Building a pan-African neutral open access digital infrastructure to transform the continent’s development and economic growth

On the back of the launch of our African Inspired Brand reveal, Bayobab and recent partnership announcements with Africa50, a topic that I am deeply passionate about is Connecting Africa. For us Connecting Africa means, we can empower Africans to participate in the digital world, drive economic growth, and foster innovation, working with our partners to create a modern connected future for the continent, we call Home! ?

Over the past year, you have heard me speak of our focus to build pan-African neutral open access digital Infrastructure, but for us as Bayobab, what does this truly mean?

As Bayobab, we are building a?pan-African focused open access digital infrastructure, spanning 135?000kms by 2025 that will drive and deliver progress.

So, what does neutral open access digital infrastructure mean for Africa’s progress:

Through our pan-African focused open-access digital infrastructure, it can have a transformative impact on the continent's development and economic growth. By providing affordable and high-quality coverage, we can bridge the digital divide and enable more people in Africa to access the benefits of the digital world.

Expanding connectivity through our various initiatives can foster innovation and expand the African digital economy through:

1.????Access to Information and Education: Improved connectivity allows people to access an array of information and educational resources. This can enhance learning opportunities, empower individuals with knowledge, and contribute to skill development, ultimately fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

2.????E-commerce and Digital Marketplaces: By connecting more people to the Internet, you create a larger customer base for e-commerce and digital marketplaces. This can enable small and medium-sized businesses to reach a wider audience, facilitate trade across borders, and promote economic growth.

3.????Financial Inclusion: Digital connectivity plays a crucial role in promoting financial inclusion. By providing access to digital banking services and mobile payment platforms, more individuals can participate in the formal economy, access financial services, and build economic resilience.

5.????A topic I am sincerely passionate about, powering Entrepreneurship and Startups: Improved connectivity can fuel the growth of startups and entrepreneurship. It provides a platform for innovators and entrepreneurs to launch new businesses, access resources and mentorship, and connect with potential investors and partners.

6.????Connecting our new modern world, Remote Work and Digital Jobs: Enhanced connectivity can enable remote work opportunities and the growth of the digital job market. This can contribute to reducing unemployment rates, empowering individuals to work from anywhere, and attracting international companies to invest in African talent.

7.????Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: A robust digital infrastructure encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing among individuals, businesses, and institutions. It facilitates networking, research collaborations, and the exchange of ideas, leading to innovation and the development of new technologies.

8.????Government Services and E-governance: Improved connectivity supports the digitisation of government services, enabling citizens to access public services more efficiently.

Seeing Africa through the eyes of her population, we at Bayobab, are inspired by the continent’s potential, accelerating her progress by opening the door to new possibilities.

We are actively prioritising building sustainable telecommunication highways, providing affordable, high-quality coverage, and building over 135?000 km of open-access digital infrastructure by 2025, laying the foundation for a thriving digital ecosystem in Africa.

Connecting Africa is vital for unlocking the continent's economic potential, fostering innovation, improving access to education and healthcare, and promoting social inclusion. It can bridge gaps in information access, empower individuals and businesses, and contribute to overall development and prosperity in Africa.

I am truly excited for the journey our business is on and I look forward to seeing what Bayobab has in store for us.?