Pan-African service provider Seacom has partnered with Vodacom Business Africa, the enterprise-focused ICT subsidiary of the Vodacom Group, to initiate the next chapter of both companies' African network connectivity ventures.

Since the launch of its business division, Seacom says it has substantially grown its customer and partnership base.

It notes the latest partnership ensures Seacom can service customer and partner demands beyond existing markets and across Vodacom's infrastructure footprint – a significant move given the disruption taking place in the enterprise wide area network (WAN) space with technologies like SD-WAN gaining traction.

Vodacom Business Africa says over the years, it has strategically invested in the creation of network capability, supported in its vision by technological partners on the continent.

It points out this move has increased connectivity and driven digital growth within the 47 countries in which Vodacom Business Africa operates.

According to the company, Vodacom Business Africa has enabled customers to connect across a range of platforms and is now actively putting measures in place to further encourage usage of that capability.

As such, Vodacom is partnering with international telco operators like Seacom to deliver a range of services on their behalf to customers.

Managing director for Vodacom Business Africa, Guy Clarke, says: "The biggest benefit for Vodacom's customers is that their access is paired with a single contract execution across multiple territories, supported by cross-border customer service.

"The new partnership equips Seacom with this appealing capability, while extending its capacity when linking existing services across other platforms, including the Internet of things, cloud and unified communications."

Clarke adds: "We're confident our partnership will translate into growth for both parties."

As far as growth goes, Seacom says it will enjoy access to the far-reaching Vodacom Business Africa footprint to better deliver enterprise solutions to its customers.

At the same time, the partnership will help Vodacom's enterprise division solidify its fixed presence throughout the continent.

Steve Briggs, chief commercial officer for Seacom, says: "The addition of the Vodacom Business Africa network will significantly augment the geographic reach for Seacom Business clients across the continent.

In addition, this opportunity further cements the strong commercial relationship already enjoyed between Seacom and the Vodacom Group, which dates back to the launch of Seacom's original subsea cable system."