Bayobab plans to deploy fiber optic network in South Sudan
June 7th 2024
Bayobab, the wholesale fiber optic subsidiary of MTN Group, plans to build a fiber optic cable network across South Sudan. The company presented the project on Thursday June 6 during a meeting with the National Communications Authority (NCA).
This initiative is expected to help strengthen South Sudan’s digital infrastructure. The NCA believes that this will ensure affordable and reliable internet access for all South Sudanese. According to data platform DataReportal, the country had 1.36 million Internet users at the start of 2024 for a penetration rate of 12.1%.
Furthermore, the project fits with Bayobab’s ambition to densify its network to position itself as a world-class open access digital infrastructure platform focused on Africa. In 2023, the company acquired nine fiber optic companies in various markets. It also acquired MTN Zambia’s fiber optic network, invested in a new fiber optic route and landed 2Africa cable in Ghana and Nigeria.
This strategy to densify Bayobab’s African network comes as MTN Group plans to separate from its fiber optic activity. Ultimately, Bayobab will no longer be content to serve only the MTN group, but will expand its services to other third parties. As of December 31, 2023, Bayobab already had a 114,000 km fiber optic network across the continent.
Source: Agency Ecofin
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