This new funding, arranged through a sustainability-linked debt facility, involves key financial partners including IFC, Proparco, Emerging Africa Infrastructure and Asia Infrastructure Fund (EAAIF), and Ninety-One. The capital will be directed towards expanding connectivity capacity and strengthening digital infrastructure across the continent.
WIOCC’s CFO, Samuel Ndungu, emphasized that this financing demonstrates the ongoing confidence of development finance partners in the company’s strategic growth plans and its role in Africa’s digital transformation. Ndungu explained that the additional funds will enable WIOCC to scale its network infrastructure further, grow its data centre footprint, and enhance the resilience and capacity of its pan-African digital ecosystem. He reiterated the company’s commitment to fostering digital inclusion and contributing to Africa’s evolving digital economy.
Chris Wood, CEO of WIOCC Group, highlighted that the new financing marks a significant step toward building resilient, scalable, and open-access digital infrastructure necessary for Africa’s development. He noted that the funds will support the expansion of the company’s hyperscale network and data centres, helping to establish the continent’s most interconnected digital ecosystem. Wood expressed gratitude for the continued support of the funding partners and reaffirmed WIOCC’s dedication to driving digital growth, innovation, and inclusion across Africa.
IFC’s Regional Industry Director for Infrastructure and Natural Resources in Africa, Sarvesh Suri, stated that IFC is proud to deepen its partnership with WIOCC as it scales up digital infrastructure across the continent. He explained that the support, which includes both USD and ZAR financing, aims to optimize WIOCC’s capital structure, mitigate currency risks, and accelerate investments in resilient, open-access networks. Suri emphasized that this initiative aligns with IFC’s broader strategy to expand connectivity and data centre capacity in Africa, thereby promoting digital inclusion, job creation, and economic growth.
Puleng Pitso, an Investment Specialist at Ninety-One, which manages the EAAIF fund, highlighted the importance of digital connectivity as a catalyst for economic development in Africa. She noted that expanding access to high-speed internet opens opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses, fostering inclusive growth. The investment in WIOCC, Pitso said, will help bolster the foundation for innovation, job creation, and sustainable development across the region.
Françoise Lombard, CEO of Proparco, reflected on the longstanding partnership with WIOCC that began in 2007. She expressed pride in supporting WIOCC’s evolution into a diversified digital infrastructure platform, including terrestrial fibre, submarine cables, and open-access data centres. Lombard indicated that the new financing, arranged alongside IFC and Ninety-One, will accelerate the deployment of resilient and energy-efficient connectivity solutions, which are vital for Africa’s economic transformation.
Since its founding in 2008, WIOCC Group has invested over USD $750 million in digital infrastructure, transforming the landscape of communications across Africa through open-access data centres and hyperscale connectivity. As the company continues to expand, this latest funding reinforces its focus on building a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready carrier-neutral digital ecosystem for the continent.
