WIOCC and TMCEL partner to expand high-capacity connectivity across Mozambique and Southern Africa via subsea, terrestrial routes

WIOCC, one of Africa’s foremost digital infrastructure providers, has entered into a landmark Framework Agreement (FWA) with TMCEL, Mozambique’s national telecommunications operator, to deliver high-capacity connectivity solutions across Mozambique and the Southern African region

This agreement marks a significant step forward in enhancing Mozambique’s digital infrastructure, promoting nationwide connectivity and greater digital inclusion. Supporting the country’s National Broadband Strategy, it aims to achieve universal, affordable, and high-quality access. The signing took place on Wednesday, 23 July 2025, at TMCEL’s Maputo headquarters.

The collaboration leverages TMCEL’s national infrastructure and service experience with WIOCC’s regional and international network strengths. This includes strategic capacity via the 2Africa East subsea cable and terrestrial links into South Africa. Jointly, the two companies will reinforce Mozambique’s digital backbone, enhancing subsea and land-based infrastructure to bolster network resilience, expand access, and deliver secure, high-quality connectivity. The partnership strengthens Mozambique’s role as a regional digital hub and a vital data traffic conduit in Southern and Eastern Africa.

This strategic alliance will allow WIOCC to maximise its investments in Mozambique, facilitating the delivery of digital services to clients not only in-country but also in neighbouring nations, including Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, and South Africa.

“This partnership signifies our commitment to driving digital transformation across Africa,” said James Wekesa, Group Chief Commercial Officer at WIOCC Group. “By leveraging WIOCC’s scalable capacity and regional network alongside TMCEL’s robust national infrastructure and government collaboration, we are creating a powerful foundation for enhanced connectivity, inclusive growth, and expanded digital services across Mozambique and beyond.”

Hayo strengthens African presence with offices in Botswana, Liberia, and Malawi to boost digital innovation

Hayo, a global digital solutions provider, has announced the opening of new offices in Gaborone (Botswana), Monrovia (Liberia), and Lilongwe (Malawi), marking a significant milestone in its strategy to deepen engagement across emerging African markets

The move underscores Hayo’s commitment to fostering local digital ecosystems by providing region-specific solutions and hands-on expertise. Its services cater to a wide range of stakeholders including hyperscalers, government bodies, regulators, enterprises, and mobile operators — sectors increasingly seeking agile, localised digital support.

With this expansion, Hayo aims to improve service delivery in these countries, fast-track digital adoption and strengthen its capabilities to support businesses scaling across Africa. From voice and messaging to GovTech, IoT and cloud-based communications, the company’s offerings are tailored to meet Africa’s evolving digital landscape.

“Local presence plays a key role in supporting businesses, enabling digital innovation and having an impact on day-to-day life across African markets. It’s the only way to work effectively and closely align with unique dynamics across countries,” said Feraz Ahmed, CEO at Hayo. “Our offices in Botswana, Liberia and Malawi are not just operational hubs, they’re a long-term investment in local people, partnerships and digital progress.”

Africa’s digital economy is projected to contribute 5.2% to the continent’s GDP by 2025 and reach 8.5% by 2050 — a rapid rise from just 1.1% in 2012. Hayo’s regional investments align with this growth trend, aiming to generate employment, develop local partnerships, and deliver transformative impact across communities.

“The future of Africa’s digital economy deserves to be built by local talent to serve local needs,” added Sergio Rodrigues, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Product at Hayo. “By expanding our on-the-ground teams across key markets, we can better support communities, understand local challenges and work with partners to build a digital ecosystem that makes a real difference to businesses and communities.”

Hayo currently serves over 100 mobile operators and connects to a global network of 500-plus partners. The company’s footprint in Africa and the Middle East continues to grow, supported by recent innovations like its National Mobile Registry (NMR) platform, which helps governments regulate mobile ecosystems to enhance compliance and public revenue generation.

Infrastructure push to expand 5G, enhance site security, and improve service during load shedding

MTN South Africa is investing R300 million (approx. US$17mn) to upgrade its network infrastructure across Gauteng, one of the most populous and economically vital provinces in the country

This initiative is part of a broader national investment plan, with MTN committing R4.5 billion (US$251mn) to its infrastructure rollout, set for completion in 2025. The Gauteng investment includes the addition of new base stations and enhancements to MTN’s digital backbone. Over 70 sites will receive capacity upgrades, modernisation, and energy improvements. The rollout will also bring 5G access and enhancements to existing LTE services, helping to reduce the digital divide between urban and rural communities.

“The R300 million investment, part of the national rollout to enhance the company’s digital capabilities, will lead to improvements in battery, site security, and energy facilities, including the availability of generators across the province,” said Machawe Dlamini, general manager for Gauteng Operations at MTN SA.

According to Dlamini, the development includes network strengthening strategies to maintain service continuity during load shedding and other potential disruptions.

While Gauteng is a focal point, MTN’s upgrade plans extend to other provinces. An additional R480 million (US$27mn) has been allocated for upgrades in KwaZulu-Natal, where the company will build new sites and increase rural access to 4G and 5G services.

MTN South Africa was recently recognised as the country’s top-performing mobile network for Q1 2025, according to MyBroadband Insights. The company aims to retain that position by continuing to expand its physical network infrastructure.

Gauteng contributes around 34% to South Africa’s GDP, making it a strategic priority for the telco. As Dlamini explained, “Our investment in the network infrastructure is a crucial facilitator in connecting the unconnected and fostering a more inclusive digital landscape across South Africa.”

TouchNet and iXAfrica unveil sovereign AI cloud at Nairobi’s NBOX1 campus. (Image source: iXAfrica Data Centres)

TouchNet has partnered with iXAfrica Data Centres to introduce the Zadara AI Sovereign Cloud, an enterprise-grade, locally hosted cloud computing solution, at iXAfrica’s Nairobi One (NBOX1) campus

Already successfully deployed in other African regions, this marks the first implementation in Kenya, representing a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing digital transformation efforts.

TouchNet began as a nimble B2B Internet Service Provider and has grown into a major force in Africa’s cloud and digital transformation ecosystem. The company now leads the deployment of decentralized Sovereign AI Cloud Services, supporting the growth and capabilities of data centre providers, carriers, managed service providers (MSPs), cloud service providers (CSPs), and ISPs across the continent. With over 15 years of experience and more than 300 business clients and MSPs, TouchNet has consistently introduced adaptable and market-relevant solutions.

The Zadara AI Sovereign Cloud, hosted at iXAfrica’s carrier-neutral and AI-ready data centre, is managed by a local service provider and delivers computing, networking, storage, and GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS). The solution is built with high standards of security, performance, and compliance, and is designed to meet the growing need for reliable local cloud infrastructure. By eliminating dependency on offshore platforms, it empowers businesses, MSPs, and CSPs to optimise operations with greater flexibility, resilience, and availability, supporting both AI adoption and digital strategies.

The partnership between iXAfrica and TouchNet brings forward a predictable, pay-per-use financial model that helps companies transition to an operational expenditure (OPEX) approach. This allows them to modernise IT infrastructure without large upfront investments, freeing resources for strategic growth and innovation.

“The launch of this AI-driven cloud solution with TouchNet, Zadara and iXAfrica Data Centre is more than just a technological advancement – it’s about enabling businesses to operate with greater control, security, and efficiency,” said Charly Bahous, CEO at TouchNet. “Through the partnerships in Kenya, we are committed to providing local enterprises with agile and fit for purpose, fit for market and all the tools and support they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.”