WIOCC Secures US$300M from AFC and Vision Invest to Expand African Digital Infrastructure

WIOCC Group, a carrier-neutral digital infrastructure platform operating across Africa, announced at the LEAP 2026 conference in Riyadh that it has signed a Shareholder Subscription Agreement with the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and Vision International Investment Company (Vision Invest) for a combined investment of US$300 million. The injection of capital is earmarked to accelerate the construction and operation of open-access critical infrastructure across the continent, marking one of the more significant funding rounds in Africa’s digital sector this year.

The investment is intended to bolster WIOCC’s capacity to build and run open-access networks, a model that allows multiple operators to share physical infrastructure rather than duplicating costly assets. In a press release, the company said that with AFC and Vision Invest on board, it would be able to fast-track the development of Africa’s digital ecosystem and strengthen the continent’s position in a global economy increasingly driven by data and connectivity.

Chris Wood, Chief Executive Officer of WIOCC Group, framed the funding as a strategic response to accelerating demand for cloud, artificial intelligence, and digital services. “Africa is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the next phase of global digital growth. As demand for cloud, AI and digital services accelerates, robust and scalable infrastructure will be essential to unlocking the continent’s potential,” Wood said. He added that the proceeds would be directed toward accelerating data center deployment and consolidation, expanding terrestrial fiber networks, and funding new subsea cable assets.

The transaction also drew commentary from senior figures at both investing institutions. Samaila Zubairu, President and Chief Executive Officer of AFC, underscored the broader economic rationale behind the deal. “The Africa we build must be connected, competitive and equipped to create value from the digital economy, not only consume it. Just as transport corridors enable trade and energy networks, power industry, fibre, data centres and subsea cables are now essential infrastructure for growth, innovation and AI. Our investment in WIOCC will expand the open-access digital backbone African businesses and communities need to integrate, innovate and compete globally,” Zubairu said. Omar N. Al-Midani, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vision Invest, echoed that sentiment, noting that WIOCC has built one of Africa’s leading digital infrastructure platforms and that the partnership comes as the company enters its next phase of growth.

The funding arrives at a time when Africa’s digital divide remains stark. According to the International Telecommunication Union, only 36 percent of the continent’s population had used the internet by 2025, compared with a global average of 74 percent. That gap underscores the scale of investment needed to bring African users and businesses into the digital mainstream. However, momentum is building. Mordor Intelligence reports that a surge in data center investments across the region is being driven by demand for sovereign hosting, new subsea cable projects, and the rollout of 5G networks. With this latest capital injection, WIOCC is positioning itself to play a central role in meeting that demand, particularly as hyperscale and enterprise customers look to expand their footprint in emerging markets.