This partnership is set to unlock broader economic opportunities and foster greater digital inclusion by improving the affordability, reach, and reliability of high-capacity connectivity solutions.

African digital infrastructure provider, the West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC), has signed a Framework Agreement (FWA) with TMCEL, Mozambique’s national telecommunications operator, to transform the country’s digital landscape and boost regional connectivity across Southern Africa. The agreement, unveiled during a signing ceremony at TMCEL’s Maputo headquarters on July 23, marks a pivotal milestone in Mozambique’s efforts to expand nationwide digital inclusion and improve high-speed access in alignment with the National Broadband Strategy.

“This partnership signifies our commitment to driving digital transformation across Africa. By leveraging WIOCC’s scalable capacity and regional network alongside TMCEL’s robust national infrastructure and government collaboration, we are creating a powerful foundation for enhanced connectivity, inclusive growth, and expanded digital services across Mozambique and beyond,” said James Wekesa, Group Chief Commercial Officer at WIOCC.

The partnership brings together WIOCC’s deep regional and international connectivity capabilities with TMCEL’s extensive national infrastructure and operational footprint. Under the agreement, the two entities will collaborate to bolster Mozambique’s digital backbone through a combination of subsea and terrestrial infrastructure. This includes strategic capacity delivered via the 2Africa East subsea cable and inland routes connecting to key regional markets, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, and Swaziland.

Despite recent progress, Mozambique’s internet penetration remains among the lowest in Africa—at just 21% as of 2022, according to the Internet Society Pulse data. This connectivity gap highlights the critical role of the newly signed framework agreement. By improving both subsea and terrestrial network coverage, the partnership directly targets the core barriers to internet access—limited backbone infrastructure, high costs, and inadequate rural reach—laying the foundation for more inclusive and affordable digital connectivity in Mozambique and the surrounding region.

The collaboration is expected to improve network resilience, enable faster and more secure data transmission, and create a robust ecosystem for the delivery of digital services across borders. It also strengthens Mozambique’s role as a regional digital gateway, supporting growing demand for data and cloud-based solutions in Eastern and Southern Africa.

Hikmatu Bilali