet Exchange) through the addition of a new presence at OADC Texaf’s FIH1 data centre in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

The development makes ACIX the first distributed Internet Exchange (IX) in the DRC and represents a significant milestone in the country’s digital infrastructure development. By extending operations into a neutral and modern colocation facility, the initiative is expected to strengthen local Internet traffic exchange, reduce latency, improve network resilience and create broader interconnection opportunities for operators and digital service providers across the region.

Launched in 2023, ACIX powered by DE-CIX was created as a neutral interconnection platform open to licensed telecom operators, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), cloud and content providers, enterprises, financial institutions, academic networks and international carriers operating within the DRC and surrounding markets.

The exchange is managed by DE-CIX on behalf of Internet pour tous under the company’s DE-CIX-as-a-Service (DaaS) programme. The NGO plays a key role in supporting and coordinating the ACIX initiative as a neutral digital ecosystem platform aimed at encouraging inclusive interconnection and wider digital growth across the country.

Through the platform, networks in equatorial Africa are able to exchange data more efficiently with lower latency, improving the performance of services and applications ranging from online education to Internet banking.

“ACIX is more than an Internet Exchange; it is foundational digital infrastructure for the future of Central Africa,” stated Hussein Ibrahim, CEO of UNITED SA. “Strong digital ecosystems are built on strong interconnection. ACIX represents an important step toward a more connected and digitally empowered region, where data can remain local, networks become more resilient, and innovation can scale across borders.”

Open Access Data Centres, one of Africa’s fastest-growing data centre operators, is providing the carrier-neutral infrastructure environment for the ACIX deployment at its Kinshasa campus through OADC Texaf. The company operates an expanding network of open-access and carrier-neutral data centres designed to support interconnected digital ecosystems across the continent.

“As a neutral infrastructure provider, our role is to enable open interconnection and support the development of the broader digital ecosystem,” said Mohammed Bouhelal, managing director and director, business development of OADC Texaf DC. “Hosting ACIX within a carrier-neutral environment contributes to creating a trusted platform where all ecosystem participants can interconnect on equal terms.”

DE-CIX said the addition of the new facility will allow more regional and international networks to connect to the exchange while benefiting from improved connectivity and localised traffic exchange.

“DE-CIX is proud to support ‘Internet pour tous’ and UNITED S.A. in the expansion of ACIX and the development of a distributed, data center and carrier neutral Internet Exchange for the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” commented Marco Brandstaetter, global program manager for DE-CIX as a Service at DE-CIX. “The integration of OADC Texaf’s newly-built Kinshasa facility will enable additional networks to connect to the exchange and benefit from improved connectivity. ACIX is creating digital opportunities for the DRC and equatorial Africa by aggregating networks and enabling low latency and resilient local data exchange.”

Kinshasa’s strategic location between two of Africa’s most densely populated regions positions the city as an important connectivity gateway linking countries from the Atlantic coast to the Indian Ocean. ACIX is expected to strengthen this role by serving as an interconnection hub for equatorial Africa, enabling networks to exchange data and host digital content with improved performance and reliability.

DE-CIX’s DaaS programme provides a range of managed services for partners seeking to establish Internet Exchanges and interconnection platforms, including installation, maintenance, provisioning, marketing and sales support, while the operational management remains fully handled by DE-CIX.

Via Africa submarine cable project aims to strengthen network resilience and connectivity diversity across West Africa

A new submarine cable initiative linking Europe and Africa along the Atlantic corridor is moving forward following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by a group of international telecom and digital infrastructure investors

The project, known as Via Africa, is intended to strengthen connectivity capacity, support rising data traffic demand and improve network resilience across the African continent.

The consortium behind the project includes Canalink, GUILAB, International Mauritania Telecom, Orange Group, Orange Côte d'Ivoire, Sonatel and Silverlinks.

