NEW YORK, Sept. 22, 2026 (XOL Africa) — The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation plans to invest in WIOCC Group alongside Africa Finance Corporation and Saudi Arabia’s Vision International Investment Company, as international investors seek to expand Africa’s digital infrastructure to meet rising demand for data, cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
WIOCC, a carrier-neutral digital infrastructure platform operating in more than 30 African countries, said Tuesday that the investment would support the expansion of its terrestrial and subsea networks, data-center capacity and broader digital infrastructure platform.
The announcement followed a roundtable hosted by AFC on the sidelines of the Global Africa Business Initiative’s Unstoppable Africa event during the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
DFC’s investment remains subject to further steps, including congressional notification, before the commitment and closing, the companies said.
The investment comes as Africa faces a significant digital infrastructure gap. The International Telecommunication Union estimates that 35.7% of Africa’s population used the internet in 2025, compared with 73.6% globally.
At the same time, demand for computing infrastructure is rising as companies expand their use of cloud services and AI.
“DFC’s investment in WIOCC Group will help build the next generation of trusted, resilient digital infrastructure needed to power Africa’s economic growth,” said Conor Coleman, DFC’s chief of staff and head of investments.
Coleman said the infrastructure would provide connectivity for businesses and communities while supporting U.S. and allied companies seeking to expand in African markets, including U.S. hyperscalers and technology companies.
Expanding Africa’s digital backbone
Samaila Zubairu, president and chief executive of AFC, said infrastructure such as fiber networks, data centers and subsea cables had become as important to economic development as traditional transport and energy networks.
“The Africa we build must be connected, competitive and equipped to create value from the digital economy, not only consume it,” Zubairu said.
“Our investment in WIOCC will expand the open-access digital backbone African businesses and communities need to integrate, innovate and compete globally,” he said.
WIOCC plans to use the additional capital to accelerate data-center deployment, expand its open-access terrestrial fiber network and invest in additional subsea infrastructure.
Chris Wood, WIOCC Group’s chief executive, said the investment would strengthen the company’s ability to respond to growing demand for cloud computing, AI and digital services.
“Africa is uniquely positioned to capitalise on the next phase of global digital growth,” Wood said. “As demand for cloud, AI and digital services accelerates, robust and scalable infrastructure will be essential to unlocking the continent’s potential.”
WIOCC said the expansion would also improve connectivity between African markets and international digital hubs.
International investors target digital growth
The transaction brings together development finance institutions and infrastructure investors from the United States, Africa and Saudi Arabia at a time when digital infrastructure is becoming increasingly important to economic growth.
Vision Invest CEO Omar N. Al-Midani said Africa’s demographic growth would underpin rising demand for digital services.
“Demand for digital services in Africa will continue to rise, necessitating impactful investments in connectivity and digital ecosystems,” Al-Midani said.
He said stronger digital infrastructure could support innovation, economic diversification and sustainable growth across the continent.
WIOCC operates an open-access digital infrastructure platform spanning more than 30 African countries. Its network supports telecommunications operators, technology companies, businesses and other customers requiring connectivity and data infrastructure.
The investment is also expected to strengthen WIOCC’s financial capacity as it expands its infrastructure footprint.
Joshua Smythwood, WIOCC’s group chief strategy and M&A officer, said the transaction would strengthen the company’s market position and enable it to respond to changing customer requirements.
The investment reflects growing international interest in Africa’s digital economy, where inadequate connectivity and limited local data-center capacity remain constraints on the adoption of cloud computing, AI and other digital services.
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