HOW HAVE WIOCC AND OADC'S ACTIVITIES CONTRIBUTED TO CONNECTING AFRICA TO THE DIGITAL WORLD?

WIOCC’s transformative connectivity solutions link open-access subsea and terrestrial network infrastructures to the open-access digital hubs of fellow WIOCC Group company, Open-Access Data Centres (OADC), to provide a unique Converged Open Digital Infrastructure (CODI), an offering that is accelerating the continent’s digital transformation.

The WIOCC Group’s CODI offering enables cloud operators, content providers, telcos, and Internet Service Providers to quickly and cost-effectively take advantage of an open, scalable distributed infrastructure to extend their reach and capabilities into new markets. Within these markets across Africa, they can offer a wide range of digital products and services to business and domestic clients. CODI, and the ecosystems and opportunities it creates, is a catalyst for increased global investment in Africa. It encourages global businesses to further invest in the continent’s rapidly developing markets.

The WIOCC Group is transforming digital Africa, with a commitment to invest almost $1Bn in facilitating and supporting the deployment of CODI across the continent. The group’s commitment is to deploy and operate a CODI that will expedite digital transformation across the continent and create an environment in which all Africans can take advantage of world-class technology developments to build better lives, better businesses, and a better world.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN HURDLES YOU HAVE FACED IN ACHIEVING THIS MISSION?

The first challenge has been matching the supply of digital infrastructure to demand. Africa’s rapid technological advancement has created surging demand for internet connectivity and data services, placing a strain on existing infrastructure. Building and maintaining a reliable and scalable network has been a complex task, requiring strategic investment in subsea and terrestrial cable systems and huge investment in constructing and operating data centres.

Another significant hurdle is the absence of diversity in the terrestrial network. This limitation has introduced vulnerability into the connectivity landscape, with many routes exhibiting poor reliability. Compounding this issue is the susceptibility of networks to disruptions caused by severe weather events and flooding, thereby compromising their overall reliability.

The scarcity of open-access networks and data centres has hindered establishing a well-integrated digital ecosystem. The lack of available open-access options further exacerbates the challenges faced in ensuring seamless connectivity solutions. Furthermore, the pricing strategies employed by incumbent entities for critical network infrastructure and pivotal data centre facilities often result in prohibitively high prices. This creates financial barriers to entry and expansion for potential competitors and hinders the development of a more accessible digital infrastructure.

In certain markets, the protectionist stance adopted by incumbent operators and major players further compounds challenges. These entities may resist open competition, thereby impeding the development of a healthy, competitive environment that could foster innovation, drive down costs, and enhance overall connectivity options. Despite these hurdles, the WIOCC Group’s relentless commitment to innovation and strategic partnerships has allowed it to make significant strides in connecting Africa to the digital world, bridging the digital divide, and fostering economic growth across the continent.

HOW HAS PROPARCO BEEN SUPPORTING WIOCC IN TACKLING THESE CHALLENGES?

Proparco has provided access to capital and funding. With Proparco’s financial support, WIOCC has been able to secure the resources needed to implement infrastructure upgrades and network expansion, delivering a reliable and robust interconnected digital ecosystem in Africa. Proparco has also brought expertise and knowledge of other industries to the table. 

Leveraging its vast experience in various sectors, Proparco has offered valuable insights and advice, enabling the WIOCC Group to make informed decisions and navigate complex challenges more effectively. Furthermore, Proparco’s financial strength, reputation, and credibility have instilled confidence in other potential investors and partners. This has helped the WIOCC Group in building strategic alliances and securing additional funding, beyond Proparco’s support.

Moreover, Proparco’s commitment to compliance with international standards and global best practice has bolstered WIOCC’s reputation as a reliable and responsible player in the telecommunications industry, garnering trust from stakeholders and regulatory authorities. Finally, by endorsing WIOCC as a leading provider in Africa, Proparco has further enhanced the group’s market position and credibility, attracting more investors and partners to join forces in bridging the digital divide on the continent. Overall, Proparco’s unwavering support has been instrumental in propelling WIOCC’s efforts towards achieving its vision of a digitally connected Africa.

FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE, WHAT STILL HAS TO BE DONE TO CLOSE THE DIGITAL GAP IN AFRICA?

Sustained commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure is paramount for bridging the digital divide in Africa. This entails developing nationwide and urban fiber-optic networks, as well as bolstering core and edge data center facilities. Equally important is the facilitation of widespread access to affordable devices and internet connectivity solutions for the population.

