Csquared
CSquared is a pan-African wholesale open-access broadband infrastructure provider operating 7,000+ km of fiber across Uganda, Ghana, Liberia, DRC, and Togo. It serves mobile operators, ISPs, tower companies, governments, and enterprises with carrier-neutral metro fiber, backbone transport, and Equiano subsea cable access.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2011
- HeadquartersNairobi, Kenya
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Csquared does
CSquared is a pan-African wholesale open-access broadband infrastructure provider headquartered in Port Louis, Mauritius, with operational headquarters in Accra, Ghana. The company builds and operates metro fiber and backbone networks on a carrier-neutral basis across five active markets — Uganda, Ghana, Liberia, DRC, and Togo — plus points of presence in Nigeria, South Africa, and Portugal, totaling 7,000+ km of fiber connecting 8,000+ customer sites and 15+ data centers. Its technical foundation is DWDM and IP/MPLS optical transport with bandwidth tiers from 1G to 100G+, complemented by exclusive landing-partner access to Google's Equiano subsea cable (144 Tbit/s design capacity) through the CSquared Woezon joint venture in Togo.
CSquared serves Mobile Network Operators (MTN Uganda, Airtel Uganda, Orange Liberia), Internet Service Providers, tower operators (Helios, ATC), hyperscalers and content providers, and government institutions (Liberian government, BNC National Security Communications project, LTA), with enterprise-grade SLAs and a product portfolio spanning backbone transport, IP transit, IPLC, data center connectivity, CLS backhaul, FTTX, FTTH, public Wi-Fi, and port fiber. Revenue is generated primarily through long-term wholesale contracts, with billing options including monthly recurring charges (MRC) and Indefeasible Right of Use (IRU) arrangements.
The company was founded as a Google project in 2011, became independent in 2017 with a $100M joint venture backed by Google, Mitsui & Co., Convergence Partners, and IFC, and in November 2023 raised an additional $25M (first tranche of a $65M program) from CPDIF, IFC, and the IDA Private Sector Window, with CPDIF concurrently acquiring Google's stake. Recent strategic priorities include the Lagos-to-Accra terrestrial route launched in May 2025 and the broader West African Super Highway expansion announced in August 2025, alongside ongoing leadership transition following the April 2024 departure of CEO Lanre Kolade.
Csquared firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Csquared
- Legal name
- CSquared Link Holdings (Mauritius) Limited
- Website
- https://csquared.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2011
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- CSquared is a pan-African wholesale open-access broadband infrastructure provider operating 7,000+ km of fiber across Uganda, Ghana, Liberia, DRC, and Togo. It serves mobile operators, ISPs, tower companies, governments, and enterprises with carrier-neutral metro fiber, backbone transport, and Equiano subsea cable access.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Csquared industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Wholesale Broadband Infrastructure
- NAICS
- Fiber Optic Cable Manufacturing (335921), Wired Telecommunications Carriers (517111)
- SIC
- Telephone Communications (No Radiotelephone) (4813), Computer Communications Equipment (3576)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Subsea & Terrestrial Backhaul to Data Centers and Cloud On-Ramps (IX/DC Interconnect) (HDAIALAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Wholesale Wavelength, Spectrum & Dark Fiber Providers (IRU/Leases) (HDAIALAI)
Keywords
Where Csquared is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Nairobi
- HQ country
- Kenya
- HQ region
- Africa
Offices6 records
Markets served
Csquared business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Wholesale Fiber Leasing: CSquared builds and operates fiber optic networks and leases fiber capacity to mobile network operators (MNOs), internet service providers (ISPs), and enterprises on a wholesale basis. Revenue is generated through long-term contracts with flexible billing options including monthly recurring charges (MRC) and Indefeasible Right of Use (IRU) arrangements.
- IP Transit Services: Top-tier IP transit services via Equiano subsea cable, providing operators, ISPs, telcos, content providers, and enterprises with internet connectivity. Port options include 1G, 10G, and 100G with direct access to global internet routes.
- Backbone and Transmission Services: National and regional backbone connectivity services connecting landlocked countries, metro areas, and smaller towns with bandwidth from 1G to 100G+.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Wholesale fiber infrastructure with flexible billing options |
| Unit Pricing | Monthly | Bandwidth tiers from 1G to 100G+ for backbone connectivity |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Csquared product offering
Product offeringCore offering
CSquared builds and operates metro and backbone fiber optic networks across Africa, leasing wholesale capacity to mobile network operators, internet service providers, and enterprises on an open-access basis. The company delivers connectivity services via its own fiber infrastructure, DWDM/IP/MPLS backbone, and access to Google's Equiano subsea cable system, with bandwidth options from 1G to 100G+.
