In an effort to increase Internet connectivity across the continent, tech giant Google has revealed plans to construct a new fiber optic line named Umoja cable that will connect Africa to Australia.
The project was revealed by the corporation on Thursday through its blog. According to Google, the Umoja cable route, which is anchored in Kenya,
will travel via South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, and South Africa,
Encompassing the region of Google Cloud, prior to traversing the Indian Ocean to reach Australia.
The business claims that Umoja will be the first fiber optic line to ever directly link Australia and Africa.
Google revealed that Liquid Technologies and Umoja worked together to create the terrestrial road, which forms a highly scalable way through Africa,
Including the entry points that will let other nations utilize the network.
Collaboration with Australian and African leaders
Google added that the project intends to connect African people, businesses, and governments and that it is made possible by relationships with leaders in Australia and Africa.
Meg Whitman, the US ambassador to Kenya, commented on the idea, saying,
A robust and dependable digital infrastructure that facilitates access to cutting-edge technology is essential for expanding economic opportunities.
Kenya’s digital transformation journey is at a turning point, and the benefits of today’s announcement will be felt throughout the region.
President William S. Ruto of the Republic of Kenya, for his part, expressed his happiness over Google’s commitment in digital connection, citing it as a historic first.
for Australia, Africa, and Kenya. The new intercontinental fiber optic route, in his opinion, will greatly improve the nation’s regional and international digital infrastructure.
‘This project is essential to maintaining the redundancy and robustness of our region’s global connectivity, particularly in view of the recent disruptions brought on by cutbacks to sub-sea cables.
In addition to increasing dependability, we are opening the door for greater digital inclusion, creativity,
And business and employment prospects for our people and businesses by fortifying our digital backbone, the speaker stated.
The Australian Minister for Communications, Hon. Michelle Rowland MP, also offered her thoughts on the proposal.
That is precisely what Google’s Umoja cable will assist with; expanding digital inclusion worldwide and boosting Australia’s connectivity are two very significant goals.
Item. Australia congratulates everyone involved in carrying out this vital project and welcomes Google’s commitment.
Additional details
Equiano and Umoja, which means togetherness in Swahili, are partners in an effort called Africa Connect.
Google claims that the project will make it possible for African nations to communicate with the rest of the globe and with each other more dependably.
In April 2022, Google landed the Equiano cable in Nigeria as part of the Africa Connect effort.
The cable represents one of the primary of several landings for the underwater cable in Africa.
The cable extends from Portugal to South Africa in conjunction the west coast of Africa. It is named for the Nigerian writer and abolitionist Olaudah Equiano.
Google declared in 2021 that it will invest $1 billion over the course of five years in Africa in order to support a variety of initiatives to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation,
such as investments in entrepreneurs and better connections.
The business stated that it has since invested over $900 million in the area and that it plans to finish up its involvement by 2026.
