LONDON, October 26, 2026 – Baker Botts L.L.P. acted as legal advisor to WIOCC Group (WIOCC), Africa's leading carrier-neutral digital infrastructure platform, in connection with an equity investment from US Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Vision International Investment Company (Vision Invest) and Africa Finance Corporation (AFC). The terms of the transaction involve DFC, Vision Invest and AFC making a combined equity investment of up to US$450 million in WIOCC. The participation by the DFC represents its largest ever equity investment. 

The investment will support WIOCC Group’s long-term growth strategy, including the expansion of its terrestrial and subsea networks, data centre capacity and broader digital infrastructure platform.

The deal adds to Baker Botts’ longstanding relationship with WIOCC, having previously advised on matters including its equity investment from the IFC in 2022 and its 2023 landmark agreement for the Democratic Republic of the Congo's first open-access, carrier-neutral data centre.

A Baker Botts team in London advised on corporate, regulatory and tax aspects of the transaction.

The transaction is expected to close by mid-2027, subject to regulatory approvals. Lazard acted as financial advisor to WIOCC.

Baker Botts Lawyers/Offices Involved:

Corporate: Stuart Blythe (Partner, London), Costa Smith (Partner, London), Derek Jones (Partner, London), William Barrow (Senior Associate, London), Christina Mouktari (Associate)

Global Projects: Jennifer O’Donoghue (Associate, London), Afzaal Abidi (Associate, London), Alexander Lee (Associate, London)

Tax: Graham Brough (Special Counsel, London).

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