Bayobab, a subsidiary of MTN Group, is rapidly expanding its operations across Africa, particularly in South Africa, Nigeria, Zambia and other key markets. The company plans to invest over US$500 million to turn its fiber business into an open-access network.
Under CEO Frederic Schepens, Bayobab aims to separate MTN Group's fiber business from its GSM network. This strategy aims to unlock value, attract partners and comply with local regulations. Impressive progress has been made in Zambia, with 4,000 kilometers of fiber deployed, and the focus extends to Nigeria's substantial proprietary fiber holdings.
Project East2West is a major endeavor for Bayobab, aiming to create a terrestrial fiber optic network connecting Africa's east and west. In partnership with Africa50, up to US$320 million will be invested between 2023 and 2025 to foster connectivity across ten African nations.
Bayobab operates across countries like Zambia, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Cote d'Ivoire and South Africa. The success of Project East2West is expected to further expand operations.
By mid-2023, Bayobab had achieved a milestone with 3,000 kilometers of new fiber, resulting in an impressive 108,000-kilometer proprietary inventory. The company has access to 16 submarine cables encircling Africa.
Bayobab holds an International Network License in Zambia for cross-border fiber transit, strengthening connections with neighboring nations.
Through its subsidiaries, Bayobab Communications Platform and Bayobab Fibre, the company is strategically transitioning MTN Group's fiber assets to an open-access network. This strategy empowers the telecom, hyperscaler and digital infrastructure sectors.
Bayobab's growth strategy includes the Bayobab Customer Success Centre in Ghana, operational since September 2022, generating jobs and offering support.
As a neutral fiber-focused business, Bayobab provides digital infrastructure services, granting control over networks to telecom operators, hyperscalers and digital infrastructure providers.
