New York – September 22, 2026 -- The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) intends to join Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and Vision International Investment Company (Vision Invest) as an investor in WIOCC Group, Africa's carrier-neutral digital infrastructure platform operating in more than 30 African countries. The announcement followed a roundtable hosted by AFC on the sidelines of Unstoppable Africa's Global Africa Business Initiative, held alongside the UN General Assembly in New York.
The combined capital will fund expansion of WIOCC Group's terrestrial and subsea networks, data centre capacity and broader digital infrastructure platform. DFC's investment is subject to further steps before commitment and closing, including congressional notification.
Africa's internet penetration lags global average by nearly 38 percentage points
The International Telecommunication Union reported that only 35.7% of Africa's population used the internet in 2025, compared with a global average of 73.6%. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development projects the global AI market will reach US$4.8 trillion by 2033, while cautioning that access to AI capabilities and digital infrastructure remains concentrated among a limited number of countries and companies.
Deal unites African, Saudi and U.S. development finance capital
The addition of DFC creates an investor group spanning African, Saudi Arabian and U.S. development finance institutions. Conor Coleman, DFC's Chief of Staff and Head of Investments, said the investment would help build resilient digital infrastructure to power Africa's economic growth while supporting American and allied companies, including U.S. hyperscalers, seeking to grow in African markets.
AFC has deployed over $19 billion across 36 African countries since 2007
Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of AFC, said fibre, data centres and subsea cables are now essential infrastructure for growth, innovation and AI, comparing them to transport corridors and energy networks. AFC, established in 2007 with 48 member countries, has invested more than US$19 billion in 36 African countries to date.
Vision Invest cites Africa's youth population as demand driver
Omar N. Al-Midani, President & CEO of Vision Invest, noted Africa is home to the world's youngest population and is expected to account for more than one-quarter of the global population by 2050, a factor he said will sustain rising demand for digital services.
WIOCC plans to accelerate data centre deployment and subsea investment
Chris Wood, Group CEO of WIOCC Group, said the additional investment increases the company's ability to execute its long-term growth strategy by accelerating data centre deployment and consolidation, expanding open-access terrestrial fibre, and investing in new subsea assets. Joshua Smythwood, Group Chief Strategy and M&A Officer, said the investment strengthens the Group's financial position and market standing.