Page 2 - WIOCC Newsletter NOV 2018

Letter from the CEO
When I joined WIOCC as CEO back in 2008, it was nothing more than a promising idea and a very welcome challenge for me. There was no network, clients, or even an office, so initially I worked from the terrace at the Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi. I can’t say I knew then that WIOCC would be exactly what it is today, but I knew we had the potential to grow into a very successful business. Ten years on, we now have nearly 100 highly professional and dedicated staff, across 10 locations on 3 continents and I’m extremely proud of what we have achieved as a team.
Over this period, we have established WIOCC as Africa’s leading carriers’ carrier, with our presence and capability in Africa unquestionable. We have successfully grown an international brand, resulting in major African operators, global carriers, ISPs, governments and OTTs entrusting us with their core network requirements. We have continued to differentiate ourselves on the relationships we create with our clients - working collaboratively with them to deliver robust, creative solutions with exceptional support, all of which drive successful long-term partnerships.
We started with an objective to expand into new territories and bring the benefits of high-speed reliable connectivity to as many countries and cities as possible. From humble beginnings in the Norfolk hotel we have created subsidiaries in Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia, South Africa and the UK. Sales into new markets have shown significant growth, and we expect this to continue to be an important source of revenue in the coming years.
2018 is proving to be an extremely busy year for WIOCC, with the acquisition of major new
“WIOCC is currently carrying a significant proportion of the continent’s internet traffic and has supported the growth of African telcos and ISPs for over 10 years, as well as the market entry of international carriers and OTT players into African markets.”
Chris Wood, CEO, WIOCC
clients, significant growth in our network and the development of new business partnerships that continue to extend our ability to service clients’ needs. We have recently implemented one of the largest networks ever delivered in Africa and started trenching our own fibre in Johannesburg. We continue to explore new opportunities for business growth and to build on our core strengths.
None of this would have been possible without a great team. One of my core goals has been to create an environment where hard work, initiative, team work and results are rewarded. The result has been the creation of the WIOCC family, built on the principle of devolved responsibility and a foundation of strong key values: client focus, integrity, boundless, personal excellence and collaboration. Our efforts bear fruit because we consistently exercise these values. Together, I believe we have made an enduring contribution to Africa’s communications and ongoing economic development.
Thank you...
...to our 14 shareholders who started and have supported WIOCC from the very beginning. To our business partners and suppliers, we appreciate your support and we will continue to strengthen our long-term relationships with you. And finally, I must recognise our clients - some of whom have been there from the very beginning, and those who have only joined us recently - we thank you for trusting us with your business.
The future of WIOCC is bright and I very much look forward to another great year.