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WIOCC secures US$65mn financing expansion Africa. (Image source: WIOCC)

Internet

WIOCC Group, a leading open-access digital infrastructure provider in Africa, has secured an additional US$65mn in debt financing, marking another milestone in its continental expansion strategy

The new facility has been arranged through sustainability-linked debt financing with support from IFC, Proparco, Emerging Africa Infrastructure and Asia Infrastructure Fund and Ninety-One. The funding will be used to expand WIOCC Group’s connectivity capacity and strengthen its digital infrastructure footprint across Africa.

Commenting on the development, Samuel Ndungu, chief financial officer of WIOCC Group, said, “This new financing underscores the continued confidence of our development finance partners in WIOCC Group’s long-term growth strategy and our role in driving Africa’s digital transformation. The additional capital enables us to further scale our network infrastructure, extend our data centre footprint and enhance the resilience and capacity of our pan-African digital ecosystem. Through this, we remain steadfast in our commitment to enabling digital inclusion and making an enduring contribution to the development of Africa’s digital economy.”

Chris Wood, CEO of WIOCC Group, highlighted the strategic importance of the funding, stating, “This additional financing represents another significant step forward in advancing the resilient, scalable and open-access digital infrastructure required to support Africa’s growth. It strengthens our ability to execute on our long-term vision, expand our hyperscale network and data centre footprint, and continue building the continent’s most open, interconnected digital ecosystem. We are grateful for the continued confidence of our funding partners and remain fully committed to supporting the growth, innovation and digital inclusion that will shape Africa’s future.”

Sarvesh Suri, IFC Regional Industry Director for Infrastructure and Natural Resources in Africa, stated, “IFC is proud to deepen its long-standing partnership with WIOCC Group as they scale Africa’s digital infrastructure. Through a blend of USD and ZAR financing, we are supporting WIOCC in optimizing its capital structure, mitigating currency risk, and accelerating investments in resilient, open-access networks. This commitment reflects our strategy to expand connectivity and data center capacity across the continent—advancing digital inclusion to drive job creation and economic growth.”

Puleng Pitso, Investment Specialist at Ninety-One and fund manager for Emerging Africa Infrastructure and Asia Infrastructure Fund, noted: “Digital connectivity is one of the most powerful enablers of economic growth in Africa. By expanding access to high-speed internet, we are unlocking opportunities for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and industries to thrive in the digital economy. Emerging Africa Infrastructure and Asia Infrastructure Fund and Ninety One’s investment in WIOCC will help strengthen the foundations for inclusive growth, job creation, and innovation across the continent.”

Françoise Lombard, CEO of Proparco, said, “The AFD Group has been supporting WIOCC since its inception back in 2007. Proparco is very proud to reinforce the long-standing partnership with this flagship African player at a time when it has successfully evolved into a diversified digital infrastructure platform. By supporting WIOCC’s expansion across terrestrial fiber, submarine cables and open-access data centers, Proparco is helping strengthen a leading network that carries an important part of Africa’s internet traffic. This new financing, arranged alongside IFC and Ninety-One, will contribute to accelerating resilient, energy-efficient connectivity solutions in markets where reliable digital services are essential for economic transformation.”

BBI is tasked with expanding the country’s broadband infrastructure. (Image source: Huawei)

Internet

South Africa’s national broadband infrastructure company, Broadband Infraco (BBI), has partnered with Huawei to develop a nationwide intelligent all-optical backbone network

This strategic initiative directly supports South Africa’s national broadband strategy, SA Connect, and aims to provide affordable, stable, and high-quality broadband access for all citizens.

As a state-owned enterprise under the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), BBI is tasked with expanding the country’s broadband infrastructure. The backbone upgrade forms part of BBI’s broader Backbone Network Expansion Strategy, designed to extend ICT infrastructure across the nation, reduce urban-rural connectivity gaps, and align South Africa’s broadband capabilities with industrialised nations.

