Togo has taken a significant step in reshaping its digital landscape as Canal+ Togo officially assumes control of the activities of the fiber optic operator GVA, a subsidiary of Vivendi Africa Group operating under the Canalbox brand. The decision received formal approval at the Council of Ministers meeting held on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, where the government authorized the transfer of GVA’s operating license to Canal+ Togo.
This development marks a strategic shift in the management of broadband infrastructure in the country. It also reflects the government’s broader commitment to strengthening digital services, expanding high-speed internet access, and improving service delivery for households and businesses.
GVA, through its Canalbox brand, has played a visible role in deploying fiber optic internet services in Togo over recent years. The operator focused largely on fixed broadband, targeting urban centers and high-demand areas. Through its investments, GVA helped introduce faster internet speeds and more reliable connectivity, particularly for residential users and small enterprises.
With the transfer of the operating license, Canal+ Togo now consolidates these activities under its local subsidiary. This move aligns with Canal+ Group’s wider strategy of integrating content, distribution, and connectivity across African markets. By combining fiber infrastructure with its strong media and entertainment presence, Canal+ aims to deliver more integrated digital services.
From a regulatory perspective, the approval underscores the government’s confidence in Canal+ Togo’s capacity to manage and expand critical digital infrastructure. The Council of Ministers’ authorization ensures continuity of service while also providing a clear legal framework for the transition. Importantly, subscribers should experience minimal disruption as operations shift under the new structure.
The takeover also carries implications for competition and innovation in the telecoms sector. As demand for high-speed internet continues to grow, especially among young people, startups, and digital entrepreneurs, reliable fiber connectivity has become essential. Canal+ Togo’s expanded role could accelerate network upgrades, improve customer service, and support new service bundles.
Furthermore, the integration opens opportunities for convergence. Fiber optic connectivity supports not only internet access but also streaming services, digital education, remote work, and e-commerce. By controlling both content platforms and broadband infrastructure, Canal+ Togo can design offerings tailored to local needs, while maintaining international quality standards.
For the government, this transition supports national digital development goals. Togo continues to invest in digital transformation as a driver of economic growth, public service delivery, and inclusion. Strengthening private sector participation in broadband deployment remains a key pillar of this strategy. Therefore, empowering a well-capitalized operator to manage fiber infrastructure aligns with these objectives.
Consumers also stand to benefit. Increased investment capacity can lead to wider coverage, better network stability, and competitive pricing over time. As fiber networks expand beyond major urban areas, more households and businesses gain access to high-speed connectivity, which supports productivity and innovation.
At the same time, regulatory oversight remains critical. Authorities will continue to monitor service quality, pricing practices, and compliance with license conditions. This oversight ensures that the transition delivers tangible benefits to users while protecting fair competition in the market.
In the broader regional context, the move reflects a trend across West Africa where media and telecoms groups seek closer integration. As digital consumption rises, operators increasingly combine infrastructure, content, and platforms to capture value and improve user experience.
Overall, the authorization of GVA’s license transfer to Canal+ Togo represents more than a corporate restructuring. It signals a new phase in Togo’s fiber optic market, one driven by consolidation, investment, and digital ambition. As Canal+ Togo assumes full operational control, expectations remain high that the transition will strengthen connectivity, support innovation, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s digital future.
