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The completion of the 2Africa subsea cable later this year is expected to revolutionize South Africa‘s internet connectivity, marking a significant milestone in the efforts to boost economic growth. David Eurin, CEO of Liquid Dataport, a key player in the endeavor, sheds light on the transformative impact of this ambitious project.
Connecting Africa to the World: 2Africa Consortium and Meta Backing
Liquid Dataport, a Cassava Technologies business and a wholesale division of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, envisions connecting Africa to the global stage. With investments in 11 submarine cables, including WACS, SAT-3, Equiano, PEACE, ACE, and the game-changing 2Africa, the company aims to catapult international trade and markets.
The 2Africa subsea cable is recognized as the world’s longest subsea cable project and is backed by the 2Africa consortium, featuring prominent entities like China Mobile International, MTN GlobalConnect, Orange, Telecom Egypt, Vodafone/Vodacom, Liquid Dataport, and the West Indian Ocean Cable Company. Manufactured and deployed by Alcatel Submarine Networks, this Meta-backed initiative is expected to redefine Africa’s digital landscape.
Economic Impact and Potential
An RTI International study suggests that the 2Africa cable holds the potential to inject $26.2 to $36.9 billion, equivalent to 0.42-0.58% of Africa’s GDP, within two to three years of commissioning. This highlights the critical role the subsea cable will play in economic development, as explained by Sibahle Malinga, ITWeb senior news journalist.
Landings and Progress
With landings in Mozambique, Tanzania, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal, the 2Africa cable is making substantial progress. More landings are expected in the coming months, setting the stage for its official launch later this year.
Open Access System for Enhanced Competition
The 2Africa consortium is committed to an open access system, ensuring fair and reasonable wholesale access at transparent and non-discriminatory terms. This approach aims to enhance competition among international bandwidth providers, ultimately leading to improved broadband connectivity for consumers at competitive rates.
Integration with Liquid Dataport’s Network
Liquid Dataport, boasting a network of over 110,000km of fiber across Africa, sees 2Africa as a game-changer. This integration will enable South African firms to access digital services, including the cloud, cybersecurity, satellite connectivity, and the Internet of Things networks, fostering expansion beyond African borders.
The completion of 2Africa is expected to create a ripple effect, boosting job creation in sectors such as software development, internet connectivity, and data centers. The extensive capacity of the cable will support the growth of 4G, 5G, and fixed broadband access, paving the way for unprecedented bandwidth and economic opportunities.
Eurin emphasizes that the deployment of new subsea cables, including 2Africa, will significantly lower the cost of internet services. This cost-efficiency is crucial for South Africa’s transition to a digital economy, positioning it to catch up with developed economies and usher in new value-added services.
Conclusion
2Africa subsea cable’s transformative impact on South Africa’s internet connectivity and economic landscape becomes increasingly evident. With the promise of enhanced competition, job creation, and a digital economy pivot, the cable is set to be a cornerstone in Africa’s journey towards a more connected and prosperous future.