Investors update: Huawei eyes Africa's $4-5bn data center and cyber security market

Huawei eyes Africa’s $4-5bn data center and cyber security market

Highlights

• Huawei Technologies is going after Africa’s data centers and cyber security industries, which estimates suggest could hit $4 billion in 2026, as storage and computing power become core strategic areas for organizations on the continent.
• Focusing on data center infrastructure innovation, the Chinese tech giant aims to lead the development of capabilities to process massive and diversified computing power in data centers and help enterprises against cyber threats. 
• With connectivity remaining crucial to digitalization and networks central to connectivity, the company intends to work with enterprises to roll out a number of cyber solutions, including for SMEs.

Source: ABC

Our Takeaway

Africa’s cloud computing and data center market is undeniably untapped. The continent still grapples with the lack of continent-wide digital infrastructure crucial for a digitally included region. Operators are pouring significant investments into the space to bridge this gap while tapping into the market revenue potential. The Africa data center market was valued at $2 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow to $4-5 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 15%.

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Liquid partners with Microsoft to expand Africa’s internet access

Highlights

• Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a business of Cassava Technologies, has entered a collaboration with Microsoft Corp to deliver internet access to 20 million underserved people in Africa by the end of 2025.
• Working together through Microsoft’s Airband initiative, the new collaboration will initially target regions that include but are not limited to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia. 
• Additionally, the partnership will allow for increased proliferation of high-speed connectivity to the farthest parts of Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa.

Source: Guardian NG

Our Takeaway

The lack of universal internet access in Africa presents a significant market opportunity for companies that can provide affordable and reliable connectivity solutions to millions of potential customers. With over 1.3 billion people on the continent and less than half of them having internet access, the potential market is vast., further bolstered by the increasing demand for digital services and the growing number of entrepreneurs and small businesses who need internet access to compete in the global economy. Companies that can provide innovative solutions such as low-cost satellite internet, community Wi-Fi, and mobile internet services are poised for significant growth.

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Egyptian payment giant Fawry targets the food and beverage sector

Highlights

• Fawry, a leading digital banking provider, has partnered with restaurant management platform Syrve to introduce a digital payments system and automated checkout experience to the food and beverage sector in Egypt.
• Syrve, with a presence in 44 countries worldwide, offers a comprehensive restaurant management system that caters to the specific needs of individual establishments, including managing tables, stocks, staff, and payments.
• By collaborating with Fawry, Syrve will now extend its services to Egypt and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, while Fawry will expand its market reach and deliver greater value to customers.

Source: Ventureburn

Our Takeaway

With a network of 36 member banks, its mobile platform, and more than 280,000 agents, Fawry processes an average of four million transactions per day, serving an estimated customer base of more than 39 million users monthly. The partnership with Syrve should further enhance the startup’s position as the largest e-payment platform in Egypt, serving both the banked and unbanked population with a wide range of digital services.