BBI is leveraging Huawei’s Optical Cross-Connect (OXC) technology to deliver high-speed, flexible transmission using 800G wavelengths across its network. This advanced capability will facilitate the expansion of broadband access networks under SA Connect, enabling real-time transfer of massive data volumes between cities and data centers. The backbone will power applications in healthcare, education, e-commerce, and e-government, further driving the growth of South Africa’s digital economy.

To date, BBI’s intelligent all-optical network, combined with collaborations with local service providers, has connected over 13,000 public Wi-Fi hotspots and more than 2 million rural homes, particularly in underdeveloped regions. The network will also support South Africa’s new optical fibre route linking Johannesburg to the Kopfontein border, enhancing high-speed cross-border connectivity across the SADC region. The full backbone will span all nine provinces and extend to the borders with Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe, providing wide regional access.

Gift Zowa, CEO of Broadband Infraco, said, “We are bridging the digital divide on two fronts, closing the digital inequality gap at home and narrowing the gap between South Africa and the world's most industrialised nations. We are addressing one of SA Connect's primary goals, the DCDT's flagship broadband connectivity project, to make connectivity inclusive and bring stable, high-capacity broadband to all South African communities and government facilities by 2030.”

Huawei will continue to work with Broadband Infraco to expand South Africa’s national broadband infrastructure, fostering a connected, intelligent, and prosperous society where every South African can participate in the digital future.

This initiative utilises the Tianqi Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to deliver advanced industrial connectivity across multiple sectors

Satellite

Q-KON has signed a strategic trilateral partnership with Beijing Guodian High-Tech Technology Co., Ltd. (Guodian Gaoke) and China StarWin Science & Technology Co., Ltd. (StarWin) to introduce next-generation Internet of Things (IoT) services in South Africa

This initiative utilises the Tianqi Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to deliver advanced industrial connectivity across multiple sectors.

As part of the agreement, Q-KON will serve as the authorised provider for Tianqi-based IoT solutions in South Africa, leveraging its extensive local market expertise and distribution network. Guodian Gaoke will supply the LEO satellite constellation and related systems, while StarWin will provide certified ground terminals to ensure compliance with South African technical and regulatory standards.

Driving digital transformation in South Africa

The collaboration represents a significant international partnership in aerospace, combining advanced Chinese satellite technologies with local market knowledge. It aims to support South Africa’s national digital strategy while driving industrial modernisation, economic growth, and inclusive development.

Dr Dawie de Wet, CEO of Q-KON, said, “This strategic alliance marks a significant milestone in our quest to service the African market through the application of leading satellite technologies by expanding the Twoobii portfolio to include an IoT service. Q-KON has always been committed to providing robust and relevant connectivity solutions, and our partnership with Guodian Gaoke and StarWin allows us to expand this commitment into the industrial IoT area.”

The Tianqi LEO constellation is designed for low-power, reliable communications, offering industrial-grade connectivity for sectors including mining, transport, agriculture, and utilities. The system enables real-time monitoring, automation, and data management for businesses and government agencies.

Sector applications and benefits

Amelia, chief operating officer & co-founder of StarWin, highlighted IoT’s role in addressing South Africa’s digital divide, a key challenge to economic growth.

“During its G20 Digital Economy Working Group presidency, the South African government positioned digital transformation as a core national strategy with clearly defined development goals. Within this framework, IoT is recognised as a pivotal technology for transforming traditional industries and has been deeply integrated into key sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing,” she said.

By enabling precision management and automation, these IoT solutions are expected to enhance the competitiveness of South African products globally, support economic complexity, and create new employment opportunities in industrial IoT.

Zheng, vice-president of Guodian Gaoke, added, “This tripartite cooperation marks the Tianqi Constellation’s first project in Africa. Together, we will integrate advanced satellite IoT technologies with local industry to drive digital applications in forestry, power management, logistics, marine operations, and disaster prevention.”

The partnership exemplifies a co-creation model, combining technology with local market insight. It sets a benchmark for future international satellite IoT collaborations and represents a key step in accelerating South Africa’s digital industrial transformation, strengthening the country’s leadership in space-based technologies.

Mepax
NEW interactive digital platform

Cassava Technologies and SAAIA join forces to boost AI development across Africa.

Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader with African heritage, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA) to deliver advanced artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) across Africa

The strategic partnership aims to bolster AI development by giving SAAIA’s community of over 3,000 AI practitioners—including entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry professionals—access to Cassava’s state-of-the-art data centre GPU infrastructure. This will enable them to develop, test, and deploy AI applications that address local and regional challenges.

As part of the collaboration, Cassava Technologies and SAAIA will also work together on joint initiatives that support the broader African AI ecosystem, promoting innovation, research, and sustainable growth.

“We are proud to partner with SAAIA to support the growth of Africa’s AI ecosystem. By extending our advanced AI infrastructure and capabilities to SAAIA’s growing community of AI professionals, we’re enabling greater access to the compute power required to build, test, and scale innovative local solutions. We believe this partnership will deliver meaningful value to both organisations and, more importantly, to the business and research communities driving AI development on the continent,” said Ziaad Suleman, CEO of Cassava Technologies South Africa and Botswana.

SAAIA, a leading force in South Africa’s AI landscape, is dedicated to promoting responsible AI by connecting AI practitioners from academia, government, private enterprise, startups, and NGOs. It is also the organiser of AI Expo Africa, the continent’s largest AI-focused event, and plays a key role in driving investment in Africa’s smart technology sector.

“SAAIA is pleased to be partnering with Cassava Technologies in strengthening AI in South Africa. Supporting local AI entrepreneurs is a key pillar of SAAIA, and access to GPU-as-a-Service is a key enabler to growing the emerging AI startup ecosystem,” said SAAIA Founder and Chairman, Dr Nick Bradshaw.

The partnership underscores Cassava’s commitment to advancing digital transformation across Africa. It follows the company’s recent announcement of plans to build the continent’s first AI factory, a move aimed at providing local businesses, governments, and academic institutions with access to cutting-edge AI computing capabilities. This initiative aligns with Cassava’s vision of becoming the leading provider of digital solutions across its markets and empowering Africans to thrive in the digital economy.

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Internet

BBI is tasked with expanding the country’s broadband infrastructure. (Image source: Huawei)

Internet

South Africa’s national broadband infrastructure company, Broadband Infraco (BBI), has partnered with Huawei to develop a nationwide intelligent all-optical backbone network

This strategic initiative directly supports South Africa’s national broadband strategy, SA Connect, and aims to provide affordable, stable, and high-quality broadband access for all citizens.

As a state-owned enterprise under the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), BBI is tasked with expanding the country’s broadband infrastructure. The backbone upgrade forms part of BBI’s broader Backbone Network Expansion Strategy, designed to extend ICT infrastructure across the nation, reduce urban-rural connectivity gaps, and align South Africa’s broadband capabilities with industrialised nations.

BBI is leveraging Huawei’s Optical Cross-Connect (OXC) technology to deliver high-speed, flexible transmission using 800G wavelengths across its network. This advanced capability will facilitate the expansion of broadband access networks under SA Connect, enabling real-time transfer of massive data volumes between cities and data centers. The backbone will power applications in healthcare, education, e-commerce, and e-government, further driving the growth of South Africa’s digital economy.

To date, BBI’s intelligent all-optical network, combined with collaborations with local service providers, has connected over 13,000 public Wi-Fi hotspots and more than 2 million rural homes, particularly in underdeveloped regions. The network will also support South Africa’s new optical fibre route linking Johannesburg to the Kopfontein border, enhancing high-speed cross-border connectivity across the SADC region. The full backbone will span all nine provinces and extend to the borders with Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe, providing wide regional access.

Gift Zowa, CEO of Broadband Infraco, said, “We are bridging the digital divide on two fronts, closing the digital inequality gap at home and narrowing the gap between South Africa and the world's most industrialised nations. We are addressing one of SA Connect's primary goals, the DCDT's flagship broadband connectivity project, to make connectivity inclusive and bring stable, high-capacity broadband to all South African communities and government facilities by 2030.”

Huawei will continue to work with Broadband Infraco to expand South Africa’s national broadband infrastructure, fostering a connected, intelligent, and prosperous society where every South African can participate in the digital future.

