To support universal and affordable broadband access in Africa, IFC has partnered with Liquid Intelligent Technologies to expand data center capacity and the rollout of fiber-optic cable on the continent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The partnership with Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Africa\u2019s leading independent fiber and digital services provider, aims to increase digital connectivity and inclusion in Africa and to support the region\u2019s growing digital ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
IFC\u2019s equity and debt investments in Liquid Intelligent Technologies, which to date total approximately $250 million, will support the company to grow its hyperscale data center capacity in Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa through its subsidiary, Africa Data Centres. As Africa\u2019s population grows and is increasingly urbanized, data consumption is expected to grow strongly and with this comes the need for secure local data hosting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The investments will also support Liquid Intelligent Technologies in the continued rollout of its fiber broadband network, which today covers more than 100,000 kilometers of sub-Saharan Africa. The continued build out of its network will help to connect businesses and individuals to the Internet across the continent and position Liquid intelligent Technologies to be at the forefront of Africa\u2019s digital transformation with the provision of complementary digital services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are very pleased that IFC continues to support Liquid. The investments in our data centers and fiber broadband network will directly support our growth plans over the coming years by encouraging the adoption of new services such as Cloud and other digital services, services that are critical in driving sustainable development across Africa,\u201d said Strive Masiyiwa, Liquid Intelligent Technologies Executive Chairman and Founder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDigital technologies are rapidly transforming how people, businesses, and governments communicate, transact, and access information and services. By working with Liquid Intelligent Technologies, we can help expand access to infrastructure and digital services that power Africa\u2019s digital economy, creating new opportunities for growth and jobs. This is an essential element for Africa\u2019s economic transformation and building back better,\u201d said Makhtar Diop, IFC\u2019s Managing Director.<\/p>\n\n\n\n