How fibre optics are transforming the business landscape in Africa

The last five years have witnessed a significant expansion of numerous submarine and land cables across Africa, resulting in the acceleration of broadband adoption on the continent. The transformational impact of this phenomenon on businesses cannot be overstated. The Regional CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Adil El Youssefi, sheds light on the monumental changes taking place in the business landscape of Africa due to the increased adoption of fiber optics. The shift towards digital transformation has revolutionized customer experiences, with more businesses in Africa embracing the digital realm. Consumers now access services through mobile devices or laptops in a seamless and instantaneous manner. Automation has become the norm, providing customers with a rich set of features on-the-go. Youssefi emphasizes the critical advantages that fiber optics offer over satellite internet, citing stability and faster speeds as key ingredients for ensuring optimal customer experiences in the digital and mobile world. In terms of connectivity, Africa has made significant progress in recent years. Previously limited to top businesses and affluent areas, fiber optics are now reaching more homes and businesses, thanks to the deployment of robust fiber optic networks by various providers. Liquid Telecom, with over 100,000 kilometers of fiber across the continent, is playing a pivotal role in expanding fiber connectivity in Africa. While urban areas have been the primary beneficiaries of enhanced connectivity, efforts are underway to extend these services to rural areas. The demand for stable and fast internet connectivity in rural regions is expected to surge with the expansion of 4G and soon-to-come 5G services. Youssefi underscores the importance of collaboration with like-minded organizations to expand internet connectivity and bring benefits to businesses and the population at large. By partnering with mobile network operators, government agencies, and financial institutions, Liquid Intelligent Technologies aims to support entities in their digital transformation journey. The infrastructure investment needed in Africa to broaden access to internet services includes stable connectivity, data centers, and a conducive investment and regulatory environment. Youssefi highlights the significance of creating an environment that attracts investors to develop necessary infrastructure such as data centers and private networks. Liquid Intelligent Technologies, with its extensive experience and infrastructure spanning across the continent, is poised to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the digital revolution in Africa. The company's focus on expanding fiber networks and deploying data centers reflects their commitment to empowering businesses to leverage the benefits of digital transformation and enhance internet access for all citizens in Africa.