In a bid to enhance internet connectivity across Africa, tech giant Google has unveiled plans to construct a new fiber optic cable named Umoja, aiming to link the continent to Australia. The announcement of this ambitious project was made through Google’s official blog on Thursday.
The Umoja cable route will commence in Kenya and traverse several African countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, before crossing the Indian Ocean to reach Australia. This initiative is poised to be the first-ever fiber optic route directly connecting Africa with Australia, Google revealed.
Collaborating with Liquid Technologies, Google has developed Umoja’s terrestrial pathway, ensuring a highly scalable route through Africa. This infrastructure includes access points designed to enable other nations to leverage the network for improved connectivity.
Partnerships with leaders from Africa and Australia have been pivotal in making the Umoja project a reality, Google emphasized. The company’s objective with this endeavor is to connect African communities, businesses, and governments, fostering economic growth and digital inclusion across the continent.
Meg Whitman, the U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, underscored the importance of advanced technology and robust digital infrastructure in driving economic opportunities. William S. Ruto, the President of Kenya, hailed Google’s investment in digital connectivity, emphasizing its historic significance for Kenya, Africa, and Australia’s digital landscape.
Australian Minister for Communications, Hon Michelle Rowland MP, commended Google’s initiative for diversifying connectivity and supporting global digital inclusion.
Umoja, which translates to “unity” in Swahili, joins Equiano in the Africa Connect initiative, aimed at facilitating enhanced connectivity among African nations and the rest of the world. Equiano, named after Nigerian writer and abolitionist Olaudah Equiano, landed in Nigeria in April 2022 as part of this initiative.
Google’s commitment to Africa includes the Equiano cable and a $1 billion pledge over five years to support various initiatives, from connectivity improvements to investments in startups, aimed at driving Africa’s digital transformation. The company has already invested over $900 million in the region and is on track to fulfill its commitment by 2026.
