GVA: Expands fibre rollout to boost digital access in Africa

GVA: Expands fibre rollout to boost digital access in Africa is profiled by BTW Media because public-source evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

• GVA’s FTTH projects reach eight African countries, focusing on high-speed access and national job creation.
• Partnerships like FAST Congo improve infrastructure sharing and help reduce pricing barriers.

GVA: Fibre strategy extends across eight African capitals

GVA, a subsidiary of Vivendi, is rapidly deploying fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) networks in eight African capitals, including Lomé, Libreville, Abidjan, and Kinshasa. Since launching operations in 2017, the company has focused on building its own fibre infrastructure and offering reliable high-speed internet under the CANALBOX brand. Each market is locally incorporated and operated, with a strategy built around long-term investment and full network ownership.

The rollout has also contributed to local economies. In Togo, where GVA now connects around 400,000 households and businesses, the company employs more than 140 nationals directly, with additional jobs created via subcontractors. Its basic fibre plan, offering 10 Mbps at 15,000 FCFA per month, places it among the most competitively priced in the region. This model reflects GVA’s broader goal to align with national digital strategies while reducing the affordability barrier to broadband.

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FAST Congo Partnership Strengthens GVA’s DRC Backbone

GVA’s regional expansion gained momentum in November 2023 through a landmark agreement with FAST Congo. The deal gives GVA access to a 620 km fibre-optic link connecting Muanda to Kinshasa—one of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s key digital corridors. According to DRC General Manager Moktar Tabouri, the move represents an “innovative” solution to infrastructure constraints and will allow GVA to improve capacity and pricing flexibility.

The agreement also signals a shift in how telecom operators share and scale infrastructure in Central Africa. GVA plans to expand its services in Kinshasa, where CANALBOX already delivers speeds up to 200 Mbps. However, challenges remain. Despite affordable packages, fixed broadband penetration is still low across most of GVA’s markets. The company is addressing this through flexible pricing, local customer support, and expanded technical teams to ensure service quality.

GVA’s model—combining in-country investment with cross-border infrastructure access—positions it as a significant force in reducing the digital gap across Francophone Africa.