How Google’s Equiano subsea cable will drive Africa’s digital transformation

Togo has become the first landing point for Google's Equiano submarine cable in Africa. The Equiano subsea cable, which will stretch from Portugal to South Africa, is anticipated to provide 20 times more bandwidth than any other existing cable in West Africa. Lanre Kolade, the Group CEO of CSquared, a company involved in operating and maintaining the cable, recently sat down with CNBC Africa for an exclusive interview to shed more light on this groundbreaking project. The Equiano project, initiated in 2019, stemmed from a collaboration between Google and CSquared. CSquared is a broadband enabling infrastructure company that focuses on making strategic investments in broadband infrastructure to enhance connectivity across Africa. The goal of the Equiano subsea cable project is to boost broadband penetration across the continent by providing open access, shared infrastructure for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs). By leveraging pre-existing infrastructure, the project aims to reduce the need for individual investments in infrastructure and promote a more interconnected digital ecosystem. Togo was chosen as the landing point for the Equiano cable due to the country's forward-thinking approach to digital transformation. The Togo Digital 2025 vision laid the foundation for this partnership, highlighting the government's commitment to embracing innovative solutions for the future. The seamless negotiations between Google, CSquared, and the Togolese government underscore the collaborative nature of the project, with a shared vision to revolutionize connectivity in the region. Notably, the Equiano project extends beyond Togo and is set to benefit multiple countries in the Western African region. With connections planned to Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Benin, the cable will significantly enhance broadband capabilities and pave the way for a more interconnected digital landscape. By deploying a substantial capacity of three terabytes into Togo alone, the Equiano cable is poised to elevate broadband penetration across the region, setting a new benchmark for connectivity in Western Africa. In a bid to further advance the digital agenda, CSquared is also undertaking network expansion projects in Ghana. With an established network in Ghana since 2016, CSquared is poised to bolster connectivity in the country and extend its reach to neighboring regions. By integrating metro and backbone networks, CSquared aims to enhance connectivity not only within Ghana but also across borders, facilitating seamless communication and data transfer. Lanre Kolade, in his interview with CNBC Africa, emphasized the transformative impact of the Equiano project on the region's digital landscape. He highlighted the extensive capacity and connectivity benefits that the cable would bring, marking a significant milestone in advancing broadband infrastructure in Africa. As the Equiano subsea cable continues to expand its reach and enhance connectivity across Western Africa, the digital transformation of the region is poised to reach new heights.