Set to be completed in 2024, the 2Africa project will connect 33 countries, delivering reliable connectivity and internet services across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Center3 and Meta have announced the landing of the 2Africa subsea cable at two of the planned four landing locations in Jeddah, and Yanbu, as part of the 2Africa subsea cable consortium.
2Africa span over 45,000km in length and is the longest subsea cable deployed to date. Along its entire route, it will connect 33 countries once completed in 2024, delivering connectivity and internet services across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
The underwater cable is scheduled to reach Duba later this year and Alkhobar in 2024.
The 2Africa subsea cable is extended into the Arabian Gulf region through 2Africa Pearls cable extensions, adding landings in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq, Oman, the UAE, Pakistan, and India, along with the East Coast of Saudi Arabia.
The 2Africa subsea cable will promote a surge in information exchange and digital business development, helping growth foster the next growth stage in many of the economies it connects. The 2Africa Subsea Cable will translate into economic growth for the surrounding population and act as a catalyst for change in the broadband market, benefiting individuals and businesses.
Fahad A. Alhajeri, CEO of centre3, said: 2Africas first landing in Saudi Arabia is a major milestone for center3, representing a significant step forward in our objective to make Saudi Arabia the regional hub connecting the three continents: Asia, Africa, and Europe. center3 will continue to invest in connectivity infrastructure providing world-class connectivity to our customers and contributing towards achieving the Kingdoms 2030 Vision.
Fares Akkad, Regional Director, Middle East and North Africa, Meta, added: Our significant investment in 2Africa builds on several others we have made in Saudi Arabia. The Covid-19 crisis demonstrated how millions rely on internet access to do basic day-to-day tasks and connect with loved ones. Investing in subsea cables provides a better experience for people using our products and not benefits many other industries, including healthcare, education, and social services.
The 2Africa consortium comprises center3, a recently formed subsidiary of STC, Meta, China Mobile International, MTN Global Connect, Orange, Telecom Egypt, Vodafone and WIOCC.