Partner programme unlocks growth for niche ISPs. (Image source: Vox)

WIOCC secures US$65mn financing expansion Africa. (Image source: WIOCC)

Mobile

The collaboration aims to deliver affordable, high-quality mobile connectivity to underserved and remote communities across Africa

Mobile

Vanu, Inc., a leading provider of mobile network infrastructure designed to help operators profitably serve rural areas, has entered a strategic partnership with Amazon’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network, Project Kuiper

The collaboration aims to deliver affordable, high-quality mobile connectivity to underserved and remote communities across Africa, beginning with southern Africa.

Vanu’s mission centres on bridging the global digital divide by connecting those who remain unconnected. Its innovative coverage solutions already enable millions of people in isolated regions across multiple continents to access mobile networks

Through the integration of Amazon’s advanced satellite network into its portfolio, Vanu will strengthen its capacity to deliver reliable connectivity while partnering with a globally recognised technology leader.

Project Kuiper currently has over 150 satellites in orbit and continues to expand its growing constellation. Leveraging this infrastructure, Vanu plans to deploy its “Coverage as a Service” model, using Amazon’s low-latency backhaul connectivity to provide mobile broadband to rural populations starting in 2026.

By utilising satellite backhaul, Vanu can bypass the high costs and complexity of traditional telecom expansion, enabling access to high-speed communication for education, healthcare, commerce, and emergency response in remote communities.

“We are energized by this opportunity to accelerate our mission,” said Andrew Beard, CEO of Vanu. “Amazon’s low Earth orbit constellation gives us the scale, reliability, and performance to reach areas that have been technologically excluded for far too long. Together, we can reshape what is possible for rural connectivity worldwide.”

“Project Kuiper was created to help connect customers and communities beyond the reach of existing networks, and our backhaul solutions are an important part of that vision,” said Chris Weber, Vice President of Consumer and Enterprise for Project Kuiper. “Vanu has a proven track record connecting some of the hardest-to-reach places on the planet. Using satellite-based connectivity from Amazon, they can enable mobile network operators to reach more subscribers in more places.”

The partnership will begin in southern Africa, where Vanu and Amazon plan to showcase a sustainable and scalable framework for rural connectivity. By merging Vanu’s innovative terrestrial technology with Project Kuiper’s global satellite broadband capabilities, the collaboration aims to establish a replicable model for inclusive digital growth, setting the foundation for long-term global impact.

Airtel Africa and SpaceX are positioning satellite-enabled mobile connectivity as a critical pillar of Africa’s digital transformation. (Image credit: Tech Africa)

National digital platform transforms Liberia’s payments. (Image source: The Central Bank of Liberia)

Satellite

LEO services enhance AD Ports digital transformation. (Image source: AD Ports Group)

Satellite

AD Ports Group, a global leader in trade, logistics, and industrial services, has begun the deployment of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services across its worldwide fleet and terminal operations

This initiative represents a major advancement in the Group’s digital transformation strategy, designed to provide vessels with real-time data and ensure resilient, uninterrupted connectivity for ports and terminals. The move is expected to enhance efficiency and support fuel savings.

The rollout commenced this month following agreements signed with two leading global LEO satellite service providers.

Mohamed Jamal-Eddine, group chief information officer, AD Ports Group, said, “LEO satellite connectivity serves as the digital backbone that unlocks the full potential of our technology ecosystem. With high-speed, low-latency communications, we can deploy advanced AI applications for predictive maintenance, dynamic route optimisation, and automated cargo tracking in real-time. This is not just about faster connectivity; it's about creating a smart, resilient infrastructure that maintains business continuity even in the most remote areas. By integrating this connectivity with our IoT sensors, smart port platforms, and AI analytics, we are building a truly connected supply chain that provides unparalleled visibility and control to our customers and partners.”

The phased introduction has started on several vessels within the Group’s 270-ship fleet. With high-speed, low-latency communications, LEO services enable real-time vessel tracking, predictive maintenance, and dynamic route optimisation.

