Safaricom Partners with Meta to Operate New Submarine Cable, Elevating East Africa’s Digital Connectivity
Kenya’s largest telecom operator, Safaricom, has been selected by Meta – the US technology giant behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp – as its local landing partner for an ambitious new submarine cable system. This significant collaboration, centered on the “Daraja” system, is set to drastically enhance internet infrastructure and data movement across East Africa, positioning Kenya at the forefront of regional digital transformation. The partnership underscores a pivotal moment for both companies, driving forward a more resilient and high-capacity digital ecosystem.
A Strategic Move for Safaricom and Meta’s Regional Vision
The “Daraja” system, a $23 million project fully funded by Meta’s subsidiary Edge Network Services, is designed with a robust 24-fibre-pair capacity and links Oman directly with Kenya. Safaricom’s pivotal role involves operating the crucial Kenyan landing site and managing the essential in-country infrastructure. For Safaricom, this marks a profound strategic shift; for the first time, the company will gain direct control over international capacity, evolving from a mere bandwidth lessee to a significant infrastructure owner. This move aligns perfectly with its “Vision 2030” plan to transition from a traditional telecom operator into a comprehensive technology company, deepening its influence in the burgeoning African tech landscape. For Meta, this investment ensures a faster, more reliable network to support its extensive regional operations, significantly improving the resilience of its various platforms and strengthening the seamless movement of data across East Africa. This Oman–Kenya link acts as a vital complement to Meta’s expansive 45,000-kilometre 2Africa cable, further solidifying its global internet infrastructure.
This groundbreaking partnership between Safaricom and Meta represents a major leap forward for digital connectivity in East Africa. By establishing robust new infrastructure, the “Daraja” system promises to deliver enhanced internet speed, reliability, and resilience, fostering economic growth and greater digital inclusion. It’s a clear demonstration of how strategic alliances are shaping the future of African internet infrastructure, empowering businesses and users alike with superior online experiences.
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