Joy Selasi Agbesi, a Ghanaian engineer, has emerged as a prominent figure in Africa’s digital transformation, contributing significantly to broadband expansion across West Africa and spearheading the deployment of cutting-edge artificial intelligence infrastructure at Meta in the United States. His decade-long career reflects a deep commitment to bridging the digital divide and advancing technological innovation on both continental and global scales. Selasi’s work encompasses a wide spectrum, from designing and implementing essential communication backbones in underserved regions to managing complex AI initiatives that shape the future of digital interaction.
Selasi’s contributions to broadband expansion in West Africa are particularly noteworthy. He led Ghana’s first 400GE Nationwide Backbone Expansion on MTN’s network, a transformative project significantly enhancing the nation’s digital landscape. This initiative established 34 points of presence, 12 data centers, and four submarine cable landing stations, creating a robust foundation for fintech growth, 5G readiness, and cloud adoption. By expanding the reach and capacity of Ghana’s digital infrastructure, Selasi’s work has laid the groundwork for economic development and improved access to information and services for millions of Ghanaians.
In Sierra Leone, Selasi directed the expansion of the National Backbone Network, a crucial project that connected cities, towns, and rural communities in the wake of the devastating Ebola crisis. This initiative not only facilitated communication and information sharing but also enabled access to essential services like e-learning, mobile banking, and e-governance platforms. By bringing connectivity to underserved areas, Selasi’s work empowered communities to rebuild and access vital resources, demonstrating the transformative power of digital inclusion in post-crisis recovery. His emphasis on the impact of this connectivity on children’s access to digital classrooms underscores his commitment to leveraging technology for educational advancement.
Beyond his work in Africa, Selasi is currently making significant contributions at Meta, where he serves as a network engineer in operations support. He is overseeing the rollout of Nvidia GB200 AI Compute Server Racks across global data centers, a multibillion-dollar initiative crucial to supporting the training of large-scale AI models. This work is instrumental in enhancing digital experiences worldwide, pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence and its applications in various fields. Selasi’s involvement in this cutting-edge project highlights his expertise in managing complex technological deployments and his dedication to advancing the frontiers of AI innovation.
Selasi’s educational background provides a solid foundation for his impressive career. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana, equipping him with the fundamental knowledge and skills to excel in the field. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Science in Information and Telecommunication Systems from Ohio University in the United States, where he focused on IPv6 transition strategies and software-defined networking training content. This advanced training provided him with the specialized expertise to tackle complex network engineering challenges and contribute to the development of innovative solutions.
In conclusion, Joy Selasi Agbesi’s career exemplifies the power of engineering expertise coupled with a commitment to social impact. From expanding broadband access in West Africa to driving advancements in global AI infrastructure, his work consistently demonstrates a dedication to bridging the digital divide and empowering communities through technology. His leadership in these critical projects positions him as a key figure in shaping the future of digital connectivity and innovation, both within Africa and on a global scale. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring engineers and a testament to the transformative potential of technology in addressing societal challenges and driving positive change.
