Why ISPs Must Build VAS-Services Alongside Fiber

Telecom markets across the world have reached saturation levels while explosive growth opportunities remain scarce except in Africa which represents the final untapped market. The continent exists as a place where fixed broadband represents a future that developers actively construct at present. The African market presents ISPs and VAS providers and system integrators with an opportunity to become leaders in their field. Africa, with its young, connected population and still-underbuilt broadband infrastructure, is rapidly becoming the world’s most dynamic digital opportunity. The case for a VAS Platform for ISP in Africa is adding value beyond connectivity answering rising demand in digital future.

Untapped Demand, Unmatched Potential

The population of Africa reaches 1.5 billion people who live in more than 300 million households among 60% of whom are under 25 years old. The digital-born population of Africa remains disconnected from fixed broadband infrastructure despite their digital origins. The current broadband penetration rate in Africa stands at 12% while global penetration reaches above 60%.

That’s not a gap. That’s an open runway.

The projected number of broadband subscriptions in Africa will increase from 37 million in 2023 to 65 million by 2030 but this represents only a small portion of the potential market. The moment to take action has arrived instead of waiting until next year.

The Case for VAS and VSaaS in Africa’s ISP Boom: Infrastructure Becomes Platform for the Next Economy

The digital transformation becomes evident through the widespread adoption of intelligent video platforms which have evolved from optional features to fundamental components of urban and institutional infrastructure.

The broadband investment strategy in Africa focuses on constructing digital economic systems through initial development rather than replacing existing systems. Every kilometer of fiber serves as more than bandwidth because it establishes the base for:

• E-learning
• Telehealth
• Digital governance
• Smart retail
• Mobile finance
• IoT and smart cities

Fiber, VAS Platform for ISP in Africa and GPON networks function as the essential infrastructure which supports modern life and drives exponential digital expansion.

Aipix represents a smart video surveillance and analytics solution which converts GPON infrastructure into real-time visual intelligence. Through Aipix ISPs can move past basic connectivity to generate new revenue opportunities while establishing themselves as vital national development partners.

The future of African broadband will consist of multiple layers of intelligent infrastructure which serve as essential components.

Where Fiber Leads, VAS and VSaaS Will Follow

The deployment of high-speed connectivity has triggered the emergence of Value-Added Services (VAS) and Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS).

These digital layers function as essential operational components for African businesses and educational institutions and governmental organizations. The demand for cloud video surveillance for schools and billing platforms and CRM/ERP automation and digital payment systems continues to grow rapidly. So choosing VAS Platform for ISPs in Africa is as critical as fiber itself.

The current period presents VAS providers who work with ISP and system integrators in Africa with an excellent opportunity to establish scalable solutions on new fiber infrastructure. The subscription-based SaaS model provides affordable deployment of services which suits regions with limited CAPEX but high demand.

Why Kenya turns Africa’s Digital Testbed for ISPs

The digital economy of Africa has made Kenya its leading advanced digital economy thus becoming an ideal location for ISPs and VAS providers and digital platforms to expand their operations.

At the heart of Kenya’s digital ecosystem is the National Optic Fibre Backbone Infrastructure (NOFBI), a state-led investment in high-capacity fiber-optic connectivity that spans the country. Coupled with an open-access wholesale model, NOFBI ensures cost-effective bandwidth, competitive pricing, and strong last-mile delivery potential for new entrants and incumbents alike.

The Kenyan market experiences fast growth because consumers increasingly need faster connections above 100 Mbps and better digital experiences.

Kenya pioneered mobile financial services with M-Pesa, and today it has one of the world’s highest mobile wallet penetration rates. This has created a population accustomed to digital-first transactions  from banking and bill payments to e-commerce, micro-loans, and government services providing a fertile ground for fintech, super-apps, and B2C digital platforms. The mobile-first economy of Kenya benefits from its position as a world leader in mobile wallet adoption which has established digital services as an integral part of daily life.

Besides, the country’s young population of 75% under 35 years old drives both fast technology adoption and active domestic innovation. This youthful demographic is not only eager to adopt digital services but also forms the backbone of a vibrant developer and startup ecosystem, particularly in Nairobi, dubbed “Silicon Savannah.”

Kenya’s government has prioritized ICT as a key driver of economic growth, promoting inovation hubs, incubators, and smart city initiatives like Konza Technopolis.

Moreover, Kenya serves as a regional entry point for businesses to test their digital solutions before expanding their services to East Africa’s 300 million+ consumers. Digital services in Kenya launch with explosive force rather than a traditional start.

Aipix: Turning Video Surveillance into Infrastructure Intelligence Together with ISPs and Telecoms

Fiber and the VAS Platform for ISP in Africa must grow together. The VSaaS market has a significant growth potential through Aipix which provides telco-grade smart video analytics and surveillance solutions.

Through Aipix ISPs can provide:

• Deliver immediate cloud video surveillance services to educational facilities and healthcare institutions and public areas.
• Provide municipalities with long-term smart city surveillance solutions.
• Bundle intelligent video with bandwidth for recurring revenue.
• The platform enables municipalities to implement enduring smart city surveillance systems.

Aipix enables infrastructure deployment that converts fiber networks into a platform for visibility and security and data intelligence through SaaS recurring revenue models. The African market demonstrates transformative potential because of its ability to create value across different layers.

The VAS Running Strategy for System Integrators: Local Partner + Vertical Ecosystem

While running VAS and VSaaS in Africa isn’t about brute force. It’s about local alignment and vertical integration. Proven models include:

• Joint ventures with local ISPs for market access and licensing on running VAS Platform for ISP in Africa
• In-house logistics and telecom distribution
• Local data centers and GPON network deployment teams
• Proprietary CRM/ERP to reduce support overhead
• Offering VAS and VSaaS as monetization layers

The goal? Fast rollout, lean ops, high margins.

What ISPs and Integrators Must Consider in Digital Transforming of Africa with VAS Platform for ISP

ISPs and integrators have a greenfield advantage in Africa which allows them to design and build networks without the legacy systems. Government support is strong, with over 46 countries having established digital development strategies, creating a favorable environment for growth.

However, success requires tailoring approaches to different market stages — whether leading, emerging, or nascent — since one size doesn’t fit all. Equally important is investing in building a local talent pipeline through training, rather than relying solely on imported expertise. In this rapidly evolving region, those who combine agility, long-term thinking, and tech-first partnerships are best positioned to win.

Conclusion about Potential of Development of VAS Platform for ISP in Africa

The time has come for Value-Added Service (VAS) providers to serve ISPs and system integrators across Africa. These companies now deliver more than bandwidth because they provide essential services which create real value and automation and intelligence based on VAS Platform for ISP in Africa. The market requires a complete set of services known as the “second layer” to support internet access at this time.

VAS providers transform basic network connectivity into user-friendly digital experiences that boost customer engagement while creating new revenue opportunities for ISPs and integrators. The integration of automation and intelligence enables them to optimize networks while delivering improved services and creating customized offerings that meet local market requirements. VAS providers function as the drivers which convert connectivity into practical digital worth for both African consumers and businesses.

Looking to enter Africa with a proven VAS and VSaaS stack? Let’s talk.
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