Product overview
CSquared is a pan-African technology company operating as a wholesale open-access broadband infrastructure provider. The company offers a unified portfolio of fiber optic connectivity products organized around core infrastructure services: Backbone (national/regional DWDM and IP/MPLS networks), Metro Fiber solutions (FTTX, FTTH, Port Fiber, Public Wi-Fi), Subsea solutions (Equiano cable, CLS Backhaul), and Global Connectivity (IP Transit, IPLC, Data Center Connectivity). The portfolio enables Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and enterprises to access shared infrastructure on a wholesale, carrier-neutral basis. All products are backed by Service Level Agreements and support bandwidth options from 1G to 100G+.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- CSquared Woezon: Joint venture between CSquared and Société des Infrastructures Numériques (SIN) for Togo operations, managing Equiano cable landing and terrestrial fiber networks
Products and services
- Backbone National and regional fiber connectivity service connecting landlocked countries, metro areas, and smaller towns. Built on DWDM and IP/MPLS networks with bandwidth options from 1G to 100G+, with MRC or IRU billing options and proactive monitoring.
- IP Transit Top-tier IP transit services via the Equiano subsea cable, providing operators, ISPs, telcos, content providers, and enterprises with internet connectivity. Port options include 1G, 10G, and 100G with direct access to global internet routes via Points of Presence in Togo, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, and Portugal.
- IPLC (International Private Leased Circuit) Private leased lines providing secure and reliable communication within countries on the west coast of Africa, with extended services between the west coast of Africa and Portugal for enterprises with international operations.
- Data Center Connectivity Connectivity solutions to all data centers within CSquared's coverage areas, offering optimized traffic flow management, robust disaster recovery, reduced latency, and expanded global networking capabilities.
- Equiano Subsea Cable Connectivity Subsea cable connectivity service connecting Togo, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa to Portugal via Google's Equiano cable. The 15,000 km cable has design capacity of 144 Tbit/s using space-division multiplexing technology and optical switching at the fiber-pair level.
- CLS Backhaul Connectivity High-capacity, low-latency backhaul solutions providing efficient data transfer from cable landing stations to desired endpoints. Features advanced security, comprehensive monitoring, low latency, resilient infrastructure, and scalability.
- Fiber to the X (FTTX) Comprehensive fiber optic network solutions including Fiber to the Home (FTTH), Fiber to the Building (FTTB), Fiber to the Curb (FTTC), and Fiber to the Node (FTTN). Delivers high-speed broadband connectivity with future-proof technology.
- Fiber To The Home (FTTH) High-quality home fiber internet with Wi-Fi enabled router/ONU, one-time installation by certified technicians, simplified billing, scalable solutions, proactive service monitoring, and advanced security protocols.
- Public Wi-Fi Public Wi-Fi service designed for busy individuals on the move, offering affordable access, reliable connectivity, extensive coverage, and low latency for smooth streaming and fast loading times.
- Port Fiber Managed ethernet solution providing fiber links interconnecting two or more sites/locations. Designed for low capacity users with SLA of 95%, affordable pricing, simplified billing, scalable solutions, and proactive service monitoring.
Quantifiable outcome
- Near 3x revenue growth from 2018-2024 under former CEO leadership
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Csquared
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Csquared technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Csquared partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and minor.
- Phase3coreStrategic partnership to commission Lagos-to-Accra terrestrial fiber route. Phase3 is a licensed telecommunications operator headquartered in Abuja, expanding into ECOWAS region. Voted 'National Fiber Infrastructure Provider of the Year' for three consecutive years.
- SBIN (Société Béninoise d'Infrastructures Numériques)coreBenin's national digital infrastructure operator partnered to extend fiber networks across West Africa. SBIN manages national fiber backbone and enables Benin to position as key ECOWAS connectivity hub.
- Angola CablessecondaryCSquared Ghana appointed as reseller partner for Angola Cables to extend wholesale and IT solutions to customers in Ghana and across Africa including Togo, DRC, Uganda, Kenya, and Liberia. Access to Angola Cables' high-capacity, low-latency international network.
- Société des Infrastructures Numériques (SIN)coreJoint venture CSquared Woezon formed in 2021 for Togo operations. SIN holds 44% stake while CSquared holds 56%. JV manages Equiano submarine cable landing, e-Government metro fiber network, and CEB fiber backbone operations in Togo.
- GRIDCo (Ghana Grid Company Limited)corePartnership for leasing GRIDCo's excess fiber capacity (OPGW fiber) to mobile network operators and ISPs in Ghana. GRIDCo's Optical Ground Wire System serves dual purpose of lightning protection and fiber communications. CSquared provides customer support, network security, and last-mile connectivity under the #FiberForAll initiative.
