What's Happening?
Orange Group has announced its participation in a consortium of telecommunications companies to construct a new subsea cable system named 'Via Africa'. This cable will connect the United Kingdom, France, and Portugal to South Africa, with additional landing
points in the Canary Islands, Mauritania, Senegal, Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, and Nigeria. The project aims to enhance connectivity diversity and resilience for countries along Africa's west coast. The consortium includes Canalink, GUILAB, International Mauritania Telecom, Orange Côte d'Ivoire, Silverlinks, and Sonatel. The initiative is a response to previous disruptions in existing subsea systems caused by an undersea rock fall near Côte d'Ivoire in 2024. The consortium plans to conduct a cable route study to determine the optimal path for the cable, balancing resilience, technical feasibility, and economic efficiency.
Why It's Important?
The development of the Via Africa subsea cable is significant for improving the robustness and diversity of international connectivity for African countries, particularly those along the west coast. The project addresses vulnerabilities exposed by past disruptions in existing subsea systems, which have highlighted the need for more resilient infrastructure. By providing an alternative route, the Via Africa cable is expected to enhance the reliability of internet and communication services, which are crucial for economic growth and development in the region. This project could potentially reduce the risk of connectivity outages, thereby supporting businesses, governments, and individuals who rely on stable internet access.
What's Next?
The consortium members are set to finance a cable route study to identify the most suitable path for the Via Africa cable. This study will consider factors such as resilience, technical feasibility, and economic efficiency. Additionally, the consortium is in the process of selecting a cable supplier for the project. These steps are crucial for the successful implementation of the subsea cable system, which aims to provide enhanced connectivity and support the growing demand for internet services in Africa.
