PROJECT

Projects

Summary of Investment Information

Project Number

53707

Company Name

WEST INDIAN OCEAN CABLE COMPANY LTD

Date SPI Disclosed

Oct 14, 2026

Country

Africa Region

Region

Africa

Projected Board Date

Nov 13, 2026

Environmental Category

B - Limited

Status

Pending Approval

Last Updated Date

Oct 15, 2026

Department

INR Africa East Southern

Industry

other

Sector

Wholesale Broadband - Terrestrial [Project only]

Project Description

WIOCC Holding Company Limited (WIOCC Group) is a top pan-African digital infrastructure provider, offering open-access data centers and high-capacity fiber networks across Africa. WIOCC has been a client of IFC since 2007. West Indian Ocean Cable Company Ltd (WIOCC MU), a subsidiary of WIOCC Holding Company Limited), and its subsidiaries, provide wholesale broadband connectivity linking African countries to Europe and beyond.

The proposed IFC investment comprises a senior secured sustainability-linked loan (SLF) of up to US$35 million to WIOCC MU. WIOCC MU is an existing IFC client under the loans committed in 2024 and 2025.

This project seeks to enhance connectivity and colocation services for individuals and businesses in Africa. Proceeds from the new transaction will support WIOCC MU in expanding its network through the acquisition of additional subsea cable capacity and the further deployment of terrestrial fiber to extend coverage in South and West Africa and increase data center capacity, as well as leverage the existing metro infrastructure to expand its Open Access Metro business, improving fiber connections to estates and businesses for ISPs in Lagos and other states of Nigeria. 

Associated Advisory Engagement

             

Sponsor / Cost / Location

Development Impact

E&S Category Rationale / Risks and Mitigation