The planned subsea system will establish a new route connecting Europe to South Africa, with landing stations expected in the United Kingdom, France and Portugal. The cable will also serve several Atlantic coastal destinations including the Canary Islands, Mauritania, Senegal, Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire and Nigeria, with further southern extensions planned to increase route diversity and connectivity reliability across additional African markets.

The project is structured around a consortium model that enables participating organisations to jointly invest in the infrastructure while taking part in governance and strategic decision-making. The approach is designed to provide partners with greater operational independence and infrastructure sovereignty while allowing them to contribute directly to decisions concerning system design, deployment and future operation.

Project stakeholders noted that the consortium framework remains open, with opportunities for additional telecom operators and digital infrastructure players to join the initiative at a later stage.

Via Africa is expected to improve the resilience of Africa’s international communications infrastructure by creating an alternative subsea pathway to complement existing cable systems. The new route is intended to strengthen redundancy and diversify connectivity options for countries located along the Atlantic coast.

During the project’s initial phase, consortium members will jointly fund a detailed marine route study aimed at determining the most suitable cable path based on technical, economic and resilience considerations.

At the same time, preparations are underway for the procurement phase, including the selection of a cable manufacturing and deployment partner as the project advances toward implementation.

Telecoming launches DCB Software South Africa to expand AI-driven digital services and telecom partnerships

Telecoming has expanded its African operations with the launch of DCB Software South Africa, a new subsidiary aimed at strengthening the company’s presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing mobile economy markets

The new Johannesburg-based operation will be headed by Javier de Corral, who will oversee business development activities, establish partnerships with telecom operators and build a dedicated local workforce.

The move follows Telecoming’s earlier expansion into Algeria through its subsidiary DCB Software Dzayer, further reinforcing the company’s footprint across the African market.

DCB Software South Africa will function as a regional hub focused on AI-powered digital services, supported by a fully local team. Its activities will cover the creation of digital products, mobile and web-based services, along with digital entertainment and marketplace solutions developed on scalable multi-device platforms designed to enhance user experience.

The subsidiary combines regional market expertise with direct connectivity to telecom operators, digital platforms and local payment ecosystems throughout South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. The business will implement several monetisation strategies, including Direct Carrier Billing (DCB), to improve conversion performance and optimise digital service delivery.

“The launch of DCB Software South Africa marks a key milestone in our global expansion strategy,” said Cyrille Thivat. “We are very excited about the opportunities in South Africa and committed to investing in its digital future. With Javier de Corral at the helm, we are confident that this new subsidiary will not only drive our local growth but also contribute to the broader digital and AI ecosystem.”

Telecoming develops technologies aimed at improving user acquisition, simplifying payment systems and increasing the effectiveness of digital services. Its platforms combine monetisation, advertising and user experience tools while integrating artificial intelligence to deliver scalable, secure and efficient digital solutions.

The establishment of the South African subsidiary further strengthens Telecoming’s strategy to expand its international presence while supporting the growth of Africa’s digital economy through advanced technologies, local expertise and strategic industry partnerships.

MTN Zambia brings 5G smart living home. (Image source: MTN Zambia)

MTN Zambia has formally announced a strategic partnership with Frontlife Engineering Limited aimed at delivering advanced 5G-powered smart security and home automation solutions across Zambia

This collaboration represents a further step in expanding the role of MTN’s 5G technology beyond connectivity, introducing practical Connected Home solutions designed to enhance security, improve efficiency, and elevate everyday convenience.

By integrating MTN Zambia’s strong 5G infrastructure with Frontlife Engineering’s expertise in IT and security systems, the partnership will offer scalable, secure, and future-ready solutions tailored to the evolving needs of households. As part of the agreement, Frontlife Engineering will also act as a 5G lease agent, supporting wider market reach and faster adoption of MTN’s 5G services.

The initiative marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration focused on driving innovation, supporting growth, and delivering meaningful value to customers, while contributing to the broader development of Zambia’s digital ecosystem.