Google aims to improve internet connectivity across Africa with Umoja. The project aligns well with the tech giant’s long-term commitment to supporting the continent’s digital development.

May 28, 2024

Tech major Google is planning to extend its reach to Africa by constructing Umoja cable route, the first-ever fiber optic connection between Africa and Australia. This project aimed at strengthening the company’s footprint on the continent and improving internet connectivity across the region.

The tech major, anchored in Kenya, said the Umoja cable route will transverse Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa, including the Google Cloud region, before crossing the Indian Ocean into Australia.

The strategic path had been developed in collaboration with Liquid Intelligent Technologies and included access points for other African nations, fostering improved regional and global internet connectivity.

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Mr. Brian Quigley, Google Cloud’s VP for global network infrastructure, recently said in a social media post that Umoja will significantly improve internet connectivity between African countries and the rest of the world.

He emphasized the importance of a geographically diverse network, especially for a region prone to internet disruptions, stating that establishing a new route distinct from existing connectivity routes was critical to maintaining a resilient network for a region that has historically experienced high-impact outages.

As per a statement recently issued by Google, Umoja is the Swahili word for unity. Umoja joins Google’s existing subsea project, Equiano, as part of its Africa Connect project. Equiano is a subsea cable route that travels along the West Coast of Africa.

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Google expressed gratitude for the collaboration from leaders across Africa and Australia to deliver ‘Africa Connect’ to people, businesses and governments in Africa and around the world.

The project aligns well with the tech giant’s broader commitment to enhance global connectivity infrastructure. It recognized the immense potential of emerging markets, with Africa alone predicted to see 300 million new internet users in the next five years. Taking in view Google’s ongoing investments in Africa, Umoja demonstrates the tech major’s strategic focus on fostering digital development and expanding its presence in this high-growth region.