As the increasing rollout of digital technologies allows Africans to leapfrog more dated connectivity systems, growing accessibility to smartphones and the internet is heightening the demand for improved digital infrastructure. Investment in the digital infrastructure backbone, including telecom towers, data centres and fibre, are also supported by increasing digital migration.

The pandemic has accelerated these trends as more people work from home and spend more time indoors, consuming more online content, increasing demands for streaming services and social media. All this aligns with OMAI’s overarching investment strategy, as the sweeping digital revolution is transforming businesses and economies.

Beyond this, there is an apparent synergy between OMAI’s areas of expertise, and its infrastructure franchise – AIIM. Data centres’ demands for 99.9% requires reliable power sources, which can be supplied by renewable energy systems.

Decentralised, sustainable power is also key to tackling energy poverty across the continent. And with improved access to electricity comes the opportunity to maintain upkeep of digital technologies, like mobile phones, making a strong case for the development aspect of improved digital infrastructure.

The digital transition will impact everyone from those at the bottom of the pyramid to large corporates. Increasing prevalence of cloud storage is one element propelling demand for data centres. The supply shortfall makes this an exciting investment space. Similarly, with changing work culture, fibre-to-the-home is needed to support areas like increases in video calling.

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