A Message from Dr. Evans Silavwe, CEO of INFRATEL
“WE ARE DRIVING AFRICA’S DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION”
Reflecting on an incredible week at ITW Africa 2025 and TowerXchange Africa 2025, I want to share my top 3 takeaways that reinforce our commitment to driving Africa’s digital transformation.
1. INFRASTRUCTURE AS THE FOUNDATION OF SOVEREIGNTY
The recognition of data centers as critical national infrastructure across EMEA signals a fundamental shift in how we view digital infrastructure. At INFRATEL, we’ve always understood that robust, secure infrastructure isn’t just about connectivity but it’s about national competitiveness and economic sovereignty. Our strategic deployment of iLOQ smart locks across our tower sites exemplifies this philosophy: cutting-edge technology securing the backbone of Zambia’s digital economy.
2. THE OPEN ACCESS ADVANTAGE
The industry’s move toward commoditization of equipment and capacity presents a unique opportunity for infrastructure-first companies like INFRATEL. By building shared, open-access infrastructure, we enable multiple operators to focus on service differentiation while we deliver the reliable, scalable foundation they need. This model doesn’t just reduce costs, it also accelerates innovation and extends coverage to previously underserved communities.
3. AI-READY INFRASTRUCTURE IS TODAY’S IMPERATIVE
The vision of an “Agentic Economy” emerging across Africa by the close of 2025 requires us to think beyond traditional telecommunications infrastructure. Every tower site, every fiber connection, every security protocol we deploy today must be designed with AI workloads in mind. The deployment of iLOQ smart locks reinforces this forward-thinking approach by implementing maintenance-free, intelligent access management that generates real-time data while eliminating operational overhead.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the organizers of ITW Africa 2025 and TowerXchange Africa 2025 for creating platforms that drive meaningful dialogue and foster collaboration across Africa’s digital ecosystem. These events continue to be catalysts for the partnerships and innovations that will define our continent’s digital future.
A special thank you particularly to iLOQ and their Emerging Markets Director Ivan Roman, for their commitment to bringing world class solutions to African markets. It’s through these strategic innovation strategies that we can accelerate Africa’s digital transformation and build the infrastructure foundation our economies deserve.
To all the industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators who shared insights throughout the week: your vision and commitment inspire us to push boundaries and think beyond conventional approaches.
DRIVING THE FUTURE
These events reinforced our belief that Africa’s digital transformation won’t follow the gradual evolution seen in other regions. We have the opportunity to leapfrog directly to next-generation digital economies, and companies like INFRATEL have the responsibility to build the infrastructure foundation that makes this possible.
The future is being built today, and we’re not just participating but leading.
INFRATEL is Zambia’s leading digital infrastructure company, providing shared tower and telecommunications infrastructure solutions across the region. Under the leadership of Dr. Evans Silavwe, INFRATEL continues to pioneer innovative approaches to building Africa’s digital backbone.