The satellite-enabled digital backbone will also drive AI-powered applications at sea, such as smarter voyage planning, fuel optimisation, and advanced safety monitoring, unlocking efficiencies previously restricted by limited connectivity.

At the port level, deployment is expanding to AD Ports Group’s network of 34 terminals across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Southwest Asia. The technology will deliver uninterrupted communications and operational continuity, particularly in remote regions and during critical activities. It will also bolster cargo monitoring, emergency response coordination, and service reliability.

This initiative aligns with AD Ports Group’s wider digitalisation programme, which includes smart port platforms, integrated supply chain systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) adoption. With LEO satellite connectivity serving as the foundation, these systems will now deliver richer, real-time insights and greater automation across the Group’s global operations.

Through the introduction of LEO satellite services, AD Ports Group underscores its commitment to driving digital innovation and sustainable growth in the global maritime sector. The Group intends to continue investing in advanced technologies and strategic alliances to deliver world-class solutions that benefit customers, partners, and stakeholders worldwide.

This initiative utilises the Tianqi Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to deliver advanced industrial connectivity across multiple sectors

Airtel Africa and Eutelsat OneWeb have achieved a milestone by successfully testing high-speed satellite internet on a moving train across sub-Saharan Africa

Commerce

Network International partners with National Union Bank to modernise Libya’s banking and expand secure, innovative digital payments

Commerce

Network International (Network), a leading fintech company in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), has signed a strategic partnership with National Union Bank – (NUB) to modernise Libya’s banking landscape and expand access to innovative, secure financial services

Under this collaboration, Network International will deliver a comprehensive suite of digital payment processing solutions to NUB, including end-to-end prepaid card issuance and other value-added offerings. The partnership is designed to accelerate NUB’s digital transformation, enhance the customer experience, and align with Libya’s national goals for financial inclusion.

Through Network’s advanced ‘Digital Payments as a Service’ platform, NUB will gain access to robust fraud prevention systems, a full range of back-office managed services, and other premium capabilities. These tools will help the bank provide seamless, secure, and scalable payment experiences, improve operational efficiency, and shorten the time-to-market for new financial products.

Dr Reda Helal, group managing director, processing, Africa at Network International, remarked, “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our commitment to help expand digital financial services across Libya. We are proud to support National Union Bank’s transformation journey and help bring modern, inclusive banking solutions to more people. Together, we aim to build innovation, improve customer access, and contribute to the growth of Libya’s fintech ecosystem.”

Ahmed Sultan, CEO of National Union Bank, added, “Partnering with Network International allows us to leap forward in our digital strategy. With their proven expertise and cutting-edge technology, we can offer our customers faster, safer, and more convenient financial services. This is a major step toward building a more inclusive and digitally empowered banking environment in Libya.”

This strategic collaboration highlights Network International’s commitment to expanding its presence in the MEA region and partnering with leading financial institutions to deliver next-generation payment infrastructure, supporting the growth of modern banking solutions across the region.

Mastercard expects artificial intelligence and agentic commerce to shape the next phase of Africa’s digital transformation.(Image credit: Mastercard)

Brady boosts reliability for field cable labelling. (Image source: Brady)

Power

Mozambique’s energy sector to receive a boost from the African Development Bank following the institution’s participation in Maputo at the Africa50 summit

Power

Mozambique’s energy sector is to receive a boost from the African Development Bank (AfDB) following the institution’s participation in Maputo at the Africa50 shareholders meeting

Africa50 is an investment platform established by African governments with the AfDB, which has now surpassed US$1.4bn in managed assets directed at infrastructure provision.

At the 2025 summit, a memorandum of understanding was signed with Electricidade de Mozambique (EDM) for the development of three transmission lines under an Independent Power Transmission (IPT) framework.

“This will help support the government’s ambition to achieve universal electricity access by 2030 and become a significant exporter of power across the Southern African Development Community,” a statement released by AfDB noted.

Finalisation of the project development agreements is now underway for three lines under an IPT framework, partnering with Power Grid and EDM, it added.

