The 45,000 kilometre-long 2Africa submarine cable would be one of the world’s largest subsea cable projects and will connect Europe, Asia and Africa.
In a groundbreaking move, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has enthusiastically backed Meta’s ambitious plan to land the 2Africa submarine cable in Nigeria. The 45,000-kilometer-long cable project, set to become one of the world’s largest, aims to connect Europe, Asia, and Africa, fostering enhanced connectivity and economic growth.
Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of NCC, expressed the commission’s commitment to supporting law-abiding investors like Meta, emphasizing the importance of adhering to regulations for a thriving digital economy. During a visit to the NCC headquarters in Abuja, a Meta delegation, led by Kojo Boakye, the company’s Vice President for Africa, the Middle-East, and Turkey, discussed the progress of the initiative.
Maida highlighted the significance of compliance with industry laws, regulations, and guidelines, emphasizing the commission’s dedication to creating a level playing field for all stakeholders. The cooperative efforts between NCC and Meta are aimed at ensuring sustained healthy competition and facilitating the growth of the Nigerian telecoms sector.
Boakye detailed the 2Africa submarine cable, set to go live in 2023, with an impressive design capacity of up to 180 terabytes per second (Tbps). This cable project is expected to deliver much-needed internet capacity and reliability across Africa, addressing the growing demand for connectivity in the Middle East. Meta’s consortium plans to simultaneously land the 2Africa cable in Lagos and Akwa-Ibom states, providing enhanced and affordable access to both connected and previously unconnected populations.
The Meta delegation sought NCC’s support in navigating legal and regulatory challenges, acknowledging the vital role the commission plays in complementing existing backbone infrastructure in Nigeria. The strategic partnership between NCC and Meta marks a significant step towards achieving broader connectivity goals, contributing to the growth of 4G, 5G, and fixed broadband access for billions of people, particularly in Nigeria.
As the 2Africa cable project unfolds, it promises not only to transform the digital landscape but also to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global connectivity arena. This collaboration exemplifies the power of cooperative ventures in shaping the future of telecommunications and digital connectivity on a global scale.
