US DFC Plans $155M WIOCC Investment Across Africa

The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation announced Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, it will invest up to $155 million in Johannesburg-based WIOCC, its largest-ever equity investment. WIOCC runs submarine cables, terrestrial fiber and data centers in more than 30 African countries. Co-investors are Vision Invest and the Africa Finance Corporation. Ben Black, CEO of DFC, said "President Trump and DFC are committed to winning the AI race for America" and that the stake will build next-generation digital infrastructure on trusted networks for American companies expanding in Africa. DFC said the deal "aligns with US strategic interests in supporting US hyperscalers and the American technology ecosystem" and will "strengthen critical digital infrastructure across Africa." Context includes a Trump executive order last year requiring agencies to promote U.S. tech abroad and a first-term clean network initiative aimed at reducing Chinese telecom reliance such as Huawei. Related steps include DFC's earlier $100 million loan to Africell, an $80 million Digital Realty/Icolo Kenya data center announced this month, and WIOCC's Sept. 3 $300 million agreement with AFC and Vision Invest for data centers, fiber and submarine assets.