Digital infrastructure as the foundation of Africa's economic future

By Alpheus Mangale, Group CEO of SEACOM

Africa has long been dubbed the "last frontier", a phrase that speaks both to its untapped potential and the immense opportunities it holds. Once overlooked and even referred to as the "dark continent", Africa is now emerging as the next horizon for investment, growth and innovation. One thing is clear: Africa stands at a pivotal moment of economic promise, and the world is taking notice.

According to the African Development Bank, the continent's growth is projected to rise from 3.4% in 2024 to 3.7% in 2025 and 4.0% in 2026, making it the second-fastest-growing region in the world, after Asia, at a time when average global growth is stagnating around 1.0%. Supported by strong demographic fundamentals and steadily improving macroeconomic conditions, Africa is increasingly viewed as a destination for meaningful, long-term returns, and investors are noticing.

Yet this growth remains uneven. According to World Bank estimates, roughly 464 million people across the continent still live in extreme poverty. In many regions, economic opportunities remain out of reach, with intra-African and international trade still significantly underdeveloped. Africa currently accounts for only 3% of the global goods exchanged.

To shift this status quo, the continent must capitalise on its greatest asset: its people, especially its young, digitally native population. By 2050, the continent will be home to more than 30% of the world's youth. This demographic surge presents enormous potential, but only if the right enablers are put in place to unlock it. Technology is a powerful catalyst for inclusive, equitable growth, and Africa has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to leapfrog traditional development models through robust ICT infrastructure and digital innovation.

At SEACOM, we believe that digital connectivity is the key to unlocking Africa's potential. As a leading pan-African ICT provider, we are committed to investing in the infrastructure, skills, and innovation ecosystems needed to drive inclusive digital transformation and position Africa to thrive in the global digital economy.

SEACOM: Pioneering Africa's Digital Evolution

Founded in 2009, SEACOM was the first high-speed fibre operator to connect East Africa to the rest of the world, launching Africa's first broadband submarine cable system along the continent's Eastern and Southern coastlines. This bold move laid the foundation for faster, more reliable internet connectivity in a region that had long been neglected and underserved.

With deeply South African roots, SEACOM's story is built on innovation, technical excellence, and a deep commitment to solving Africa's ICT challenges. Driven by a passion for technology and client success, SEACOM has continually evolved to meet the continent's changing digital needs.

Sixteen years on, SEACOM has transformed from a subsea cable operator into a leading pan-African provider of integrated digital services and solutions. Today, the company delivers enterprise-grade voice, managed networks, cloud services, and cybersecurity solutions to a diverse client base, including global hyperscalers, carriers, service providers, and enterprises across various sectors, such as finance, hospitality, and mining.

As a digital services aggregator, SEACOM acts as a one-stop shop for clients seeking scalable, future-ready ICT solutions. By integrating globally relevant technologies, the company enables businesses to operate more efficiently, optimise performance, and unlock new growth opportunities.

SEACOM believes that technology is a powerful catalyst for economic development. A robust and efficient digital infrastructure reduces transaction costs, boosts productivity, and promotes inclusivity by expanding access to opportunity.

In line with this belief, SEACOM is committed to investing in the future; expanding subsea cable routes, strengthening cross-border connectivity, and enhancing network security to meet growing data demands. These efforts are driven by rapid advancements in AI, location-based intelligence, and global collaboration, which require robust digital infrastructure that enables businesses to innovate and respond to increasingly rapid market shifts.

As an African company, SEACOM understands the continent's unique realities. Its infrastructure investments are designed to enable digital business and help Africa adapt, innovate, and compete in an increasingly digital global economy.

SEACOM Digital Infrastructure: Powering Africa's Digital Backbone

SEACOM owns and operates one of the most extensive ICT infrastructure networks on the African continent, comprising multiple subsea cables, a resilient continent-wide IP-MPLS backbone, and terrestrial fibre systems spanning numerous regions. Its infrastructure portfolio supports a full range of services, including Carrier Ethernet, IP Transit, Dark Fibre, and Private Line solutions.

With over 4,000 clients across 17 countries, SEACOM plays a central role in enabling the digital ecosystems that drive Africa's economic activity. Looking ahead, SEACOM is laying the groundwork for future technologies. While commercial 6G networks have yet to materialise, the company is actively investing in R&D, collaborating on standards development, and exploring forward-looking use cases to ensure its infrastructure is future-ready.

SEACOM also remains deeply committed to bridging Africa's digital divide. Its infrastructure investments aim to enhance urban connectivity and extend affordable, high-speed internet access to underserved remote areas, addressing infrastructure gaps and creating more equitable digital participation across the continent.

About SEACOM

SEACOM is Africa’s pioneering provider of dedicated connectivity, Cloud, and security services, supporting business growth and digital transformation across the continent. With a network that spans from South Africa to Europe and Asia, SEACOM empowers African businesses to connect seamlessly and securely to global markets. SEACOM was the first high-speed fibre operator to connect Africa to the world, starting with the connection of Africa to Asia and Europe by laying the first broadband submarine cable system along Africa's eastern and southern coastlines. Today, our focus is beyond connectivity with a suite of Business Solutions and Services. Initially envisioned by a group of African investors in 2007, SEACOM is a privately owned and operated pan-African ICT enabler. SEACOM offers an international network of best-in-class quality services. SEACOM is a privately owned, operated, and diversified ICT provider of scale with a presence in eight countries. SEACOM is industry agnostic, offering a wide range of voice, managed networks, security, cloud, and server hosting solutions and services to businesses, network carriers, service providers and enterprises.

SEACOM media team

Stone
media@stone.consulting
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