A separate MoU was also signed with the Ministry of Communications and Digital Transformation to build a new data centre facility in Maputo and to modernise the existing one.

Africa50’s Mozambique portfolio already includes equity investment in the 175MW Central Termica de Ressano Garcia (CTRG) gas-fired power plant.

According to Dr Akinwumi Adesina, president of the AfDB Group, investments by Africa50 complement broader support from the bank itself that have delivered some US$1.6bn to Mozambique over the past decade.

This investment includes US$400mn in senior debt financing for the country's flagship US$20bn liquified natural gas (LNG) project in Cabo Delgado, as well as the US$34mn Mozambique Energy for All Project, which has connected more than 45,500 households to electricity.

The bank claims its energy sector investments have helped to double Mozambique's national energy access rate from 30% in 2018 to 60% in 2024.

The AfDB has also supported agricultural transformation through special agro-industrial processing zones, including the Pemba-Lichinga corridor, while financing critical transport infrastructure along the Nacala and Beira corridors that enhance regional trade connectivity for the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Earlier this year, the AfDB approved US$43.6mn in funding for the construction of the Namaacha-Boane transmission line and related electricity infrastructure

EDM will implement the project in partnership with Central Eléctrica da Namaacha (CEN), a private sector-led development group involving Globeleq Africa Limited and Source Energia that is building the 120 MW Namaacha wind farm in the southwestern part of the country. 

The Vertiv PowerDirect 7100 Energy supplies up to 52 kW of scalable 48 V DC power and delivers efficiency levels of up to 98%. (Image source: Vertiv)

International Power Control Systems (IPCS) has been named as a distribution partner in Malawi by Vertiv, a specialist in critical digital infrastructure

Security

MultiChoice strengthens Africa’s digital ecosystem, protecting creative content and customer data through advanced cybersecurity solutions

Security

Cybersecurity has evolved from a technical necessity to a core pillar of trust, business continuity, and safe digital experiences

For MultiChoice, Africa’s leading video entertainment company, protecting both customer data and the creative works at the heart of its business is a top priority. In an increasingly connected environment, threats such as phishing, ransomware, and piracy continually evolve, posing risks not only to corporate systems but also to the creative content that drives Africa’s entertainment economy.

To address these challenges, MultiChoice invests heavily in advanced cybersecurity systems, global best practices, and strategic partnerships. The company’s dedicated cybersecurity and information security teams monitor digital threats around the clock, ensuring data integrity and maintaining a secure environment for millions of customers across the continent. These efforts demonstrate that cybersecurity is not just about defending networks; it is also about protecting intellectual property and the creative output that fuels Africa’s storytelling industry.

A major area of focus for MultiChoice is combating piracy, one of the most persistent threats to the sustainability of local content. Piracy undermines creators, producers, and investors by depriving them of rightful earnings. To tackle this, MultiChoice has partnered with global leader Irdeto, a specialist in digital platform cybersecurity. Together, they have developed cutting-edge anti-piracy technologies capable of detecting, disrupting, and removing illegal content distribution networks in real time.

Beyond technology, MultiChoice collaborates closely with law enforcement to bring perpetrators to justice. Several operations have successfully dismantled piracy syndicates, leading to arrests and reinforcing the company’s commitment to defending Africa’s creative economy. Through these measures, MultiChoice is setting a benchmark for content protection across the continent, safeguarding intellectual property while supporting the growth of local creative industries.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month serves as a timely reminder that protecting digital assets, whether personal data or creative content, is a shared responsibility. MultiChoice continues to champion this mission by fostering a culture of awareness, innovation, and collaboration. By integrating advanced cybersecurity technologies, partnering with global experts, and actively supporting law enforcement efforts, the company ensures that African creativity is both respected and secure.

MultiChoice’s ongoing initiatives, from monitoring threats to combating piracy, reflect a broader mission: “to create a secure, trusted, and sustainable digital ecosystem where African creativity can thrive.” In doing so, the company not only protects its platforms and customers but also empowers the continent’s creative industry, ensuring that local storytellers, producers, and innovators can flourish in a safe and resilient digital environment.

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