Liquid Telecom CEO Reshaad Sha on Africa expansion

The telecommunications sector in South Africa is rapidly evolving with vast growth opportunities in connectivity infrastructure and internet penetration. Pan-African telecommunications giant, Liquid Telecom, is at the forefront of expanding its operations across the African continent, with ambitious plans such as the construction of a vast fiber network spanning from Cape Town to Cairo. CEO Reshaad Sha provided insights into the company's funding sources and expansion strategies in a recent interview on CNBC Africa. Liquid Telecom currently boasts a network that spans over 50,000 kilometers, reaching from Cape Town all the way to Sudan. In an effort to further extend their reach, the company has entered into a strategic partnership with Telecom Egypt to connect their network to Cairo. This monumental initiative aims to foster connectivity and trade among African nations, facilitating economic growth and development across the continent. The completion timeline for this expansive project is imminent, with both networks already established and awaiting interconnection. Sha highlighted that the collaboration with Telecom Egypt, an established player in the region with over 160 years of operation, positions Liquid Telecom to swiftly activate services along the extended network route. Sha addressed the historical disparity in investment between the Maghreb region and sub-Saharan Africa, emphasizing the importance of creating attractive investment opportunities to drive economic growth on the continent. Liquid Telecom's steadfast commitment to bridging the connectivity gap and offering cloud services to various African nations underpins their role in fostering a conducive environment for investment. Beyond the Cape to Cairo fiber project, Liquid Telecom has ventured into strategic acquisitions to bolster its presence in the market. The partnership with Royal Buffet King Holdings to acquire Neotel marked a significant milestone for the company. In the wake of Vodacom's withdrawal from the bid due to regulatory challenges, Liquid Telecom proceeded with the acquisition, securing regulatory approvals and embarking on an integration process to seamlessly offer services throughout Africa. CEO Reshaad Sha expressed optimism about the future prospects of Liquid Telecom, citing the successful completion of key transactions and ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity and services across the continent. With a steadfast focus on innovation and partnership building, Liquid Telecom is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the telecommunications landscape in Africa.