Bayobab Overcomes Subsea Cable Disruptions, Reports Resilient Revenue Growth Amid Regional Challenges

MTN Group noted in their H1 results about how the first half of the year brought significant challenges, including the conflict in Sudan, currency volatility, and disruptions from subsea cable cuts affecting connectivity across Africa. Notably, four major cables on the west coast experienced simultaneous outages, which were promptly restored within days using redundant capacity links and the newly installed Equiano cable.

Despite these headwinds, Bayobab demonstrated resilience with a 4.9% increase in consolidated external revenue, reaching R3.4 billion. The conflict in Sudan and the depreciation of the naira impacted the Communication Platforms segment, which still managed a 5.0% year-on-year revenue growth. The Fibre segment also saw a 4.6% rise in external revenue, though cable cuts delayed some contracts.

Amidst these challenges, Bayobab secured new fixed connectivity infrastructure deals totaling $9.4 million in the first half of the year, highlighting its ability to navigate adversity while continuing to expand its infrastructure footprint.