Sigfox South Africa boosts local economy with massive Internet of Things (IoT)
Sigfox South Africa has officially launched – the next step in enabling the transformative power of massive Internet of Things (IoT) technologies across the African continent to drive innovation and drive inclusive economic growth and employment.
Sigfox’s public 0G network continues to operate under this new brand following a major restructuring of network licenses and assets previously managed by SqwidNet. Sigfox South Africa is a fully licensed national 0G network operator focused on commercializing the country’s leading and growing Sigfox 0G network coverage.

The Sigfox 0G network in South Africa has been under construction for several years and is considered a tier one network among these global operators, covering 95% of the population and 90% of national roads. The newly established network company is backed by major investors consisting of Community Investment Venture Holdings (CIVH), Discovery Insure, Fidelity ADT, Macrocomm and Buffet Investments. “Sigfox 0G technology is a critical connectivity service in South Africa due to its positive and significant impact on a large value chain that depends on its sustainability and viability at the local level. The investment of all partners provides a strong platform and support to develop usage, adoption and accelerate growth, ” said non-executive director Sivi Moodley.

The massive IoT is essential in the modern world, providing important data and decisions between physical devices and the digital world. The IoT Industry Council of South Africa (IoTIC) is pushing for a greater focus on affordable and cost-effective new technologies to ensure South Africa is 4IR ready. Sigfox 0G technology shows that IoT can be used by communities, people and businesses, including improved security systems, more efficient city services and automated mining and manufacturing operations. According to IoT Analytics1, the global IoT market will grow by 18% in 2022 to 14.4 billion active connections and reach 27 billion connected IoT devices in 2025. However, Massive IoT is still an emerging market full of opportunities and risks. When Sqwidnet launched as Sigfox’s licensed operator for South Africa in 2016, it helped establish the credibility of IoT investment in the country. By mid-2021, however, Sqwidnet stakeholders agreed that the company needed a major change to incorporate the lessons learned over the past five years.

Sigfox South Africa is the result of this change. Working with investors, Sigfox South Africa is adapting its operations and strategy to the changing nature of the local IoT market. The Sigfox 0G network is constantly growing to provide greater value to current and future customers.

“We take the lessons of the past to heart, but we also know that our customers are loyal and engaged because they see the immediate value that Massive IoT creates for them and their customers. Learn technologically – Avoid risk and never lose your sense of purpose.” ., market relevant innovation. This is the ethos of Sigfox in South Africa and we look forward to helping IoT create an even more positive impact for all,” said Associate Non-Executive Director Raymond Ndlovu.