China-Africa Optical Cable Deployment

The 2Africa submarine cable, led in part by China Mobile International, is the world's longest optical cable system connecting Africa, Europe, and Asia, significantly enhancing digital connectivity across 33 countries.

Overview of the 2Africa Project

The 2Africa project is a transcontinental submarine optical cable initiative spanning 45,000 kilometers and connecting 46 landing sites across 33 countries in Africa, Europe, and Asia . It is designed to provide high-speed, stable internet connectivity to over 3 billion people, making it a cornerstone of Africa's digital infrastructure . China Mobile International (CMI) is a key partner, investing in one pair of optical fibers covering 28 landing sites across 23 African countries, strengthening network links between Africa, Europe, and Asia .

Technical Features

• Capacity: The system supports up to 180 terabits per second (Tbps) on key segments, with 16 fiber pairs in some areas .
• Technology: 2Africa uses Space Division Multiplexing (SDM) and Wavelength Selective Switching (WSS-ROADM), enabling flexible bandwidth management and scalable network operations .
• Design Innovations: The cable incorporates aluminum conductors, increased burial depth for protection, and routing to avoid subsea disturbances, ensuring high reliability .
• Open System Design: Each investor can independently manage their segment, including the location of Submarine Line Terminating Equipment (SLTE) and landing connections .

Consortium and Partnerships

The 2Africa consortium includes China Mobile International, Meta (Facebook), Vodafone, Orange, Center3 (STC), Bayobab (MTN), Telecom Egypt, and WIOCC . This collaboration allows multiple service providers to leverage the infrastructure, promoting competition and innovation across the region.

Economic and Social Impact

• Digital Inclusion: The project enhances internet access in underdeveloped regions, bridging the digital divide and supporting sectors like education, healthcare, and finance .
• Economic Growth: Improved connectivity stimulates local economies, creates jobs, and fosters the growth of digital industries .
• Global Digitalization: For China Mobile, participation demonstrates international competitiveness and contributes to global digital infrastructure development .

Deployment and Milestones

• The core 2Africa system has been completed, connecting East and West Africa and linking Africa to the Middle East, South Asia, and Europe .
• The Pearls extension, scheduled for 2026, will further expand connectivity to additional African countries and islands, including the Seychelles, Comoros, Angola, and southeast Nigeria .
• Deployment involved coordination across 50 jurisdictions over nearly six years, highlighting the complexity of international submarine cable projects .

Strategic Significance

The 2Africa cable is a strategic infrastructure project that positions Africa for future digital growth, supports AI adoption, and enables high-capacity, low-latency connections between continents. China's involvement through CMI underscores its role in global telecommunications and its commitment to expanding digital connectivity in Africa . In summary, the China-Africa optical cable deployment via 2Africa represents a transformative step in global digital infrastructure, combining advanced technology, multinational collaboration, and significant socio-economic benefits for Africa and beyond.