Africa’s highest capacity undersea internet cable reaches South Africa

3min read
7 October 2022 | 09:45 am CAT

Africa’s highest capacity sub-sea internet cable, Equiano, has reached its destination in the ports of South Africa.

According to a statement by Google, this project will have a significant economic impact on the country and will help to drive digital transformation across the continent.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, Google’s Siya Madikane says the project will help create jobs while improving internet speed.

“In South Africa, we anticipate that this will indirectly contribute to the creation of 180 000 jobs and increase EDP by up to $7 billion in the year 2025 – so we do anticipate that it will have quite a huge impact in terms of our lives and also includes that it will increase the speed of the internet by up to 20 times,” says Madikane.

Equino halting from Portugal has so far reached Nigeria, Namibia and Togo and finally reached South Africa in September.

Built by Google, the cable, in partnership with Openserve, Africa’s largest wholesale infrastructure provider, will be taken inland.

“We have the cable right up until Cape Town, Muberstrand, and then from there, our partner, Openserve, will then connect through the cable and bring it inland so then it will then be open to their customers whether it be corporate or a private customer,” he says.

Google says this project will see consumers pay less for data and increase internet speed.

Listen to the full interview here with a Google representative:

eThekwini Water Crisis Deepens: ERPM Calls for Mass Protest on March 1

Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za 22 February 2025 | 19:00 CAT 3 min read eThekwini Municipality is facing mounting pressure from residents as the water crisis continues to worsen, with some communities going weeks without access to clean water. In response, the...

Competition Commission SA secures R100 million public interest commitment in Price-Fixing settlement

Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za 21 February 2025 | 14:30 CAT 3 min read After nearly a decade of legal battles, the Competition Commission has reached a settlement agreement with DH Brothers Industries (Pty) Ltd, trading as the Willowton Group, over allegations of...

Political Turmoil Deepens as South Africa’s Budget Crisis Unfolds

Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za 3-minute read 21 February 2025 | 14:14 CAT In a move unprecedented in South Africa’s democratic history, the government announced the postponement of the national budget speech, initially scheduled for this week. This marks the...

The ASRI Report

21 February 2025 | 12:32 CAT 3-minute read Unprecedented budget delay raises concerns over government spending The South African government’s unexpected decision to postpone its budget announcement at the last minute has sparked widespread concern over fiscal...

SA Healthcare Sector Faces Funding Crisis Amid US Aid Cuts

Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za 3-minute read 21 February 2025 | 11:51 CAT South Africa’s healthcare sector is grappling with a funding crisis following the withdrawal of U.S. aid, sparking urgent calls for reform in how the country manages and allocates health...

Urgent Research needed on Ebola and Breastfeeding to protect Mothers and Babies, Experts warn

Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za 21 February 2025 | 09:00 CAT 5 min read Breastfeeding is a crucial part of infant health, providing essential antibodies and nutrients. However, during an Ebola outbreak, the lack of research leaves mothers and healthcare providers...