Bayobab, a digital infrastructure firm, has successfully completed the structural separation and transfer of fibre assets from its sister company, MTN Zambia, it said.

Bayobab, an MTN Group operating subsidiary, announced the move yesterday, paving the way for the company to implement its strategic expansion plans, in line with its Ambition 2025 strategy.

Ralph Mupita, president and CEO, MTN Group, said: “The successful sale-and-leaseback transaction with Bayobab Zambia, transferring MTN Zambia's fibre network, marks a pivotal first step in our targeted structural separation of fibre assets, as outlined in Ambition 2025 strategy.”

Bayobab specialises in fibre-optic networking and offers connectivity solutions. It currently owns more than 108,000 kilometres of fibre, with intentions to increase to 135,000 km by the end of next year.

According to Bayobab, the acquisition of MTN Zambia's fibre assets will enhance its operational capabilities by improving traffic management on its fibre networks and making bandwidth usage more efficient.

Frédéric Schepens, CEO of Bayobab Group, said: "The successful completion of the structural separation and transfer of fibre assets not only signifies a significant leap forward for Bayobab Zambia but also heralds great benefits for Zambia and its surrounding nine countries in the region.”

In a statement, Bayobab noted with connections to seven neighbouring countries – Angola, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo – the move boosts cross-border connectivity but also helps position the Bayobab Zambia, and the country, as a central digital hub for southern Africa.

“This move reinforces our commitment to advancing connectivity across Africa and underscores our role as an open-access provider, benefiting all our partners,” said Scheepers.