New roles announced to drive Paratus' expansion into Africa

In the business sector, Group CEO Barney Harmse will assume the new position ofExecutive Chairmanof Paratus Group, and Group COO Schalk Erasmus will take over asGroup CEO. They will work very closely together not only during the transition in the coming months, but also over the next few years, to ensure that the group’s new vision is realized and that continuity is maintained across all areas of implementation. 

Together with their co-founders, Harmse and Erasmus envisioned the creation of Africa’s premier network and, over the past two decades, have steered the group’s efforts to establish Paratus as a major telecommunications player with an impressive presence across Africa. Owning its own infrastructure; building expert teams in seven southern African countries; and serving customers across national borders with a seamless, high-quality network service are the cornerstones of the group’s success.  With an impressiveannual revenue of N$1 billion, Paratus also provides services to its customers in more than 35 African countries; is the designated partner to land the Equiano subsea cable in Namibia; and has built four of its own data center facilities in three African countries to date.   

Barney Harmse says: “Our group’s vision is totransform Africa through exceptional digital infrastructure and customer service. Our objective is todouble revenuewithin the next five years. Our plan for expansion and growth involvesinvesting in and deploying the best infrastructure, as well as pursuing mergers and acquisitions. Our focus areas are South, Central, and West Africa—these are huge markets.  We have recently opened operations in the DRC through a joint venture with GBS in that country, where we have won a tender to activate a 620-kilometer fiber optic network link. Harmse and the team have built an impressive, high-quality network across Africa, and they are very proud of their achievements. “As Executive Chairman, I will be able to assist and help drive expansion with greater focus and acuity, and I am excited about our next growth trajectory.”  

Schalk Erasmus has been with Paratus since its inception 20 years ago. He has played a key role in various projects, including the Equiano Cable Project and the Trans Kalahari Fiber Network (TKF), and in recent years has been responsible for the rollout of the group’s data center (DC) in Namibia, one of the group’s most significant infrastructure investments to date. He says: “We’re entering the fifth era of connectivity. Yes, it’s about data and, yes, it’s about quality connectivity, but we believe thefuture will also be more focused on how people experience the content, and how being better connected can help transform the way people live and work. We are investing in digital infrastructure to grow Africa’s high-quality network. We will now expand into new territories so that more people may thrive and be transformed through connectivity.” 

“We’re seeing our vision quickly become a reality. Although this is just the beginning, we are already in serious talks with several West African countries.”   

Harmse concludes: “We have carefully and thoughtfully built the Paratus network across the continent. We are delivering Africa’s premier network; we were founded in Africa, and we know Africa. There are no limits, and that is what we offer our customers—limitless opportunities through connectivity. Our new vision is aligned with what Africa needs right now. It’s an exciting time for our business—and for Africa.” 

Harmse and Erasmus will work very closely with Paratus’s senior leadership over the next few months to ensure a smooth transition of the Group CEO’s responsibilities in August 2022, when Paratus officially opens its data center in Windhoek, its fourth in Africa.  

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About Paratus  

Paratus is Africa’s premier network. With an eye on the future, the group is investing in infrastructure and establishing itself as a key player in delivering integrated network services across Africa. Paratus is managed by a passionate and professional operational team in seven African countries—Angola, Botswana, DRC, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia. The company’s extensive network provides satellite connectivity-focused services in more than 30 African countries, serving a vast number of customer satellite connections across Africa. This connects African businesses across the continent and delivers end-to-end service excellence. The group’s footprint extends beyond Africa to international points of presence (PoPs) in Europe and the US.  

Born and bred in Africa, Paratus is thinking big as it expands its presence to deliver a high-quality network across the continent. By recognizing the unique opportunities Africa offers businesses and individuals to break down barriers and connect without limits, Paratus is committed to raising the bar for quality connectivity in Africa. 

Issued by Wired Communications on behalf of Paratus Group 

For more information and interview requests, please contact:  

Lana Martens  

lana@wiredcommunications.co.za 

Karey Evett 

ke@wiredcommunications.co.za