$36 billion annually needed by 2040 to accelerate Africa’s digital infrastructure growth
26 February 2026
A new report titled "African Development Dynamics 2025: Infrastructure, Growth and Transformation," published in late November by OECD and the African Union Commission, highlights that Africa must invest $36 billion annually in fiber optic cables by 2040 to drive its productive transformation.
This figure accounts for roughly 23% of Africa’s total annual infrastructure needs, estimated at $155 billion, though it remains lower than investments required for roads ($50 billion) and railways ($38 billion).
Find out more Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea sign major digital connectivity agreement
12 February 2026
Nigeria has signed a landmark agreement with Equatorial Guinea to develop a subsea fibre-optic cable that will expand broadband capacity and strengthen digital communications across the region.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, described the initiative as a significant advancement in regional economic diplomacy, demonstrating how high-level engagements can be transformed into tangible infrastructure that drives connectivity and growth. The project focuses on enhancing regional cybersecurity cooperation and represents a direct outcome of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's State Visit to Malabo in August 2024.
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MTN targets fintech and fibre to build Africa’s digital platform ecosystem
11 February 2026
MTN Group is shifting toward platform-driven growth across Africa, focusing on acquiring startups in payments, lending, and remittances to deepen its digital ecosystem. This strategic move signifies a move away from isolated startups toward integrated platforms serving millions.
According to Semafor, MTN is actively pursuing fintech acquisitions to bolster its rapidly expanding digital finance services, which already support payments, merchant transactions, airtime lending, and cross-border remittances across more than 10 markets. Valued at around $5.2 billion, MTN’s fintech platform surpasses many African unicorns, reflecting its dominance in mobile money and digital finance.
Find out more Airtel Nigeria expands international gateway access with new 2Africa submarine cable line
10 February 2026
Airtel Nigeria has announced plans to operate a new gateway connection via the 2Africa submarine cable from Kwa Ibo in Akwa Ibom State, located in the southern region of the country.
This new access point will complement the company’s existing infrastructure in Lagos, enhancing the resilience and capacity of Nigeria’s internet connectivity. The announcement was made last week by Airtel Nigeria’s Managing Director, Dinesh Balsingh.
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