- LEC (Liberia Electricity Corporation)secondaryLiberia Electricity Corporation provides utility infrastructure (power lines) that CSquared leverages for fiber backbone deployment, partially utilizing LEC infrastructure for the 350km backbone.
- SCPT (Société Congolaise des Postes et Télécommunications)secondaryPartnership in DRC with national posts and telecommunications corporation for digital infrastructure development.
- LITSU (Liberia Information Technology Students Union)minorCollaboration for Girls in ICT Day 2026, training over 100 female high school students in AI, Data Science, Digital Marketing, Cybersecurity, and Web Development to address digital gender gap.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves11 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Csquared competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Bayobab (MTN GlobalConnect): MTN Group's wholesale and infrastructure business operating subsea cables (2Africa, WACS) and terrestrial fiber across Africa. Direct competitor leveraging MTN's MNO base as anchor tenants for wholesale capacity.
- MainOne (Equinix): West African subsea cable operator (now owned by Equinix) delivering wholesale connectivity and data center services from Portugal down the West African coast. Direct competitor to CSquared's Equiano-driven IP Transit and IPLC offerings.
- SEACOM: Subsea cable operator and wholesale connectivity provider serving the East and West coasts of Africa, with terrestrial fiber extensions. Direct competitor to CSquared's IP Transit and IPLC offerings; CSquared's new CCO Willem Marais previously served as CCO at SEACOM.
- Liquid Intelligent Technologies: Pan-African wholesale fiber and connectivity operator (part of Cassava Technologies) operating metro and long-haul fiber across Southern, Eastern and now West Africa. Most direct competitor to CSquared in open-access wholesale broadband on the continent.
- WIOCC: Wholesale carriers'-carrier operating high-capacity fiber networks across Africa, with subsea cable investments and open-access metro fiber in multiple African markets. Highly comparable carrier-neutral wholesale model to CSquared.
- Angola Cables: Subsea cable operator and wholesale connectivity provider connecting Africa to the Americas and Europe. CSquared Ghana is a reseller partner for Angola Cables; comparable carrier's-carrier wholesale model targeting MNOs and ISPs in Africa.
- Phase3 Telecom: Nigerian-licensed open-access fiber operator with extensive West African terrestrial backbone; CSquared's strategic partner on the Lagos–Accra route. Directly comparable in business model and target customer set.
Others
- Helios Towers: Independent tower company operating in Africa; an anchor tenant-class customer of CSquared's fiber for tower backhaul. Adjacent infrastructure peer in the African digital ecosystem rather than a direct fiber competitor.
Emerging players
- Paratus Group: Pan-African telecommunications operator offering fiber, data center and connectivity services with growing footprint in Southern and East Africa. Compares on wholesale fiber and carrier-neutral model, though smaller and more regionally concentrated than CSquared.
- Open Access Data Centres (OADC): Africa-focused carrier-neutral data center operator with collocation and interconnection services. Complementary rather than competing with CSquared's data center connectivity product; relevant as a downstream interconnection partner.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Csquared social profiles
Digital presenceCsquared financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Csquared leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Csquared subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Csquared funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors3 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Csquared M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Csquared
What does Csquared do?
CSquared builds and operates metro and backbone fiber optic networks across Africa, leasing wholesale capacity to mobile network operators, internet service providers, and enterprises on an open-access basis. The company delivers connectivity services via its own fiber infrastructure, DWDM/IP/MPLS backbone, and access to Google's Equiano subsea cable system, with bandwidth options from 1G to 100G+.
Is Csquared a public or private company?
Csquared is a private company. It is classified as private equity controlled and is currently operating.
When was Csquared founded?
Csquared was founded in 2011. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Csquared based?
Csquared is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, in the Africa region.
How does Csquared make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Wholesale Fiber Leasing is the primary driver. The others are IP Transit Services and backbone and Transmission Services.
Who are Csquared's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Bayobab (MTN GlobalConnect), MainOne (Equinix), SEACOM, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, WIOCC, Angola Cables and Phase3 Telecom. Helios Towers is listed as an others. Emerging players are Paratus Group and Open Access Data Centres (OADC).
Does Csquared have an API?
No public API is recorded for Csquared.
What industry is Csquared in?
Csquared's product category is Wholesale Broadband Infrastructure. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAIALAJ, Subsea & Terrestrial Backhaul to Data Centers and Cloud On-Ramps (IX/DC Interconnect), with a secondary code of HDAIALAI, Wholesale Wavelength, Spectrum & Dark Fiber Providers (IRU/Leases). Its NAICS code is 335921 and its SIC code is 4813.