Working together through Microsoft’s Airband initiative, the new collaboration will initially target regions that include but are not limited to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia. Additionally, the partnership will allow for increased proliferation of high-speed connectivity to the farthest parts of Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa.

Working together, the companies will empower individuals and businesses in some of the United Nations’ least developed countries to help bridge the digital divide and assist in transitioning more African countries into the digital economy.

“Access to high-speed connectivity is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity. With a fibre backbone of over 100,000 km across the continent, Liquid is uniquely positioned to bring high-speed connectivity to the remotest of communities. Our vision is to create a digitally connected future that leaves no African behind, and this is just one more investment from us to realise the vision,” said Nic Rudnick, Group Deputy Chairman of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.

The effort will be discussed during a panel discussion at the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5). According to the International Telecommunication Union, roughly 2.7 billion people globally remain unconnected because it’s either unavailable or they can’t afford it. Rural areas around the world are especially disadvantaged, as traditional telecom infrastructure fails to go the final mile in low-density regions.

“Internet access is a fundamental right, enabling economic opportunity and development. This new collaboration with Liquid Intelligent Technologies builds upon our existing collaboration to catalyze economic growth and development in Africa, enabling us to accelerate our efforts to extend high-speed internet to a quarter of a billion people by the end of 2025, including 100 million in Africa.” said Vickie Robinson, General Manager of Microsoft’s Airband Initiative. “We know strategic partnerships are key to advancing access to connectivity and digital equity, especially in the world’s most critical markets.”

Microsoft’s Airband Initiative partners with a wide-ranging ecosystem of organizations to design, implement and support programs that deliver unique connectivity solutions designed for local communities and their challenges. This includes working with broadband providers, local ISPs, energy partners, international organizations and local governments to deliver internet access in unserved or underserved communities worldwide.  

While the accelerated adoption of digital technologies on the continent has increased exponentially, it has also exacerbated the digital divide in Africa, as none of these technologies can be optimally used unless Africans have access to high-speed connectivity. These efforts by Microsoft and Liquid will play a critical role in helping to secure the future of Africans on the continent, thus paving the way for a true, digitally inclusive economy.

Telrad has a significant presence in 13 countries across the Middle East, South America, United States, Eastern Europe, Asia and provides high-quality technology products and services for global businesses and governments. 

The company offers innovative technology solutions, including networking, cloud infrastructure, information technology, geoinformatics and cybersecurity.

Liquid has a unique ecosystem of intelligent technologies which bring high-speed and reliable cross-border connectivity, colocation, cloud, cybersecurity and digital services to mobile carriers and blue-chip enterprises. 

With a wholly-owned, open-access fibre network spanning 100,000 km, Liquid provides both local and regional connectivity. The terrestrial infrastructure is augmented by a vast network of subsea cables complementing Liquid’s international connectivity footprint. 

Liquid’s cloud solutions include networking, cloud voice, cloud applications as well as cloud platforms, whilst its cyber security services include cyber defence, secure access and secure data.

According to Nic Rudnick, Deputy Chairman, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, “Earlier this year, Liquid had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Telrad, and I am pleased that we have concluded this transaction. We look forward to the seamless integration of Telrad’s strong R&D programme and technology solutions in cyber security, data centres and wireless access technology with Liquid’s existing portfolio of solutions. Liquid and Telrad share similar ideologies of empowering customers through cost-effective connectivity and technology solutions. Together we will continue to digitally transform businesses globally”.

Mr Moti Elmaliach, Telrad’s Chief Executive Officer said, “Telrad has an incredibly strong track record of success and rich history of innovation. We are excited to join forces and leverage Telrad’s expertise across the full technology value chain along with that of Liquid and the wider Cassava group. This is an exciting step for Telrad,” said Elmaliach, “and an opportunity to innovate and grow exponentially in both the Israeli and international markets”.

Rudnick added, “Telrad will continue to be led by Mr Moti Elmaliach as CEO, who will also be appointed to the group’s executive team and will be part of the international growth of the Liquid business globally”.

Cassava was founded by African entrepreneur, Strive Masiyiwa. The group’s Executive Chairman, Masiyiwa also serves on several international boards including Unilever Plc, Netflix, the Global Advisory Board for Bank of America, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and is also a longstanding board member of the United States Holocaust Museum’s Committee on Conscience.