(Ecofin Agency) - In emerging markets like Africa, digital infrastructure and services are critical for business innovation and job creation. Expanding into these markets helps address infrastructure gaps while enhancing the region’s digital ecosystem.

Digital solutions provider Hayo announced, on October 1, it has expanded its operations by opening new offices in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and Niamey, Niger. The expansion aims to enhance on-the-ground support and expertise to meet increasing local and regional demand for its digital services.

Feraz Ahmed, Hayo CEO, emphasized the growing demand for digital services such as voice, messaging, IoT, and cloud communications in these regions. “Opening these new offices is a key milestone in our mission to bring on-the-ground innovation and advanced digital solutions to emerging markets which are often underserved and overlooked,” he said.

Hayo supports governments, enterprises, service providers, and over 100 mobile operators across 30 countries in Africa and the Middle East. Its portfolio also includes digital currencies, taxation systems, and infrastructure projects.

The investment aligns with global trends, as businesses and governments alike accelerate their adoption of digital tools to foster economic development and innovation.

The World Bank's 2024 report, Digital Transformation Drives Development in Africa, highlights a 115% rise in internet users across sub-Saharan Africa between 2016 and 2021. Additionally, over 160 million Africans gained broadband access between 2019 and 2022. This growth underscores the increasing demand for digital connectivity, crucial for fostering economic development and innovation in the region.

However, despite this progress, many regions still face significant challenges, such as limited access to affordable connectivity and underdeveloped digital infrastructure. These gaps create substantial opportunities for companies like Hayo to provide much-needed digital solutions, especially as demand grows for services like IoT, cloud communications, and mobile services

Hikmatu Bilali