How Broadband Infraco Is Positioning Itself For Future Growth

As South Africa accelerates its digital transformation, Broadband Infraco (BBI) is positioning itself as a key enabler of the country’s connectivity and socio-economic development.

The state-owned enterprise’s Strategic Horizons Corporate Plan (2025/26 – 2029/30) outlines a three-phase approach to optimise its current operations, innovate for customer needs, and transform into a leading digital infrastructure provider.

With a mandate to expand electronic communications accessibility, BBI is crucial in bridging South Africa’s digital divide and supporting Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) advancements.

This article explores how BBI’s strategic roadmap will shape its role in government digital transformation, universal broadband access, and economic growth.

Horizon 1: Optimising the Core Business (2024/25 – 2025/26)

The first phase focuses on financial stability and operational efficiency to ensure BBI is a high-performing, sustainable entity.

Key priorities include:

• Strengthening financial performance to enable growth and infrastructure renewal.

• Enhancing organisational capabilities through skills development and asset optimisation.

• Deepening partnerships with stakeholders in the ICT value chain.

• Preparing for integration with Sentech to form the State Digital Infrastructure Company (SDIC).

This phase is critical for laying the groundwork for future expansion, ensuring BBI has the funding, technology, and talent to meet growing connectivity demands.

Horizon 2: Delivering Innovative Solutions (2025/26 – 2029/30)

With a solid foundation in place, BBI will shift towards customer-centric innovation, aiming to become the preferred digital infrastructure partner for government and private sectors. Key initiatives include:

• Expanding fibre and microwave networks to improve broadband reach.

• Launching a wholesale ISP model, enabling retail providers to offer affordable internet.

• Diversifying revenue streams by delivering tailored solutions for public and private clients.

• Supporting SA Connect Phase 2, commercialising digital services for sustainable funding.

By focusing on scalable, high-speed connectivity, BBI will help South Africa transition into a gigabit society, where businesses, schools, and government services thrive on seamless digital access.

Horizon 3: Transforming the Core Business (Beyond 2026)

The final phase envisions BBI as a leader in digital transformation, driving smart government services, IoT integration, and universal internet access. Key goals include:

• Connecting schools, hospitals, and government facilities with high-speed broadband.

• Reducing digital inequality through affordable access in underserved regions.

• Enabling data sovereignty via local datacentres, cloud services, and satellite connectivity.

• Supporting SMME growth by fostering digital entrepreneurship.

This transformation will position BBI as the government’s lead agency for digital infrastructure, ensuring South Africa remains competitive in the global digital economy.

Four Strategic Pillars Driving BBI’s Success

To achieve its vision, BBI’s strategy revolves around four core pillars:

1. Turnaround Strategy – Ensuring financial health, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.

2. SDIC Strategy – Leading broadband infrastructure development, data management, and digital modernisation.

3. SA Connect Phase 1 – Delivering cost-effective broadband to government facilities.

4. SA Connect Phase 2 – Commercialising digital services to generate sustainable revenue.

By aligning these strategies, BBI aims to secure market share, attract investment, and drive socio-economic impact.

Broadband Infraco’s Strategic Horizons Plan is a bold roadmap to position South Africa as a digitally inclusive, innovation-driven economy.

By optimising its operations, expanding connectivity, and enabling smart government services, BBI wants to play a pivotal role in the country’s 4IR journey.

As the SDIC integration progresses and new digital infrastructure rolls out, BBI aims to be at the forefront of bridging the digital divide, empowering businesses, and transforming public service delivery.