What it really takes to set up enterprise-grade internet in Africa

48% of enterprises sourcing internet connectivity in Africa from abroad struggle, according to IDC. It’s a continent with exciting connectivity infrastructure projects. But it also has regional disparities and regulatory complexity. If you’re an IT leader planning to scale into this dynamic continent, success hinges on how well you understand the terrain. And who you trust to guide you through it.

Expereo has the experience and reach to help you set up your networks across this complex region. Let’s explore what it takes to build a high-performance, future-ready enterprise network across Africa.

The connectivity landscape in Africa: Fragmented but fast-moving

Africa is in the midst of a major infrastructure upgrade due to several factors.

International investment in Africa

Firstly, a wave of investment, especially from China, is accelerating Africa’s digital infrastructure. The result? A new era of transformation. Fintech hubs are growing quickly. AI startups are changing what’s possible, and industrial automation is improving productivity. Business is booming. And so is demand for reliable, high-performance connectivity. 

Secondly, global tech giants are investing billions in undersea cable projects to improve internet accessibility in Africa. This will bring new capacity to coastal and inland markets alike. Meta’s 2Africa project spans 45,000 km and connects 33 countries, delivering up to 180 Tbps of capacity. Meanwhile, Google’s Umoja and Equiano routes link Africa to Australia and Europe, transforming long-haul connectivity.

How is internet access being improved in Africa?

But here’s the reality: while these projects dramatically improve internet connectivity in Africa, they don’t reach every business. Especially if they operate beyond major cities. Internet access in Africa remains uneven, and enterprises in rural and inland regions mainly rely on legacy infrastructure, or nothing at all.

Interestingly, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite broadband, led by providers like Starlink, is filling those gaps in many countries. This is reshaping connectivity quality, speed, and latency, especially in landlocked countries in Africa. So is Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), especially in markets like South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, where 5G is gaining ground and increasing internet access. These technologies offer rapid deployment and flexible coverage where laying fiber isn’t viable.

What connectivity options are available in Africa?

Most can agree that fiber offers reliable, high-performing connectivity. However, in Africa, your options need to be more adaptive. For example, what works in Cairo may not work in Lusaka. Similarly, enterprises looking for reliable internet access in Africa must be ready to blend technologies based on geography, availability, and performance.

Here’s how a resilient, adaptive enterprise network tech stack could look for Africa:

• Fiber: High throughput, ideal for city centers and industrial zones, where available.
• 5G FWA: Fiber-like speeds with faster deployment in areas with active 5G spectrum.
• LEO satellite: Crucial for remote sites and backup links; improving latency and affordability.

Ultimately, these hybrid approaches are becoming the blueprint for enterprises looking to build the right internet connectivity in Africa. They balance speed, coverage, and cost across a diverse environment.

Regulatory realities: What you don’t know will delay you

In my experience, the most structured plan means nothing if it gets stuck in customs or sidelined by licensing issues. One of the most underestimated challenges in expanding internet connections in Africa is local regulation.

Essentially, each country has its own telecom laws, documentation requirements, and often opaque import controls. Consequently, your project timeline depends on navigating bureaucracy as much as bandwidth.

This is where a partner like Expereo makes the difference. We streamline cross-border deployments with local knowledge, established relationships, and pre-approved supplier networks. This eliminates the red tape that slows so many enterprises down.

Where enterprises struggle with networking in Africa

However, expanding into Africa can be a complicated process, and many enterprises fall into the same traps.

Challenges of scaling networks in Africa:

• Assuming what works in Europe or the US will work in Africa: Many African markets require creative hybrid solutions to ensure uptime. Even in cities!
• Assuming uniformity from West Coast to East Coast: Africa is a big continent with varying levels of economic development, government stability, and internet and traffic routing from country to country. It all depends on having the right local supplier.
• Overreliance on a single provider or access technology: Enterprises often engage a regional ISP expecting full coverage but find that local gaps force them to patch together subpar last-mile solutions.
• Underestimating implementation timelines: From regulatory red tape to unpredictable shipping delays, getting your sites online takes longer than expected. Especially if you’re unfamiliar with local processes.

How to set up enterprise internet connectivity in Africa

The key is working with a partner who knows the region. One who understands the regulatory realities and offers local, regional, and global support.

Expereo has years of experience delivering enterprise-grade connectivity across Africa. Our global reach and deep local knowledge mean we can design and deliver infrastructure that actually works where you need it.

At Expereo, we help enterprises create robust internet connectivity in Africa with:

• Build flexibility into network design: That means layering fiber, wireless, and LEO satellite solutions where needed. You have flexibility and resilience built into the foundation of your network strategy.
• Navigate local supplier landscapes: Expereo has established relationships with local ISPs and can ensure you get the right level of service for your business, no matter where you’re based.
• Last mile connectivity: Expereo provides a variety of last-mile options across 50+ countries in Africa, including fiber, microwave, and satellite.
• Prioritize visibility and control: With expereoOne, you get real-time insight into every connection, service, and deployment across your African footprint. This ensures you always know what’s working, where, and why.

From Johannesburg to Kinshasa, Cairo to Kigali, Expereo helps global enterprises navigate complexity, minimize risk, and scale with confidence.

Connect at the speed of life across Africa

In conclusion, achieving enterprise-grade internet connectivity in Africa isn’t about waiting for perfect infrastructure. It’s about making strategic choices with the right partner.

Whether you're expanding your network footprint, opening a new branch, or delivering mission-critical services across the continent, Expereo is ready to help you do it right.

Want to learn more about deploying enterprise-grade connectivity across Africa? Check out our brochure.

Or talk to our team about building a future-ready solution that scales with your ambition.