45 000 kilometres of opportunity: the 2Africa cable revolution
When the first subsea cable connected Cornwall to Malta in 1870, Cable and Wireless – now part of our Vodafone family – had no idea they were laying the foundation for what would become the world’s most ambitious connectivity project. Today, that pioneering spirit lives on in 2Africa, a 45 000-kilometer subsea cable that’s transforming lives and economies across the globe.
A cable system like no other
The 2Africa project is the largest subsea cable system ever built, and Vodacom is at its heart. When complete, this fibre-optic cable will stretch 45 000 kilometres around the African continent, connecting 33 countries across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
With a design capacity of up to 180 terabits per second (Tbps), 2Africa delivers more bandwidth than all existing cables serving Africa combined. It has the potential to fundamentally change what’s possible for businesses, families and communities across our continent.
The cable went live in 2023, and the results are already reshaping Africa’s digital landscape. From Cape Town to Cairo, from Lagos to Luanda, millions of people now have access to faster, more reliable, and more affordable internet connectivity.
The tech behind the magic
Every 2Africa connection is powered by cutting-edge technology. The system uses next-generation SDM1 technology, supporting up to 16 fibre pairs for maximum capacity. Advanced optical switching ensures bandwidth is used efficiently, while enhanced routing avoids subsea hazards and uses deeper burial techniques to protect this critical infrastructure.
Our teams engineered a solution that addresses the unique challenges of connecting Africa to the world. Using modern sonar mapping and sophisticated installation techniques, the 2Africa consortium has created a network that’s both powerful and resilient.
Our leadership role
Vodafone manages 11 critical landing sites for 2Africa – more than any other consortium member. From the United Kingdom to South Africa to Portugal, the Vodafone teams are responsible for ensuring this vital infrastructure operates flawlessly, 24/7. Every landing site represents a gateway to opportunity, a bridge between local communities and the global digital economy.
Massive economic boost
The numbers tell an incredible story. According to RTI International, an independent nonprofit research institute, 2Africa could boost Africa’s gross domestic product by up to 0.58% – or an estimated $36.9 billion – within just two to three years of operation.
But as Kobus Stoeder, our Executive for International Connectivity and Services, explains, the real impact goes far deeper. Projects like this reduce the cost of connectivity, which benefits businesses and consumers alike, he says. “SMEs rely heavily on being able to connect to the internet and access certain tools and functionalities.”
“By bringing content, services and applications closer to users – in this case small businesses – the 2Africa project opens up exciting opportunities for these SMEs to expand their reach and connect with their customers in new ways. There is a direct correlation between connectivity and internet access and the economy. Some predict that the positive economic impact of 2Africa will be around US$50 billion.”
Transforming lives across the continent
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, about 77% of the population still lacks internet access, Kobus says. For small and medium enterprises in regions like this, reliable connectivity is the difference between thriving and merely surviving in the digital economy.
2Africa is designed to change that equation. By dramatically reducing the cost of international connectivity, the project enables internet service providers to offer more affordable packages to businesses and consumers. It’s about democratising access to the tools, services and opportunities that define the modern economy.
Looking ahead to the next chapter
The 2Africa cable is a testament to what’s possible when we think beyond traditional boundaries. As demand for bandwidth continues to explode with 4G, 5G, cloud computing and emerging digital applications, this network provides the foundation for Africa’s digital transformation.
Carrier-neutral data centres and open-access landing stations ensure that the benefits of 2Africa reach as many people as possible.
From Victorian vision to African reality
From those first telegraph cables in the Victorian era to today’s fibre-optic marvels, Vodacom continues the legacy of connecting the unconnected. The 2Africa project proves that when we combine cutting-edge technology with unwavering commitment to our communities, we are connecting for a better future.
As 2Africa continues to transform connectivity across the continent, one thing is clear: the future of Africa’s digital economy is flowing through cables beneath the waves, powered by the vision and expertise of teams right here at Vodacom. By connecting Africa to the rest of the globe, we’re helping the world discover our continent’s incredible potential.
