Penetrating Africa’s internet market through the sea

In a groundbreaking move to revolutionize internet connectivity in Africa, tech companies from Asia, Europe, and Africa have teamed up with Facebook to embark on one of the largest subsea cable projects in the world. Known as the 2Africa project, this initiative aims to penetrate Africa's internet market, where less than a quarter of the population of 1.3 billion people have access to the internet. Kojo Boakye, the Public Policy Director at Facebook Africa, shed light on the project's scope, impact, and significance during an interview with CNBC Africa. The 2Africa project is set to be a game-changer for the continent, with over 37,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables spanning both the east and west coasts. This ambitious endeavor will be the first of its kind to connect these two regions, paving the way for enhanced connectivity and broadband infrastructure. Boakye emphasized the importance of this project in bridging the digital divide and empowering African nations to tap into the full potential of the digital economy. The project will encompass 16 countries on the African continent and 23 countries in total, fostering stronger ties between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Boakye highlighted the historical and business significance of these connections, underscoring the immense growth opportunities that the project will unlock. With a focus on fostering innovation, engineering expertise, and efficiency, the 2Africa project is poised to transform the digital landscape of Africa and drive socio-economic development. As Boakye explained, the investment in the 2Africa project signifies a collective belief in the future of the continent and a commitment to overcoming the challenges hindering internet accessibility. With millions of Africans still lacking affordable internet connectivity, the project aims to address this issue by offering increased capacity, resiliency, and affordability. By landing the cable in client-neutral data centers and open-access landing stations, operators will have the opportunity to expand their networks and provide faster, more reliable services. One of the key innovations of the 2Africa project is its enhanced resiliency, with cables being deployed 50% deeper to mitigate disruptions caused by factors such as climate change or natural disasters. By employing cutting-edge technologies and switching mechanisms, the project aims to minimize downtime and ensure uninterrupted connectivity. Boakye expressed confidence that the project's innovations will significantly reduce the frequency of cable cuts and enhance the overall reliability of internet infrastructure across Africa. Overall, the 2Africa project stands as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and innovation in driving progress. By uniting global tech giants and regional partners in a shared vision for a more connected Africa, the project signals a new era of digital empowerment and economic growth on the continent. As Africa prepares to embark on this monumental journey towards a more inclusive and interconnected digital future, the 2Africa project emerges as a beacon of hope and opportunity for millions of people seeking to harness the full potential of the internet.