Data Centers: the Hottest Growth Area in the African ICT Market?

December 4, 2018 Xalam Analytics Research

The African data center colocation market is arguably the hottest growth area in the African ICT market, according to a new report by research and analytics firm Xalam Analytics.

The report, titled “African Data Center Boom” notes that African data center market growth has reached an inflection point. “More multi-tenant data center facilities will be built across Africa over the next two years than were established over the past three combined. Data center colocation space, power, and revenue are all set to double over the next five years.”

This, the report says, reflects the vital role played by data center facilities as Africa enters the fourth industrial revolution. “Data centers are critical infrastructure for African digital transformation, nearly as much as mobile data or fibre connectivity” notes Guy Zibi, Xalam Principal Analyst and one of the authors of the report. “The supercharged growth we are starting to see is a testimony to their increasing importance.”

Fixing Rwanda’s Ailing 4G Wholesale Model

November 7, 2018November 7, 2018 Xalam Analytics Research1 Comment

Rwanda’s 4G wholesale model seemed like a good idea when it was first conceived. But it hasn’t been working, and should be scrapped.

In 2013, the Government of Rwanda (GoR) set up a joint venture, Olleh Rwanda Networks with South Korea’s KT Corp, to roll out a 4G network that would cover 95% of the country. KT Corp pledged to invest $140m in the project; for its equity stake, the GoR contributed its (then-)newly built country-wide fibre infrastructure, 4G spectrum and a wholesale-only operator licence. The new venture was allocated spectrum in the 800MHz and 1800MHz bands, and critically, a 25-year exclusivity to operate a 4G network.

Can Data Localization Laws Boost African Cloud and Colocation Markets?

November 7, 2018November 7, 2018 Xalam Analytics Research1 Comment

On the surface, requiring companies to host data locally would seem an attractive option to foster local industry and data sovereignty. The question is whether it ultimately does more harm than good.

Last August, an Indian expert panel committee released its initial recommendations for the country’s upcoming privacy law, including a requirement for companies to store Indian user data in servers physically located in the country. The committee’s recommendations have touched off a fierce debate on the future of India’s digital ecosystem. As more African countries push to adapt their legal frameworks to the Internet age, the same debates are intensifying here.

Africa’s 4G Failure(s)

October 22, 2018October 22, 2018 Xalam Analytics ResearchLeave a comment

On the surface, 4G service rollout in African markets appears to be going well. Around 115 LTE networks are commercial or expected to launch in the continent before the end of 2018. On average, since 2015, around 20 new 4G networks launch in Africa every year. Operators are reporting double-digit traffic growth numbers. The African 4G base has been doubling every year, though from a small base.

We estimate the number of 4G connections on the continent at around 50m in 2017, a number which, on current trajectory, should rise to around 90m in 2018. Subject to a variety of assumptions, the number of 4G connections should quadruple to reach close to 350m within the next five years.

So what’s the problem?

Should African MNOs sell their fibre assets?

October 1, 2018 Xalam Analytics Research1 Comment

This market brief is available for download to Xalam members only (free registration required)

As African mobile network operators (MNOs) continue to grapple with transforming their operating models, one option is getting stronger consideration: selling off the fibre infrastructure assets. In theory, this would help MNOs do three things: generate immediate cash, unlock under-exploited value in their metro and interurban fibre assets, and help reduce their long-term CapEx requirements, thus improving their business models.

Why AWS went to Bahrain – and what that means for Africa

November 14, 2018 Xalam Analytics ResearchLeave a comment