In 2023, the Equiano cable went live, marking a significant step forward in digital connectivity between Africa and Europe. Utilising the latest subsea fibre-optic technology, this cable forms a crucial part of the global internet infrastructure, facilitating high-speed intercontinental data transfers and seamless connectivity.
It’s named after Olaudah Equiano – a prominent enslaved African writer who played a key role in the abolitionist movement. Spanning an impressive 15 000 kilometres from Portugal to South Africa, with branching units to other African countries, the Equiano cable has substantially increased internet capacity and improved reliability for users.
It’s expected to provide South African businesses with access to fibre internet with impressive latency speeds of around 110 milliseconds between South Africa and Europe and up to 20 times more network capacity.
A new generation of fibre optics for Africa
The Equiano cable ushers in a new era of subsea fibre optics with its impressive size, being seven times larger than other cables connecting Europe and South Africa. With its 12 fibre pairs, it boasts a capacity of 144 terabytes per second (Tbps), making it the most technologically advanced subsea cable system to date.
Its implementation has significantly increased internet capacity in the region, delivering faster response times and a better user experience through low-latency internet. The significance of low-latency internet cannot be overstated, as it provides real-time communication and improves overall user experience.
It is particularly crucial for businesses that rely on video conferencing or live streaming and industries such as finance and trading, where even the slightest delay can lead to substantial financial losses.
Socio-economic impact of Equiano
Equiano’s implementation is expected to bring about a range of positive changes to the region, particularly in boosting investment and trade opportunities. Internet connectivity plays a crucial role in attracting investors, as foreign direct investment (FDI) often entails establishing operations in new regions, requiring reliable and high-speed internet connectivity to facilitate communication with global teams, access data and connect with customers or suppliers.
Fibre optic seamless connectivity enables companies to leverage digital technologies such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI), resulting in a significant improvement in productivity and competitiveness. As South Africa continues to develop its internet infrastructure, it is more likely to attract FDI and support economic growth.
Equiano is expected to have a significant positive impact on the socio-economic landscape, both at the macro and micro level. It provides the essential infrastructure required to realise the vision of Society 5.0, which entails a highly interconnected and technologically advanced society. The concept of Society 5.0 relies on cutting-edge digital technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics and AI to create more efficient and sustainable systems across multiple industries such as healthcare, transportation and energy.
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