Africa has fibre but can’t use it

Africa has fibre but can't use it.

Africacom (November 2024) again in Cape Town reflects the mood in Africa's wholesale digital markets. Attendance up, but few new ideas are emerging.

In particular, the market for digital infrastructure seems stuck. Few new projects announced, same maps from Liquid and WIOCC, a couple of domestic players showing limited coverage.

There are national and cross border links across Africa, but the ecosystem seems unable to use it properly. Small data centres (but SA) are popping up. Few big tech companies presenting use cases like operational efficiency and new product development.

Time to rethink our development model, so the existing fibre can be of use.

ABOUT DIGITAL AFRICA DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

The Digital Africa Development Agency helps public and private organisations to maximise the impact of digital services on economic development and their stakeholders, by providing expert advice, market insights and operational support. More information at www.digitalafrica.ai    

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