Tizeti: How a Solar-Powered ISP is Tackling Africa’s Connectivity Problem
Opportunities
Internet access is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for education, commerce, and innovation. Yet across much of Africa, affordable and reliable internet remains elusive due to high infrastructure costs, unreliable electricity, and limited provider competition. For investors evaluating African startups that combine innovation, impact, and profitability, Tizeti presents a compelling opportunity.
Tizeti, founded in 2012 and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, is an internet service provider (ISP) that offers low-cost, high-speed wireless internet powered by solar energy. Its flagship brand, WiFi.com.ng, has made unlimited broadband accessible to homes, businesses, and underserved communities.
Unlike traditional ISPs that rely on extensive underground fiber networks, Tizeti employs:
Solar-Powered Towers: Reducing reliance on unstable energy grids and slashing operating costs.
Wireless Delivery: Avoiding expensive physical cabling while reaching areas that lack infrastructure.
By tackling two critical African challenges—connectivity and energy costs—Tizeti offers a scalable solution that is both economically viable and environmentally sustainable.
Despite Africa being the world’s second-largest continent with over 1.4 billion people, its internet penetration sits at 43%—far below the global average of 68%. Several factors contribute to this gap:
High Service Costs: Traditional ISPs pass infrastructure and energy costs to consumers.
Unreliable Power: Internet services are frequently disrupted by inconsistent electricity grids.
Limited Competition: Few players dominate the market, keeping prices high.
This is where Tizeti shows a promising future. By reducing operating costs with solar-powered towers and focusing on wireless delivery, Tizeti offers a cost-effective alternative that targets urban and semi-urban areas—a massive untapped market with growing demand.
Growth and Traction: Tizeti's Success So Far
Tizeti’s progress and milestones offer a clear picture of its potential:
Five Years of Profitability: Despite economic headwinds, Tizeti has achieved sustained profitability for five consecutive years—a testament to the resilience of its business model.
Data Delivery: By 2023, Tizeti’s network had delivered over 35,000 terabytes of data, underscoring the growing demand for its services.
Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with Facebook (Express Wi-Fi) and Microsoft have helped Tizeti scale its infrastructure and expand its market reach.
Market Expansion: Tizeti has successfully expanded from Nigeria to Ghana and is now entering Francophone West Africa, including Côte d’Ivoire and Togo.
Customer-Centric Innovation: The introduction of new services, like Tizeti Turbo Connect (up to 150Mbps), reflects the company’s ability to adapt to evolving customer needs.
For investors seeking a startup with proven success, clear scalability, and social impact, Tizeti may be a standout opportunity in Africa’s rapidly growing tech ecosystem.