Africa’s digital revolution is hitting a turning point. Over the last twenty years, the continent has shifted from being mostly offline to hosting huge submarine cable systems that link it to the rest of the world.
Massive investments from tech giants like Google and Meta have pushed international capacity to new heights. Still, for many Africans—especially those in inland or landlocked areas—fast internet feels like a distant promise.
The real problem now isn’t the undersea cables. Instead, it’s the patchy reach of terrestrial fiber and city networks that are supposed to carry those signals to actual homes and businesses.
The Rise of Submarine Connectivity in Africa
Thanks to big infrastructure projects, Africa now has 77 submarine cable systems with a combined international capacity of around 1,835 terabits per second (Tbps). A lot of this growth comes from global tech companies chasing new markets and better connections for their own services.
Egypt and South Africa have become major hubs, hosting the most cable landing points because of their strategic spots on the continent’s coastlines.
A Digital Lifeline, But Not a Complete Solution
The explosion of submarine cables has definitely improved Africa’s link to the global internet. But let’s be honest, that’s just one part of the story.
Inland regions and landlocked countries still struggle with slow, incomplete backbone projects. Without strong terrestrial networks, all that bandwidth at the coast can’t really reach most people.
Terrestrial Fiber: The Missing Link
By 2024, Africa’s operational terrestrial fiber stretched about 2.13 million kilometers. Even with all that fiber, the distribution is lopsided—only 30% of Africans live within 10 kilometers of a fiber node.
So, the majority still depend on slower, less reliable mobile broadband or satellite internet. That’s far from ideal if you ask me.
Fixed-Line and Mobile Challenges
Fixed-line internet barely exists in Africa, with penetration rates under 1%. Mobile broadband covers more ground but still doesn’t match global standards for speed or coverage.
Delays in major projects like the Central African Backbone and WARCIP (West Africa Regional Communications Infrastructure Program) have made things even tougher, especially for rural and underserved communities.
Foreign Influence and Digital Sovereignty
Private foreign companies—especially Meta, Google, and China’s HMN Tech—are pouring money into Africa’s connectivity. Sure, these partnerships speed up infrastructure, but they also bring up tough questions about digital sovereignty, data governance, and who really controls the digital future.
The African Union’s Stance
The African Union’s Data Policy Framework calls for stronger governance, local data infrastructure, and equal access across countries. The goal? Make sure Africa’s digital future follows African priorities, not just foreign agendas.
Key Solutions to Expand Access
To really close the gap between capacity and access, stakeholders should focus on:
- Public-Private Partnerships that share costs, risks, and know-how.
- Regional Coordination to sync up cross-border fiber projects and cut down on waste.
- Smart Financing Models using development banks, private equity, and infrastructure funds.
- Urban-Rural Integration strategies that push networks beyond just big cities.
- Local Workforce Development so African talent leads in planning, installation, and management.
The Road Ahead
Vast undersea connections already link Africa to the world. Now, the real challenge is bringing those high-capacity gateways to every corner of the continent.
This won’t happen without political will, investment, and a good dose of creativity. But the rewards? They’re huge—think inclusive economic growth, better education, improved healthcare, and a stronger spot in the global digital economy.
Africa’s digital transformation feels halfway done. Sure, the infrastructure exists to connect the continent outward, but is every African truly connected?
It’s not just about reaching the globe. It’s about connecting people to each other, too. Will this momentum build a foundation for lasting prosperity, or will it end up as another missed opportunity? That’s the question.
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Here is the source article for this story: Fiber optics: despite its connection to 77 submarine cables, Africa remains underconnected