TechPression

Tag: WIOCC

  • Nigeria Telecoms Forum 2025 to address key challenges in digital infrastructure

    Nigeria Telecoms Forum 2025 to address key challenges in digital infrastructure

    Eventhive will host the Nigeria Telecoms Forum tagged “Towards a connected future; Investing in Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure” at Victoria Island, Lagos, on February 13, 2025 by 9.00am.

    The event, which will be held in collaboration with WIOCC, Internet Solutions Nigeria Limited, Africa Hyperscalers Media, and Techpression, will gather telecom stakeholders to discuss important issues ranging from technology to financing and governance while also highlighting the exciting opportunities to improve Nigeria’s digital infrastructure to promote equitable, sustainable development throughout the nation.

    Participants will delve into the development that is redefining the sector and look into chances for expansion and connectivity.

    Read also: Applications open for ‘READY Salone’ to equip 3,000 Sierra Leonean women, youths with tech skills

    Invited key telecom sector stakeholders

    An outstanding array of leaders leading the charge to change Nigeria’s digital landscape will be present at this pioneer gathering, including 9mobile Nigeria’s CEO, Obafemi Banigbe, Backbone Connectivity Limited CEO Ibrahim Dikko, Infratel Africa Managing Director Tunji Alabi, GM of Architecture & Engineering at MTN Nigeria, Bukola Ajayi Bruce Ayonote, CEO, Suburban; Reuben Oshomah, Regional Director, West Africa, Avanti Communications; Ogo Ofomata, Director, Airtel Business, Airtel Business Africa; and Ajibola Olomola, Partner, KPMG West Africa.

    Nigeria, one of the biggest economies in Africa, is at a turning point in its sustainable development and technological improvement.

    Nigeria is now struggling with insufficient infrastructure to facilitate digital transformation in a number of industries.

    The establishment of a strong and long-lasting digital infrastructure is essential to achieving the great promise of the country’s digital future.

    Go to https://ntf.eventhive.ng to register your pass for the event.

  • WIOCC secures $50 million for Africa’s digital gap

    WIOCC secures $50 million for Africa’s digital gap

    A significant finance deal worth more than $50 million is expected to be given to the West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC) Group, a top supplier of high-capacity connectivity.

    A group of multinational organisations working to close the digital gap in Africa are the source of this large funding injection. The funding infusion would help WIOCC expand in three important African countries: South Africa, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

    Read also: WIOCC, OADC promote STEM among Lagos students

    Navigating Investments in Africa’s Digital Landscape

    The International Financing Corporation (IFC), a World Bank Group member; Proparco, a development financing agency and a division of the Agence Française de Développement Group; and RMB Corvest, a private equity firm, are among the group of international organisations supporting this project.

    IFC is contributing $10 million and ZAR 200 million, or roughly $11.07 million, to the finance package, structured as a combination of loans. Proparco is adding $20 million.

    Furthermore, WIOCC anticipates finalising a $10 million loan agreement with RMB Corvest in the coming weeks, specifically for its expansion plans in Nigeria. This comprehensive funding approach demonstrates the strong international support for improving digital infrastructure across the African continent.

    The funding package’s structure, which is tied to sustainability, is significant. WIOCC’s pledge to increase energy efficiency and obtain EDGE green building certification affects the loan rate.

    By ensuring that data centres are resource-efficient and sustain no carbon emissions, EDGE, an IFC-provided certification, connects the project with global environmental goals.

    WIOCC planned to allocate funds towards expanding its core and edge data centres in Nigeria, South Africa, and the DRC. This expansion aims to meet these countries’ growing demand for data centre services. Furthermore, the company intends to invest in growing its fibre networks, extending digital access to more people and fostering economic growth across Africa.

    Read also: 2Africa, the largest subsea cable lands in Nigeria

    Unleashing Africa’s Digital Potential

    The CEO of WIOCC Group, Chris Wood, expressed zeal about this capital raise, highlighting its importance in enabling substantial expansion. He emphasised that the funding would facilitate the addition of further capacity to their open-access data centre operations and extend open-access hyper scale national, international, and metro connectivity across key markets.

    Since its inception in 2007, WIOCC has consistently invested in Africa’s digital sector, since its inception in 2007. The company has focused on providing open-access infrastructure to meet the escalating demand for reliable connectivity throughout the continent. This latest funding round reinforces WIOCC’s commitment to improving digital infrastructure and accessibility in Africa.

    International financial institutions fund WIOCC’s expansion, enhancing connectivity and data centre capabilities. This investment is crucial for Africa’s digital transformation and economic growth. The expansion will improve internet access and create opportunities for businesses, education, and sectors to leverage digital technologies for growth and innovation.

  • WIOCC, OADC promote STEM among Lagos students

    WIOCC, OADC promote STEM among Lagos students

    As part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, WIOCC Group—the parent company of WIOCC, Africa’s digital backbone—and Open Access Data Centres (OADC), Africa’s fastest-growing data centre company—have come together to motivate students at Sammy Bright School in Ajah, Lagos, to major in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

    The commitment of WIOCC Group to supporting education and empowering the next generation of African leaders in technology and innovation is highlighted by their visit to Sammy Bright School.

    Read also: Nigeria unveils plans for AI Innovation

    What was stem expressed

    Executives spoke with students and shared their thoughts on the value of STEM education and the many career paths open to those who pursue degrees in these areas during the visit.

    The Chief Operating Officer of WIOCC Group, Ryan Sher, expressed his company’s joy at the chance to meet the talented students at Sammy Bright School and inspire them to pursue STEM fields as a career. Their long history in the African market makes them aware of the importance of STEM education in fostering creativity, productivity, and long-term prosperity.

    The executives engaged in lively discussions with the students, telling stories from their own experiences and demonstrating the practical uses of STEM fields. Their interesting talks and presentations drove home the point that students need to work on their critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities if they want to be successful in STEM subjects. The following individuals represented WIOCC Group: Sales Managers Robert Ogbomo and Linda Mbaba, Country Marketing Manager Adesola Adesugba, HR Manager Yvonne Okonkwo, and Director of Sales West Africa & DRC Nikki Popoola.

    After reviewing several institutions for the 2024 CSR, WIOCC and its partner Readland Global settled on Sammy Bright School as the best fit because it met all of the criteria outlined in the CSR mission. Sammy Bright School has been around since 2011, and it now has 270 students.

    According to the school’s founder, Mr. Temitope Adebambo, the parents of the students are dealing with financial difficulties, but they are still working hard to keep the school environment peaceful. The selection by WIOCC Group for its Q1 2024 CSR Project is a tremendous honour for them. Their executives’ presence and the visit itself have been priceless. They made a significant difference to the school by arranging for the students to visit a data centre and offering much-needed assistance.

    Sammy Bright School’s CSR programme is an example of WIOCC Group’s larger dedication to CSR and community development.

    In order to make a lasting difference in the communities it serves and to drive positive change and prosperity across Africa, WIOCC Group invests in education and empowers young minds.

    Read also: Platnova Technologies shines at Tech Unite Africa

    About WIOCC Group 

    The WIOCC Group is spearheading and expediting Africa’s digital transformation. It is the parent company of WIOCC, the continent’s digital backbone; Open Access Data Centres (OADC), the fastest-growing data centre company in Africa; and Open Access Technical Services (OATS), the continent’s leading provider of comprehensive managed network and infrastructure services.

    Deploying converged open-access digital infrastructure (CODI) across Africa will expedite and underpin Africa’s digital transformation, creating an environment where all Africans can take advantage of world-class technology developments to build better lives, businesses, and the world.