Harmonising regulatory frameworks and simplifying policies will encourage cross-border connectivity and investment. Support for tech startups, internet service providers and SMEs, together with initiatives aimed at reducing the cost of internet access, will continue to drive innovation and increase adoption rates. Public-private partnerships offer the prospect of pooling resources and expertise to accelerate digital connectivity initiatives. Additionally, digital literacy and skills development programs must be implemented to empower participation in the digital ecosystem. Fostering the creation and promotion of local digital content will also engage users and promote inclusive development. With a comprehensive and inclusive digital strategy, Africa can bridge the digital divide, foster economic growth, and unlock the vast potential of an interconnected continent.

HOW IS WIOCC ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF LANDLOCKED COUNTRIES AND THE BROADER POPULATION?

The WIOCC Group is supporting infrastructure expansion by investing in and upgrading digital infrastructure – including fibre-optic networks and data centres – to extend connectivity beyond coastal cities and into remote and underserved areas, and by forging strategic partnerships with local telecoms operators in those regions. By collaborating with established local players, WIOCC is leveraging their expertise and market knowledge to navigate the unique challenges of these areas and ensure efficient service delivery. Also, by operating an open-access model, WIOCC is promoting competition, lowering costs, and encouraging stakeholder participation, thereby accelerating deploying connectivity.

WIOCC’s capability of establishing a comprehensive turnkey connectivity solution that presents diverse pathways incorporates cross-border infrastructure and delivers a streamlined, all-in-one solution. Through these concerted efforts, WIOCC is striving to create an inclusive digital landscape that benefits both large coastal metropolises and previously underserved inland cities and landlocked regions, ultimately contributing to Africa’s overall socio-economic advancement. The continuum of Core to Edge DCs and the rapid speed at which they are being built is extending broadband penetration and unlocking GDP growth across African countries where it operates. Research shows that for every 10% increase in broadband penetration, there is an up to 2.5% increase in GDP.

WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF THE SURGE IN URBAN POPULATIONS IN AFRICA ON THE DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND ON DIGITAL SERVICES?

Rapid urbanisation increases demand for digital infrastructure, including internet connectivity and data centres, to cater for the higher concentrations of people in urban areas and to meet growing demands, necessitating upgrades and last-mile connectivity. Simultaneously, urbanisation leads to greater adoption of digital services such as e-commerce and online banking, driving digital transformation across sectors like healthcare, financial services, and education. The urban market presents lucrative opportunities for carriers, ISPs, MNOs, and businesses across Africa offering digital solutions, but it also intensifies competition, requiring constant innovation.

HOW IMPORTANT IS LOCAL DATA STORAGE AND PROCESSING FOR YOUR CLIENTS?

Local data storage and processing are crucial for data sovereignty, reduced latency, data privacy and compliance, enhanced security, bandwidth optimisation, data accessibility, and support for the local economy. Storing data for clients within country borders ensures that sensitive information is governed by their local laws and regulations, strengthening data sovereignty and protection. Processing data locally minimises latency, benefiting real-time applications and providing a better user experience. It also helps organisations to comply with strict data privacy laws.

Moreover, local storage enhances security, by reducing exposure to external cyber threats. Bandwidth optimisation and improved accessibility during disruptions are further advantages of local data storage and processing. For the first time in Africa, OADC’s innovative, scalable, core and edge data centres extend data storage, processing, and content delivery to the network edge. This supports improved application performance, allows critical data to be processed locally, and reduces backhaul costs.

WHAT IS AT STAKE FOR THE NEW OADC ACTIVITIES?

OADC is part-way through a USD500 million-plus, multi-year investment programme, which will result in the construction and operation of a unique network of world-class, open-access, carrier-neutral core, and edge DCs across Africa. The fastest growing data centre company in Africa, OADC has deployed more than 30 Core to Edge open-access DCs at strategic locations in South Africa and Nigeria in the past 12 months. OADC’s DRC Core facility in Kinshasa will be next to go live, which is expected soon.

There have been several additional African countries identified where OADC’s unique open-access core to edge DC architecture can be further deployed to continue expanding environments where enterprise and wholesale clients with digitally-enabled products and services can grow by quickly and cost-effectively expanding their markets. This will expedite deploying transformative products, services, and technologies across African markets, for the benefit of businesses and consumers.