WIOCC Secures $65M Financing to Boost Africa’s Digital Infrastructure Growth

The WIOCC Group, a leading provider of digital infrastructure in Africa, has successfully secured a $65 million debt financing package to bolster its expansion efforts across the continent. The financing, achieved through sustainability-linked funding arranged by IFC, Proparco, Emerging Africa Infrastructure and Asia Infrastructure Fund (EAAIF), and Ninety-One, is a testament to the company’s pivotal role in driving digital transformation in Africa. Announced on Monday via LinkedIn, the funding will empower WIOCC to improve its connectivity capacity and develop scalable digital infrastructure throughout Africa, including crucial markets such as South Africa, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Key Players Behind the Financing Effort

The financing deal reflects a collaborative effort between several major institutions keen on revolutionizing connectivity in Africa. Proparco’s CEO, Françoise Lombard, noted how this partnership would help fortify Africa’s carrier-neutral digital ecosystem by supporting WIOCC’s expansion of terrestrial fiber networks, submarine cables, and open-access data centers. Lombard highlighted, “This new financing will accelerate energy-efficient and resilient connectivity solutions in regions where reliable digital services are vital for economic progress.”

Such partnerships are key for bridging the digital divide and ensuring the inclusivity of emerging markets, particularly in underserved areas. WIOCC’s ability to secure sustainability-linked funding underscores the confidence that financial institutions have in the company’s long-term vision and its potential to impact the African telecommunications sector positively.

Driving Digital Transformation Across the Continent

WIOCC, established in 2008, has already invested over $750 million in deploying digital infrastructure across Africa. Key initiatives include linking data centers within its Open Access Data Centres (OADC) unit to provide hyperscale connectivity and greater capacity. Speaking about the additional funding, WIOCC Group CFO Samuel Ndungu emphasized that this injection of capital enables the company to extend its data center footprint, enhance network resilience, and expand the breadth of its pan-African ecosystem—all while staying committed to sustainability goals.

CEO Chriss Wood further elaborated on how this financing marks a significant milestone in ensuring Africa stands ready for future digital demands. He stated, “The additional financing represents another significant step forward in advancing the resilient, scalable, and open-access digital infrastructure required to support Africa’s growth.” These efforts aim to strengthen Africa’s position within the global digital economy while fostering economic transformation.

The Future of Connectivity in Africa

WIOCC’s ongoing projects exemplify how critical private-sector investment and financial collaboration are in constructing future-ready digital networks. As access to robust connectivity becomes more economically essential, Africa’s telecommunications infrastructure must evolve to meet growing demands. WIOCC’s sustained investment in high-capacity fiber networks, submarine connectivity, and data centers positions the company as a linchpin in Africa’s digital revolution.

This financing package cements WIOCC’s role in shaping an inclusive digital future for Africa, with a focus on resilience, energy efficiency, and scalability. By addressing gaps in infrastructure and embracing cutting-edge solutions, WIOCC is enabling individuals, businesses, and governments across the continent to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.