MTN Group-owned Bayobab, a leading provider of pan-African digital communications solutions, has significantly expanded its presence by incorporating nine specialized fibre businesses, each holding essential operating licenses.
The expansion aligns with Bayobab’s strategic objectives to bolster its fibre network across critical African markets.
MTN Group’s Bayobab Expands Pan-African Footprint with Fibre Business
During the financial year ending December 2023, Bayobab secured additional fibre operating licenses in key markets such as Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire, and the Central African Republic.
Furthermore, it completed the acquisition of MTN Zambia’s fibre network through a sale-and-leaseback transaction, marking a milestone in the structural separation of fibre assets under MTN Group’s Ambition 2025 strategy.
Under the leadership of CEO Frédéric Schepens, Bayobab initiated an ambitious two-year plan to expand its fibre network to 135,000 km.
As of December 31, 2023, the company had rolled out approximately 7,000 km of new fibre, increasing its total proprietary fibre inventory to 114,000 km.
In terms of financial performance, Bayobab achieved an 8.1% year-on-year growth in external revenue, reaching $372.3 million.
Collaboration with Global Mobile Networks
Within its Communication Platforms segment, external revenue saw a 9.2% year-on-year increase, driven by strategic partnerships for application-to-person SMS services.
Additionally, Bayobab launched over 6,800 roaming services in collaboration with global mobile networks, enhancing international roaming affordability for MTN subscribers across Africa.
He explained: “Collaborating with key global mobile networks, Bayobab launched over 6,800 roaming services, enhancing international roaming affordability for MTN subscribers throughout Africa.”
Telecoms Business Solution
Bayobab also made significant strides in its fibre segment, maintaining flat year-on-year external revenue at $39.7 million. “This performance was supported by new fixed connectivity infrastructure deals valued at $24.4 million secured in the year,” Mupita said.
Furthermore, Bayobab achieved a notable milestone by becoming the first telecommunications provider in Africa to be designated as a telecoms Business Solution Provider (BSP) for WhatsApp for Business.
As a BSP, Bayobab will offer businesses a comprehensive suite of services related to the utilization of the WhatsApp Business Platform, further enhancing its value proposition to corporate clients across the continent.
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