Liquid Intelligent Technologies extends Botswana fiber network

Liquid Intelligent Technologies, part of the Cassava Technologies group, has announced the completion of a fiber network extension from Ramatlabama to Ramokgwebana in Botswana.

The enhanced network spans over 730 kms and Liquid said it is the first-ever direct connection from northern Botswana along the A1 highway to connect key towns such as Francistown, Mahalapye, and Palapye.

"This fibre extension project is a milestone for Botswana, strengthening the country's economic hubs and connecting major commercial centres. The high-speed connectivity access is set to benefit urban centres and rural communities along the route and further expand our presence in Botswana and the continent through the One Africa Digital Network," Odirile Tamajobe, MD of Liquid Botswana, said in a statement.

Tamajobe said the route will bring additional multi-terabit capacity and resilience to the region.

Liquid said that in addition to providing enhanced services to local users, the fiber expansion project extends beyond national boundaries, by connecting with fiber networks in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Sudan.

Liquid said the fiber extension project is part of its ongoing investment in Botswana's digital infrastructure.

Related:Liquid Intelligent Technologies launches Gaborone metro fiber ring in Botswana

Liquid Intelligent Technologies' 730 km fiber network extension in Botswana will connect Ramatlabama to Ramokgwebana along the A1 highway, via Francistown, Mahalapye, and Palapye. (Source: Liquid Intelligent Technologies)

In August 2023, the group launched the high-speed Gaborone Metro Ring, aiming to boost connectivity for businesses in the Botswana capital city.

The latest fiber extension project aims to also empower local Internet service providers (ISPs) to expand their services to retail customers, indirectly benefiting household users across the region and contributing to regional employment opportunities, Liquid said.

The company believes that the network will provide critical connectivity for enterprises in the towns along the route, including commercial and retail businesses, financial services, educational and hospitality entities.

Liquid's African operations

Liquid Intelligent Technologies has operations in over 40 markets across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.

In Africa the company operates a 110,000 km fiber broadband network and offers satellite connectivity services via partners like Eutelsat Group.

In September 2024, Liquid announced that it had upgraded its 1,300km fiber route that connects Kenya's east coast city of Mombasa to Busia on the Ugandan border.

In September 2023, the company announced two new terrestrial fiber routes connecting Kenya to Ethiopia and Zambia to Malawi.

In June 2023, Liquid also launched a fiber route connecting Mombasa in Kenya to Muanda on the west coast of the DRC.

Related:Interview: Willie Oosthuysen on Liquid Intelligent Technologies' African strategy

In November 2024, Liquid SA signed a partnership deal with South Africa's Western Cape Government, worth around US$111 million, to drive digital transformation in the province.