STC Group subsidiary Center3 has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire CMC Networks.

CMC Networks is a global service provider offering networking solutions across Africa and the Middle East.

Terms of the deal were not shared.

Center3 will be gaining CMC Networks operations across 110 service locations that cover 51 of the 54 African countries, and 12 countries in the Middle East as well as key interconnect locations in Europe, the Americas, and Asia Pacific.

CMC was previously owned by the Carlyle Sub-Saharan Africa Fund (CSSAF).

Fahad Alhajeri, CEO of Center3, said: "This acquisition is a landmark moment for Center3. CMC’s enviable global footprint, high-value customer base, and portfolio of capabilities are complementary to Center3’s digital infrastructure and connectivity assets.

"This acquisition exemplifies our strategic commitment to enter key markets with significant growth potential. Our previous investment in the 2Africa Cable, coupled with this acquisition, underscores our conviction in Africa's essential role in Center3's future growth. We are excited about the possibilities that CMC Networks will bring including its wealth of knowledge, capability in the African region, and promising growth in the Middle East.”

The acquisition remains subject to customary conditions and approvals.

Elsewhere in the continent, Zambia is gearing up to build a Tier III standard data center and innovation hub.

Felix Mutati, minister of science and technology, said that construction will begin in 2024 on the project that will be based in the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone.

"This significant development marks a pivotal step towards reinforcing Zambia's digital infrastructure and fostering innovation in the region," Mutati said in a statement.

In addition, Zambia will be working on completing its fiber network link to Mozambique (expected to be completed in June 2024), constructing Community Digital Transformation Centers, and connecting all schools in the country to the Internet. Thus far, Mozambique has fiber connections to seven of the eight neighboring countries.

Earlier this month, Airtel launched its Nxtra data center business in Africa. The company plans to develop five hyperscale data centers on the continent.