Meta, MTN, Orange complete 2Africa subsea cable

Meta said on Wednesday that it has finished building the core section of 2Africa, the world’s longest open-access subsea cable system, connecting Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Europe in a single network designed to significantly expand global internet capacity.

The project, which began in May 2020, is designed to improve connectivity for roughly three billion people and is the first cable to link East and West Africa in a single system. The 2Africa consortium includes global and regional telecom partners such as Bayobab (MTN Group), Orange, Center3, Telecom Egypt, Vodafone Group, and WIOCC.

“Completing the core 2Africa system is a milestone for open, reliable capacity spanning three continents. We built 2Africa to be open by design so more providers can connect, and people and businesses can get faster, more dependable service,” the Vice President, Network Investments at Meta, Alex-Handrah Aime, said in a statement.

Developed by this consortium, the system spans 33 countries. The cable is expected to increase subsea capacity in Africa, reduce latency, and provide more reliable and cost-effective internet access for both consumers and enterprises. It also lays the foundation for AI-driven services, cloud applications, and the expansion of broadband infrastructure across the continent.

2Africa lays the foundation for transformative new AI experiences, economic growth, and digital inclusion across the continent – with its completion serving as a testament to what can be achieved through visionary investment and robust collaboration. At the just-concluded launch event, Meta reaffirmed its commitment to investing in Africa’s digital future.

“Under the surface, it’s engineered for scale, reliability, and to power the next wave of cloud and AI experiences. Above the surface, it’s about everyday impact, from a student downloading a textbook in seconds to small businesses and entrepreneurs reaching new customers online. 2Africa lays the groundwork for inclusive growth today and the innovations we haven’t imagined yet,” VP Aime stated.

The 2Africa consortium, composed of both private and public sector leaders, exemplifies the power of collaboration in building the longest subsea cable system in the world. With the completion of 2Africa, millions of Africans will experience improved internet speeds, greater reliability, and expanded access to digital services. Enterprises will benefit from enhanced connectivity, driving innovation, economic growth, and global competitiveness.

The event brought together multiple stakeholders from across the continent, including the Minister of Post, Telecoms and Digital Economy of the DRC, Hon. Jose Mpanda Kabangu; telecommunications regulators from Tanzania, Côte d’Ivoire, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Mozambique, and Angola; as well as other senior officials, including those from Kenya and Nigeria.

“The completion of 2Africa is a monumental achievement not just for Meta, but for the entire continent. This project demonstrates what’s possible when vision, investment, and collaboration come together, unlocking new opportunities for millions of Africans, empowering businesses, and helping to accelerate economic growth.

At Meta, we are proud to be the architects of this transformative infrastructure and remain deeply committed to investing in Africa’s digital future, in partnership with the ecosystem,” the Vice President, Public Policy, Africa, Middle East & Türkiye at Meta, Kojo Boakye, said.

2Africa marks a defining moment for Africa’s digital future. By leading the design, funding, and deployment of the world’s longest open‑access subsea cable to date, Meta and its partners are laying the foundation for faster, more reliable internet, new digital jobs, and the next generation of online experiences.