In a #BusinessLeaderSpotlight interview, Ms Sylvia Anampiu, the Managing Director of Bayobab Kenya, offers valuable perspectives on the organization's crucial role in Africa's digital evolution. As the leader of Bayobab's Kenyan operations, Ms Anampiu has been instrumental in driving the company's mission to connect Africa through reliable, open next-generation digital solutions. Her leadership is reflected in Bayobab Kenya's significant milestones, detailed in the interview below.

1. Overview of your organisation and its key focus areas

Bayobab is a pan-African digital connectivity solutions company founded in 2018. As a doorway to the African continent, Bayobab leverages technology to offer reliable open next-gen digital solutions to connect Africa. Our two business lines, Bayobab Fibre and Bayobab Communication Platforms aim to bridge the continent’s digital communications divide by working behind the scenes to ensure the highest levels of availability, reliability, and encryption to ensure our customers can communicate safely from anywhere in the world.

2. Major milestones or achievements your organisation has celebrated

• Mombasa-to-Malaba Fibre Project in Kenya

Bayobab Kenya, which is part of Bayobab Group, the digital infrastructure business arm of MTN Group, completed the construction of a multi-million-shilling long-distance fibre network, connecting Mombasa to Malaba and Busia in August 2024.

The long-distance fibre runs up to the border of Kenya and Uganda where it interconnects into Uganda for onward connectivity to neighbouring countries, thus revolutionising connectivity and boosting reliability in this vital region. The long-distance fibre follows Kenya Railway’s metre gauge railway line route spanning over 1,000 kilometres on the Kenyan side offering an opportunity for towns along the route to be connected to the internet. Internet Service Providers looking at expanding or boosting connectivity in the areas along the route are able to leverage Bayobab Kenya’s open access long-distance fibre infrastructure as an efficient high-capacity backbone.

Bayobab Kenya launched the first phase of its National Long-Distance fibre running from Mombasa to Malaba along the Kenya Pipeline route in 2022. The two fibre routes  complement each other offering the much-needed diversity and redundancy of delivering internet services. The newly launched route will provide a unique alternative for carriers looking for network resilience over existing routes, high-capacity backbones or dark fibre along the route.

The company’s visionary projects in Kenya align with Bayobab’s 2024 recognition as the Best African Connectivity Provider, showcasing the company's dedication to delivering excellence in connectivity solutions. The Mombasa-to-Malaba Fibre Project in Kenya is a testament to our vision for a connected and empowered country and continent. By connecting Mombasa to Malaba, we aim to create a seamless pathway to neighbouring countries in the region, fostering economic development and growth.

• East to West Fibre Project

The East-to-West Fibre Project underscores our dedication to pushing the boundaries of telecommunications infrastructure through our ambition of building 135,000km of proprietary fibre across Africa. This project represents a significant milestone in boosting reliability and ensuring low-latency connectivity inland and cross-border between the East and West coasts of Africa. It will also link landlocked countries to subsea cables at the port of Mombasa using the shortest route and provide a unique route to protect and strengthen services for Bayobab Kenya’s existing and new customers.

3. When did you become a KEPSA member and how has your journey with us been so far?

Bayobab Kenya became a member of the KEPSA in 2015. The journey has largely focused on driving economic growth and collaboration with other stakeholders to promote a favourable business environment.

Bayobab Kenya has actively engaged in various KEPSA initiatives, contributing to impactful discussions on policy formulation and advocating for the interests of the telecommunications sector. Through this partnership, Bayobab Kenya has worked to enhance its corporate social responsibility efforts and support key national development goals.

4. How has KEPSA contributed to the growth and success of your business?

 KEPSA has played a significant role in the growth of Bayobab Kenya in various ways that include:

• Events and forums organised by KEPSA provide networking opportunities that facilitate connection amongst potential clients, partners and investors resulting to new business opportunities.
• The training and capacity-building programmes that KEPSA offers greatly assist in enhancing skills that are relevant the telecommunication industry, benefitting Bayobab Kenya’s personnel.
• KEPSA advocates for favourable policies and regulations that benefit the private sector. By representing the interests of businesses at national and local government levels, they help create a conducive environment for commerce.

5. What principles that are at the core of Bayobab’s operations would you share with an aspiring entrepreneur or those starting their business journeys?

Building a successful business requires a strategic approach, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement. The following key principles can serve as a foundation for long-term growth and sustainability:

1. Core strengths and vision: Select a business that you are passionate about and aligns with your skills and interests. Passion and strategic alignment drive innovation, resilience, and the ability to navigate challenges effectively.
2. Embracing feedback and adaptability: Continuous improvement is essential in a dynamic business environment. Businesses that actively seek feedback, analyse market trends, and remain flexible in their strategies gain a competitive edge by adapting to change and seizing new opportunities.
3. Prioritise customer-centric solutions: Success is driven by a deep understanding of customer needs. Entrepreneurs who focus on solving real challenges, delivering value and enhancing customer experiences build strong relationships, foster loyalty and drive sustained growth.
4. Well-being and balance for business owners and their workforce: A healthy, motivated workforce and team environment is a key driver if success, especially for a small business. Invest in your physical and mental well-being and promote work-life balance to benefit from higher engagement, productivity and innovation.
5. Develop a strategic and scalable marketing approach: A well-defined marketing strategy, aligned with the target audiences and business objectives strengthens brand positioning and competitive advantage. Consistent messaging, digital engagement, and data-driven decision-making ensure long-term visibility and impact.
6. Commit to growth, innovation, and long-term vision: Every entrepreneur, like every organisation, has a unique journey that takes time. Businesses that invest in development, foster a culture of learning, and embrace continuous innovation remain relevant and competitive. Strategic networking, industry collaboration, and long-term commitment to excellence ensure sustained success.