TechPression

Tag: cables

  • DRC kick-starts €66.55 million fibre optic line project

    DRC kick-starts €66.55 million fibre optic line project

    As a big step towards improving its digital infrastructure, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has started a €66.55 million fibre optic line project.

    The African Development Bank (AfDB) paid for the project, which helped the country reach its goal of becoming a digital hub in Central Africa.

    To link with Cameroon and the Central African Republic, the project will lay 600 kilometres of fibre optic wire and build a state-of-the-art National Data Centre in Brazzaville.

    The Congolese government is giving the last €14.50 million, and the AfDB is giving €52.47 million.

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    Empowering DRC’s Digital Landscape with Fibre-Optic Backbone

    The Central Africa Fibre-Optic Backbone project supervisor, Michel Ngakala, stressed how vital this project is for the DRC’s digital autonomy.

    “Congo will soon be the only country in Central Africa to have its own data centre,” Ngakala said. “This means our data and communications will no longer need to pass through servers in Europe or America. Everything will be managed locally.”

    Samatar Omar Elmi, Chief ICT Specialist at the AfDB, highlighted the broader significance of the project.

    “Locally produced data will create a virtuous cycle of local value creation, benefiting the entire digital ecosystem,” Elmi noted. The project aims to boost internet penetration in the DRC, 17.4% in early 2022, compared to 43.0% for Africa and 68.6% globally.

    Scheduled for completion by December 2024, the data centre will include server rooms, monitoring facilities, and energy-efficient systems.

    For example, telecom companies, banks, and insurance companies will be able to hold data locally with the help of this technology.

    The Future of Connectivity: Nigeria’s Fibre Optic Plans

    Nigeria has announced an expansive plan to enhance its fibre optic network in a related development. Following a Federal Executive Council meeting, the country secured approvals to establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for deploying an additional 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable.

    With this project, Nigeria will add 125,000 kilometres to its current 35,000 kilometres of infrastructure for connecting people and things. 

    The SPV will be based on Public-Private Partnerships that have worked well in the past, such as the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS). Nigeria wants to build Africa’s third-longest ground fibre optic backbone using resources from the public and private sectors.

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    Nigeria aims to maximise the capacity of its eight subsea cables, which are 10% underutilised. With over 200,000 connected educational, healthcare, and social institutions, this expansion will close the non-consumption gap and boost internet penetration above 70%. Millions more Nigerians will be online as internet access costs decrease by almost 60%.

    The DRC and Nigeria are improving their digital infrastructures to alter their economies and communities. As Africa’s digital connection improves, the DRC’s AfDB-backed fibre optic project and Nigeria’s ambitious expansion plan lay the foundation for significant economic growth and development.

  • Africa’s submarine cables undergo changes, shapes connectivity

    Africa’s submarine cables undergo changes, shapes connectivity

    Africa’s connectivity relies heavily on submarine cables, which play a critical role in facilitating internet and telecommunication services across the continent. 

    As of March 14, 2024, the situation regarding submarine cables in Africa presents both challenges and opportunities, impacting various sectors, including business, education, healthcare, and governance.

    Current Status of Submarine Cables

    The submarine cable landscape in Africa is undergoing significant changes, with several key developments shaping the connectivity ecosystem. 

    Numerous initiatives are underway to expand and upgrade existing submarine cable networks. Projects such as the Africa-1 Cable System and the Eastern Africa Submarine Cable System (EASSy) upgrade are aimed at enhancing capacity and reliability. These expansions seek to meet the growing demand for bandwidth and improve internet access for millions of Africans.

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    Efforts to diversify submarine cable routes are gaining momentum to mitigate the risk of single-point failures and enhance resilience against natural disasters and human-induced disruptions. Projects like the South Atlantic Cable System (SACS) and the Africa-1 Cable System contribute to creating alternative pathways, reducing dependency on traditional routes and enhancing overall network robustness.

    Also, Collaboration among stakeholders, including governments, telecommunications companies, and international organizations, remains crucial in addressing challenges and driving innovation in the submarine cable sector. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are emerging as effective models for financing and implementing submarine cable projects, fostering greater inclusivity and sustainability in Africa’s digital infrastructure development.

    Challenges and Opportunities

    While progress is being made in expanding and improving Africa’s submarine cable networks, several challenges persist, alongside opportunities for growth and innovation.

    Security threats, including piracy and sabotage, pose risks to submarine cable infrastructure, potentially disrupting vital communication channels and causing economic losses. Addressing these security concerns requires coordinated efforts between governments, maritime authorities, and private sector stakeholders to safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted connectivity.

    Disparities in internet access and affordability persist across different regions of Africa, exacerbating the digital divide. While submarine cables play a crucial role in enhancing connectivity, broader strategies are needed to extend network coverage to underserved areas and promote digital inclusion. Initiatives such as community networks and innovative financing mechanisms can help bridge the gap and ensure equitable access to digital services for all Africans.

    Technological Advancements

       Rapid advancements in technology, including 5G, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT), present opportunities for leveraging submarine cables to support emerging applications and services. By investing in next-generation infrastructure and fostering a conducive regulatory environment, Africa can harness the full potential of submarine cables to drive digital transformation, spur economic growth, and improve the quality of life for its citizens.

    The Africa Submarine Cable Situation Report highlights the evolving landscape of submarine cable connectivity in Africa, underscoring the importance of continued investment, collaboration, and innovation to address challenges and unlock opportunities for sustainable development. By fostering partnerships, enhancing security measures, and prioritising digital inclusion, Africa can leverage its submarine cable infrastructure to bridge the digital divide and build a more connected and prosperous future for all.