2Africa Submarine Cable: How Africa is Building the World’s Longest Internet Highway
For decades, Africa has been described as the “last frontier” of the global digital revolution. Despite rapid adoption of mobile technology, the continent has consistently struggled with slow internet speeds, high costs, and limited international connectivity. But now, a transformative project is changing the story: the 2Africa submarine cable.
Stretching over 45,000 kilometers, 2Africa is not only the longest subsea cable system in the world, but also one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken to boost Africa’s internet infrastructure. More than just cables lying on the ocean floor, 2Africa represents a new era of connectivity, economic growth, and digital inclusion for the continent.
In this article, we explore everything you need to know about 2Africa—its origins, the technology powering it, the expected benefits, the challenges it faces, and why it matters for Africa’s future.
What is 2Africa?
2Africa is a subsea telecommunications cable system designed to expand global internet capacity with a special focus on Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. It connects 33 countries through 46 landing points, making it one of the most extensive submarine networks in the world.
The project is backed by a global consortium that includes:
- Meta (formerly Facebook) – bringing financial muscle and expertise in global connectivity projects.
- China Mobile International – one of the world’s largest telecom operators.
- MTN GlobalConnect (Bayobab) – Africa’s largest telecom provider with strong regional presence.
- Orange – a major European operator with deep roots in Africa.
- Vodafone – with broad global and African telecom coverage.
- stc (Saudi Telecom Company) – providing Middle Eastern connectivity.
- Telecom Egypt – a strategic partner connecting Africa to Europe and the Middle East.
- WIOCC (West Indian Ocean Cable Company) – focused on wholesale internet infrastructure in Africa.
This collaboration reflects not just Africa’s rising importance in the global digital economy but also the recognition that connectivity is the foundation for future growth.
Why 2Africa Matters for Africa
1. Closing the Connectivity Gap
Africa’s internet penetration has improved significantly in the last decade but still lags behind the global average. Many regions remain underconnected, with rural communities having little or no broadband access. 2Africa brings massive capacity that will bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, enabling inclusive digital access.
2. Reducing Internet Costs
One of the biggest barriers to internet adoption in Africa is cost. Data in Africa is often more expensive than in other regions because of limited bandwidth supply. With its 180 terabits per second (Tbps) capacity, 2Africa is expected to drive down wholesale internet costs, making broadband more affordable for end-users.
3. Supporting 4G, 5G, and Fixed Broadband
With the rise of 4G and 5G networks, as well as fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), African operators need high-capacity international connections to deliver seamless services. 2Africa ensures that telecom companies can roll out advanced technologies without bottlenecks.
4. Boosting Economic Growth
Research suggests that 2Africa could contribute between $26 billion and $37 billion in GDP growth within just a few years of going live. The impact will be felt across multiple sectors:
- E-commerce and fintech will expand rapidly with improved online payment reliability.
- Education will benefit through affordable online learning platforms.
- Healthcare will see growth in telemedicine and cross-border medical collaboration.
- Startups and entrepreneurs will gain access to faster, more reliable cloud services.
5. Strengthening Africa’s Role in the Global Internet
Historically, Africa has relied heavily on foreign routes to connect to the internet. With 2Africa, the continent will own a larger share of its digital backbone, reducing dependency on external infrastructure and improving network resilience.
The Technology Behind 2Africa
The scale of 2Africa is unprecedented, and so is its technology. Here’s what makes it revolutionary:
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Spatial Division Multiplexing (SDM1): This cutting-edge technology allows the cable to carry up to 16 fiber pairs, significantly increasing capacity compared to traditional systems.
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180 Terabits per Second (Tbps): This capacity is greater than the total of all existing subsea cables serving Africa, meaning that 2Africa will redefine how much bandwidth is available on the continent.
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Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexing (WSS-ROADM): This innovation provides flexibility in managing data traffic, ensuring efficient use of bandwidth.
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Improved Cable Burial: To avoid damage from ships, anchors, and natural hazards, the cable has been designed for deeper burial and robust protection.
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Open Access: Unlike older cable models dominated by a few providers, 2Africa follows an open-access principle, meaning operators and ISPs can access capacity on fair and equal terms. This fosters competition and benefits consumers.
Where Has 2Africa Landed?
2Africa is rolling out in phases, with several countries already seeing its benefits.
- Nigeria: The cable landed in Qua Iboe, Akwa Ibom State, strengthening Nigeria’s South-South digital capacity. Nigeria, with its booming tech ecosystem, is expected to be one of the biggest beneficiaries.
- Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa: Early segments went live in 2024, connecting East Africa and Southern Africa with stronger international routes.
- Egypt: As a key hub linking Africa with Europe and Asia, Egypt is strategically central to the project.
- Other Landings: With a total of 46 landing stations, almost every coastal African nation will be directly connected, ensuring continent-wide coverage.
Challenges Facing 2Africa
While 2Africa promises a digital revolution, challenges remain:
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Last-Mile Connectivity: Subsea cables deliver bandwidth to coastal landing stations, but distributing it inland requires strong fiber optic and mobile networks. Without investment in last-mile infrastructure, rural communities may still struggle to benefit.
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Regulation and Policy: Different African countries have varying telecom regulations. Harmonizing policies to ensure open access and fair competition will be critical.
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Cybersecurity and Data Sovereignty: With increased capacity comes increased risk. Protecting Africa’s data from cyberattacks and ensuring data sovereignty will be key issues.
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Affordability: Even if wholesale costs go down, governments and telecom operators must ensure that savings are passed down to consumers in the form of cheaper internet.
2Africa and the Future of Africa’s Digital Economy
Africa’s digital economy is expected to be worth $712 billion by 2050, according to analysts. Infrastructure like 2Africa is the backbone of this growth. With improved connectivity:
- Startups will scale faster.
- Cross-border trade will benefit from digital integration.
- Artificial Intelligence, blockchain, and cloud technologies will become more accessible.
- Remote work and outsourcing industries will expand, allowing Africa to compete globally in digital services.
Conclusion
The 2Africa submarine cable is more than just an engineering project—it is a symbol of Africa’s rising digital power. By bringing faster, cheaper, and more reliable internet, it will reshape economies, societies, and opportunities across the continent.
While challenges remain in terms of last-mile delivery and policy coordination, the potential benefits are enormous. From Nigeria to South Africa, from Kenya to Egypt, Africa is finally laying the groundwork for a future where connectivity is no longer a barrier but a bridge to prosperity.
The world’s longest subsea cable is not just linking continents—it is building Africa’s digital highway to the future.
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