NEC XON and Smartoptics Launch Africa’s First Locally Supported SFP Solution

By Ryno Weideman, Networking Operations Manager | NEC XON

NEC XON, Africa’s leading systems integrator, has announced a strategic partnership with Smartoptics to introduce a new era of pluggable optical solutions for the continent. For years, African businesses have had to choose between costly OEM modules or generic imports with long lead times and no local support. With NEC XON and Smartoptics’ partnership, that changes.

“African businesses can now connect with speed and convenience,” says Ryno Weideman, Networking Operations Manager at NEC XON.  “Demand for high-speed, affordable, and reliable Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) solutions in Africa is surging across data centres, ISPs, and enterprises. NEC XON’s partnership with Smartoptics is designed to meet that demand with global innovation tailored for Africa.” The new solution brings:

• Immediate availability: Stock held locally for rapid deployment.
• Local currency pricing: Budget certainty without forex exposure
• Lifetime warranty and local service excellence: Extending beyond shipment—customer support.
• 99% OEM compatibility: Seamless integration across almost every major platform.

“Smartoptics is proud to partner with NEC XON in bringing accessible, high-quality optical solutions to the African market,” said Björn Andersson, SVP Business Area Optical Devices at Smartoptics. “Our technology, combined with NEC XON’s local expertise, ensures customers get the right solution at the right time – improving network performance and reducing operational complexity.”

“This launch reinforces NEC XON’s commitment to delivering technology that works in the African context—backed by service, speed, and sustainability,” adds Weideman.

About NEC XON
NEC XON is a leading African integrator of ICT solutions and part of NEC, a Japanese global company. The holding company has operated in Africa since 1963 and delivers communications, energy, safety, security, and digital solutions. It co-creates social value through innovation to help overcome serious societal challenges. The organisation operates in 54 African countries and has a footprint in 16 of them. Regional headquarters are located in South, East, and West Africa. NEC XON is a level 1-certified broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) business. Discover more at www.nec.africa.

Issued by: Michelle Oelschig, Scarlet Letter
Contact details: 083-636-1766, [email protected]