Liquid Intelligent Technologies is one of Africa’s leading connectivity companies, spanning across 20 countries in Eastern, Western, Central and Southern Africa. It serves mobile operators, carriers, enterprise, media and content companies and retail customers with high-speed, reliable connectivity, hosting and co-location and digital services. In Africa and all emerging markets, Liquid has built the largest independent fibre network and operates state-of-the-art data centers in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Nairobi, Harare and Kigali, which have a combined potential 19,000 square metres of rack space and 78 megawatts (MW) of power.
The fourth industrial revolution demands heightened connectivity. Fast, reliable and secure connectivity is essential to the public. Businesses are increasingly offering digital services and this also entails the need to not only protect their data but also that of their customers. To this end, Liquid is playing a key role by providing tailor-made digital solutions to businesses in the public and private sectors. It offers digital services related to cloud-based services such as Microsoft Office365 and Microsoft Azure; cyber security such as 24/7 security monitoring and data loss prevention; tailored managed solutions provided by a team of experts as well as the Internet of Things (IoT) which brings connectivity to smart sensors, appliances and vehicles. These are all essential in building Zambia’s digital future. It also provides internet connectivity packages such as the School Educational bundle that supports E-learning as well as the Gaming bundle.
According to Pitchbook, Liquid Intelligent Technologies’ provision of wireless communication and internet services, offering broadband, leased lines, private networks, ATM connectivity, web hosting, VSAT and other connectivity services to individuals and corporations has 37 competitors globally. But Fitch Ratings in February 2021, affirmed Liquid at ‘B+’ with a stable outlook, reflecting its unique cross-border fibre network and limited substitution threat from alternative network operators, which is balanced by moderate leverage and exposure to countries with weak operating environment. This is confirmed by Liquid Intelligent winning one of the most prestigious awards in the wholesale telecoms industry. At the Global Carrier Awards held on 20th October, 2021 in London, Liquid Intelligent Technologies was awarded the Best African Wholesale Carrier for the 10th consecutive year, demonstrating that it is the wholesale provider of choice across Africa.
Following its group-wide rebranding, in March 2021, from Liquid Telecom to Liquid Intelligent Technologies, it has expanded from not only providing telecommunication and digital services but has become a polarized technology group. On 28th October, Liquid revealed that it had partnered with Orange in West Africa to offer end-to-end high-speed connectivity and services across their networks, allowing existing and new customers greater access and opportunity to build their businesses. In Kenya, on 11th October, Liquid Intelligent announced that through its partnerships arm Liquid Labs, it would launch three online courses on legal technology, targeted at supporting career development amongst students, budding entrepreneurs, and lawyers. This was made possible through a partnership with Africa Legal, an organization connecting legal professionals across Africa.
In Zambia, the government is aiming at actualizing the digital agenda as was reported during the 2022 Budget Address by the Minister of Finance, Dr. Musokotwane. According to the government, to enhance Information Communication and Technology (ICT) use, it will increase the number of towers so that technology reaches all citizens. For Liquid Intelligent this entails increased speed, accessibility and improved quality of its services. Collaboration with the new Ministry of Science and Technology in creating innovations such as the one in Kenya while tailored to the Zambian environment would reap the benefits the government hopes to achieve of job creation, employment and education. As Liquid already provides student educational bundles it could partner with the Ministry of Education and extend these services to schools and universities.
The government also aims at taking advantage of ICT for revenue collection. Connectivity is required for the additional 100 public services to be connected to the Government Service Bus and Payment Gateway. Liquid Intelligent already services the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) and could expand its services to the Zambia Revenue Authorities. It also provides services to the Patents and Companies Registration Services (PACRA) and with the introduction of the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), we could see Liquid Intelligent extending its services to the Ministry to facilitate smooth operations to the credit facilities brought on board like the banks and the SMEs themselves such as those venturing in software development and fintechs.