Meta and Safaricom Partner on New Submarine Cable to Boost East Africa’s Connectivity
Meta, through its subsidiary Edge Network Services Limited, is collaborating with Kenyan telecommunications giant Safaricom on a landmark $23 million project to deploy a new undersea submarine cable. This initiative, Meta’s second in the region, aims to establish a high-capacity connection between Oman and Mombasa, Kenya. The partnership designates Safaricom as the official landing partner for the cable, marking a significant investment in the continent’s digital infrastructure and promising to bolster internet connectivity for millions of users. This development underscores a growing commitment to enhancing digital access across Africa.
A Strategic Milestone for Kenya’s Digital Future
The subsea cable, which will span 4,108 kilometres, is slated to become operational in 2026. For Safaricom, this project is a cornerstone of its long-term strategy. Safaricom CEO Dr. Peter Ndegwa described the deal as a “significant strategic milestone” that aligns with the company’s ambition to evolve into a comprehensive technology company under its Vision 2030 strategy. He emphasized that the cable will position Safaricom to “meet the surging demand for high-capacity, low-latency connectivity which is critical for powering economic growth, cloud adoption, and digital innovation.” The new infrastructure will reinforce the company’s drive to deliver faster, more resilient, and future-proof connectivity.
This collaboration between Meta and Safaricom represents a pivotal moment for the African tech landscape. By strengthening the digital link between the Middle East and East Africa, the new submarine cable is set to deliver enhanced internet resilience and speed, supporting the burgeoning digital economy in Kenya and beyond. The project not only addresses the immediate need for reliable, high-speed internet but also lays the groundwork for sustained technological advancement and innovation across the region.
Keywords
Related Keywords: Meta Safaricom undersea cable, 2Africa submarine cable, Kenya internet connectivity, undersea internet cable Africa, Safaricom infrastructure investment, Meta Africa internet, submarine cable project Kenya, digital infrastructure Africa, Meta Safaricom partnership
