CMC Networks Appoints Mahesh Jaishankar as Managing Director to Drive Growth of AI-Powered Connectivity Across Africa

Leadership Transition Strengthens Digital Infrastructure Strategy

CMC Networks, a major connectivity provider in Africa, has appointed Mahesh Jaishankar as Managing Director. The company operates as a subsidiary of center3 and focuses on advanced networking services.

Jaishankar will lead the company’s next growth phase in AI-powered connectivity. Moreover, he will strengthen regional operations across Africa and the Middle East.

He succeeds Marisa Trisolino, who previously served as CEO until April 2025. The leadership change signals a strategic focus on intelligent network infrastructure and digital transformation.

Experienced Technology Executive with Global Industry Background

Mahesh Jaishankar brings more than 25 years of experience in digital infrastructure and telecommunications leadership.

Before joining CMC Networks, he served as an advisor at Arthur D. Little. In addition, he worked at Google as Head of Strategic Negotiations within the Global Network Access division.

Earlier in his career, Jaishankar played a key role in launching datamena while working at du. The platform later became a major regional connectivity hub linking the Middle East and Africa.

Under his leadership, datamena attracted hyperscalers, OTT platforms, telecommunications carriers, and large enterprises. As a result, it became a global gateway for digital traffic between major regions.

AI-Driven Network Infrastructure Supports Industrial Automation

Modern digital infrastructure supports the rapid growth of industrial automation and smart manufacturing.

Industrial facilities increasingly depend on secure and reliable connectivity. Systems such as PLC controllers, DCS platforms, and SCADA networks require stable communication infrastructure.

Therefore, advanced network services help companies deploy factory automation, remote monitoring, and predictive maintenance technologies.

AI-powered connectivity platforms also improve operational reliability. For example, network analytics can detect anomalies that affect industrial control systems.

Consequently, intelligent connectivity becomes essential for energy plants, manufacturing facilities, and large infrastructure projects.

center3 Acquisition Accelerates AIOps Innovation

center3 completed its acquisition of CMC Networks in June 2024. Since then, the company has increased investment in Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations, also known as AIOps.

AIOps platforms use machine learning to analyze network traffic and system behavior. These tools automatically detect faults, predict outages, and optimize network performance.

Moreover, AI-driven operations reduce downtime in mission-critical digital infrastructure. This capability is particularly important for enterprises operating in remote or complex markets.

CMC Networks currently operates across 62 markets in Africa and the Middle East. Its regional expertise spans more than 35 years of connectivity operations.

Industry Leaders Highlight Strategic Importance of AI Connectivity

Fahad Alhajeri, CEO of center3 and chairman of CMC Networks, emphasized the strategic importance of the appointment.

He noted that Jaishankar’s experience with hyperscalers, carriers, and enterprise networks makes him well suited for the role.

According to Alhajeri, CMC Networks will strengthen its leadership in intelligent connectivity across emerging markets.

Jaishankar also expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity. He highlighted Africa’s rapidly growing digital economy and the increasing demand for scalable connectivity infrastructure.

He stated that collaboration with partners and customers will drive innovation across the region’s digital ecosystem.

Author Insight: Connectivity Infrastructure Enables Smart Industry

From an industrial technology perspective, network infrastructure increasingly supports automation and digital engineering.

Smart factories rely on stable connectivity to integrate PLC controllers, edge computing platforms, and industrial IoT devices.

Moreover, energy utilities and transportation networks require secure data exchange between distributed control systems.

Therefore, investments in AI-powered connectivity can accelerate digital transformation across industrial sectors.

Companies that combine networking innovation with operational expertise will likely lead the next wave of infrastructure development.

Application Scenario: Intelligent Connectivity in Industrial Environments

AI-driven connectivity solutions support several real-world industrial scenarios.

Manufacturing plants rely on high-performance networks to connect PLC systems and robotics controllers.

Oil and gas facilities deploy secure communication networks for distributed control systems and monitoring equipment.

Energy utilities integrate network analytics with SCADA platforms to improve operational visibility.

In addition, large infrastructure projects use SD-WAN and MPLS networks to support digital engineering collaboration.

Reliable connectivity therefore becomes a foundational layer for modern industrial automation and factory digitalization.

About CMC Networks

CMC Networks specializes in delivering high-performance connectivity services in complex global markets.

The company combines regional expertise with AI-based network operations. It has served customers across Africa and the Middle East for more than 35 years.

CMC Networks offers a wide range of connectivity services, including DIA, MPLS, SD-WAN, Ethernet, satellite communications, and Infrastructure-as-a-Service.

Today, the company supports enterprise connectivity across 62 markets throughout the Middle East and Africa.