Accelerating Africa’s connectivity revolution

SEACOM, the first private, non-operator-controlled cable in Africa, has been at the forefront of connecting South Africa to Europe via the east coast of Africa for the past 15 years. This groundbreaking initiative has played a pivotal role in meeting the increasing demand for connectivity not only in South Africa but across the broader African continent. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, Kim Sacree, Managing Director of SEACOM South Africa, shared insights into the challenges faced, the evolving landscape of connectivity, and the future outlook for the industry. Sacree highlighted the resilience and innovation required to navigate through undersea cable breaks, technological advancements, and the imperative of public-private partnerships in driving Africa's digital transformation. The conversation also delved into SEACOM's strategic focus on offering more than just undersea cables, diversifying to provide digital services encompassing AI, cybersecurity, and managed security solutions. Looking ahead, SEACOM is committed to investing in next-generation technologies, infrastructure, and expanding connectivity to underserved areas through initiatives like low earth orbit satellites. Sacree emphasized the importance of collaboration among industry players and public sector entities to overcome unique challenges on the continent, stressing the significance of private-public partnerships in driving sustainable growth and unlocking Africa's potential. As SEACOM continues to lead the charge in Africa's connectivity revolution, the vision for the next 15 years revolves around enhancing digital connectivity, leveraging new technologies, and contributing to Africa's digital empowerment.