Bayobab, formerly known as MTN GlobalConnect has formed a strategic pan-African connectivity partnership with Microsoft with the aim of providing access to large-scale infrastructure services to build capacity to further Microsoft's cloud initiative, accelerating digital transformation across organizations and broader communities.
This partnership according to a statement issued on Wednesday, comes at
a critical point in Africa’s digital growth trajectory with an internet-based
economy on the rise. Sub-Saharan Africa will be home to more
than 1 billion people, with 50% under the age of 25 years, forecasts World
Bank.
A
continent with the youngest population and growing appetite for digital
connectivity to access entertainment, financial and commercial needs provide enormous
potential. Through the strategic partnership, we can tap into this potential,
enabling socio-economic development to support digital economies and
marketplaces, connecting consumers and businesses in multiple ways.
Inspired
by Africa’s potential, this partnership will support businesses to easily connect
to the Microsoft Cloud, accelerating their digital transformation journey.
Bayobab’s services enable improved performance for business and public sector
organizations. Increase productivity and drive business growth in Africa.
Offering
the most significant backbone network in Africa, Bayobab is well positioned as
a partner of scale with a single doorway powered by a state-of-the-art network
ecosystem. It seamlessly integrates with over 105,000km of fibre
infrastructure, providing access to 291 million African subscribers through the
MTN network.
Commenting
on the partnership, the Chief Executive Officer of Bayobab, Frederic Schepens
said “As we progress on our journey to provide next-gen digital solutions
across Africa, we are delighted to enter into a strategic partnership with
Microsoft. Our strategic partnership will see Bayobab utilizing its significant
pan-African proprietary fibre network to enable Microsoft’s digital
transformation initiatives. Africa’s connectivity relies on strategic partnership
coming together to foster innovation, expand the African digital economy, and
grow with impact in the countries where we operates.”
The
Chief Executive Officer for Microsoft South Africa, Lillian Barnard also
remarked that “ The alliance between our businesses builds on a strong,
long-standing relationship of nearly 10 years. Through our strategic
partnership, we are excited to enable future growth for Africa power by digital
skills, connectivity, and innovation.”
Driven by an
understanding that small businesses form the bedrock of African economies, this
partnership symbolises our commitment to supporting enterprises and public
sector organisations across the continent. Through our large-scale
infrastructure services and two distinct businesses, fibre, and mobility,
Bayobab will enable Microsoft’s digital ecosystem to provide next-gen solutions
to accelerate digital transformation and enable a connected African continent.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
