EXA Infrastructure, the largest dedicated digital infrastructure platform connecting Europe and North America, and WIOCC Group, Africa’s leading provider of converged open access digital infrastructure, have signed a deal for capacity on a new terrestrial transport route interconnecting Africa and Europe.

The deal comes hot on the heels of EXA’s recent announcement that it is investing in a new terrestrial transport route to Lisbon and Sines in Portugal, connecting the Iberian peninsula to EXA’s European network.

WIOCC will be utilising this new gateway to support its growth as the wholesale carrier of choice across the African continent.

WIOCC Group Chief Executive Chris Wood said, “Our expanded partnership with EXA Infrastructure enables us to harness EXA’s robust transport routes to Europe through Portugal on a high-capacity network. WIOCC is continually investing to strengthen Africa’s global connectivity, expand open access digital footprint and ICT capabilities, and thereby extend Africa’s influence and capabilities.”

“Africa’s internet economy is growing fast, the mobile-first continent unites almost 1.4 billion people and connectivity is fundamental to Africa’s digital transformation. We are pleased to have secured this partnership and transport route with EXA.”

The companies cite research by Statista which states that Africa has around 570 million internet users in 2022 with social media, online shopping and Fintech growing in popularity and rising internet penetration.

The demand for content both within and outside of Africa is growing and WIOCC said it has invested over US$500-million in creating open access, hyperscale digital infrastructure.

“WIOCC has been a pioneer in connecting Africa to the world, and we are delighted to be chosen to support them in Europe as they continue to scale to support the demands of their clients. The African connectivity landscape is rapidly changing with the growing demand for internet traffic and bandwidth. Reliable digital infrastructure is pivotal to improve the quality of people’s lives and drive business growth across the continent” said EXA Infrastructure Chief Commercial Officer Nicholas Collins.

“EXA will continue to expand our network in line with customer demand to ensure we are the most compelling choice for our customers who are looking for fast, secure and scalable infrastructure," he added.