December 07, 2021
Connectivity, collaboration, competition: The three Cs for business growth
Africa’s population is rapidly expanding. It has been predicted that the continent’s population will nearly triple by 2050. To ensure that African economies keep up with this exponential growth, businesses in every sector need to make the most of the modern digital world and the technology it offers. The three Cs that play an essential role in boosting Africa’s economic growth are connectivity, collaboration and competition.
The power of connectivity
Connectivity is the ultimate catalyst for digital growth and transformation. With a fast and reliable wireless internet connection, individuals across the continent have access to online learning platforms, advanced healthcare solutions and financial support initiatives, while businesses are able to benefit from more efficient digital tools and systems. Increased connectivity also allows businesses to expand their reach and operate more effectively, which aids in the growth of economies and the creation of new jobs.
Why collaboration is vital
Africa continues to have the lowest internet penetration rate. One of the primary reasons for this is due to cost since data fees remain high. Collaboration with governments and private entities is critical if we are to reduce costs while still driving internet expansion. Fortunately, the ICT and telecoms sectors in Africa are beginning to collaborate with other sectors (such as finance, retail, and media) to provide consumers with innovative, low-cost solutions.
SEACOM has partnered with Vodacom Business Africa to reach more businesses across Africa and to provide them with cutting-edge technologies such as cloud computing solutions. We have also increased the capacity of our subsea cable to allow for additional connections.
The Smart Africa Alliance and Japan's SoftBank have recently committed to work together to provide affordable broadband to Africa's underserved regions. By 2025, they expect to have doubled Africa's internet penetration to 51%. Innovative solutions and access to information rely on high-quality connections, and this type of cross-country, multi-sector collaboration is vital for Africa's exponential digital growth and ultimate success.
Healthy competition reduces costs and promotes innovation
In a market with too few internet service providers and telecommunication operators, costs increase and there is less incentive for continuous innovation. Healthy competition is essential in counteracting this. Kenya's digital journey has garnered great attention, with the country now dubbed the "Silicon Savannah", motivating other African countries to prioritise ICT initiatives and build the necessary infrastructure to promote increased connectivity for all.
To continue to expand Africa’s digital reach and support the continent’s rapidly growing population, every person needs access to high-quality, low-cost internet connectivity. The combination of connectivity, collaboration, and competition is vital for the continent’s digital transformation and long-term success. For more information or to get a quote for our innovative connectivity solutions, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.
SEACOM owns Africa’s most extensive network of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, including subsea cables and secure internet connections. We offer a diverse range of flexible, scalable and high-quality solutions for businesses that meet world-class standards for connectivity.
SEACOM is privately owned and operated, making it agile and adaptable to the needs of the customer. This makes us the preferred ICT and internet connectivity partner for African businesses and peripheral service providers. We can guarantee high-speed, low-latency and secure internet connections to corporates and small enterprises.
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Need internet for your home? Our subsidiary, WonderNet, brings fast and cost-effective broadband internet to all Africans with a fibre-to-the-home offering.