Meta Unveils Major Subsea Cable Project to Boost Africa’s Digital Economy

Global technology company Meta has announced a major new subsea cable initiative aimed at significantly expanding digital connectivity across Africa and beyond, marking a key milestone in the continent’s growing digital infrastructure.

The announcement was made at the South Africa Investment Conference in South Africa, where Kojo Boakye, Vice President for Public Policy across Africa, the Middle East, and Türkiye, joined President Cyril Ramaphosa and other public and private sector leaders.

Expanding Global Connectivity

The project, known as Project Waterworth, is set to span more than 50,000 kilometres across five continents, making it one of the most ambitious subsea cable systems ever undertaken. The infrastructure will land at three points in South Africa, including locations in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.

Industry experts say the project is expected to significantly enhance internet capacity and reliability, strengthening South Africa’s position as a key digital gateway for the African continent.

Building on Existing Infrastructure

Project Waterworth builds on the earlier 2Africa subsea cable initiative, which already stretches approximately 45,000 kilometres. Combined, the two systems are projected to deliver up to 15 times more capacity than older legacy networks.

This expansion is expected to improve access to high-speed internet, support growing data demands, and enable the development of emerging technologies across the region.

Economic Impact and Growth Potential

According to projections shared at the conference, the broader subsea cable investments could contribute an estimated $150 billion to Sub-Saharan Africa’s economy by 2035.

Analysts note that improved connectivity plays a critical role in unlocking digital economies, enabling innovation, and supporting sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence.

Government Collaboration and Policy Alignment

Discussions between Meta executives and South African leadership also focused on regulatory and policy frameworks supporting digital growth. Key topics included artificial intelligence governance, data protection, and ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s investment climate.

Observers say initiatives such as South Africa’s digital economy strategies and planned AI policy frameworks are helping to attract large-scale technology investments.

Beyond Infrastructure: Skills and Innovation

Meta highlighted its broader commitment to South Africa, noting that since 2017, it has trained over 430,000 individuals in digital skills and supported more than 54,000 entrepreneurs.

The company has also backed local AI startups, including Foondamate and eFama, through its accelerator programs, aimed at fostering innovation within the local ecosystem.

Positioning South Africa as a Digital Hub

Stakeholders at the conference emphasized that investments in connectivity, skills development, and innovation are interconnected elements necessary for building a sustainable digital economy.

With continued collaboration between government and private sector players, South Africa is increasingly being positioned as a leading hub for connectivity, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation in Africa.

As infrastructure projects like Project Waterworth move forward, industry leaders say the focus will remain on long-term impact—ensuring that expanded connectivity translates into inclusive economic growth and technological advancement across the continent.