Meta, in partnership with top global and regional telecommunications companies, has announced the successful completion and activation of the 2Africa subsea cable, one of the most ambitious digital infrastructure projects ever built.
The system, developed with Bayobab (MTN Group), Orange, center3, Telecom Egypt, Vodafone Group, and WIOCC, is expected to dramatically enhance internet access for more than 3 billion people, including Africa’s 1.4 billion residents, over the next decade.
Spanning three continents and 33 countries, the cable is now recognized as the world’s longest open-access subsea system. It is also the first to create a continuous loop between East and West Africa, connecting Africa to the Middle East, South Asia, and Europe. Meta says the cable delivers more capacity than all existing African subsea systems combined, ushering in an era of faster, more stable, and more affordable internet.
Laying the Groundwork for Cloud, Digital Services, and AI Innovation
Meta highlighted that the advanced infrastructure behind 2Africa will significantly improve network performance for individuals, enterprises, and public institutions. The system is designed to support the next generation of cloud computing, advanced digital services, and AI-powered applications, strengthening Africa’s position in the global digital economy.
“The completion of 2Africa is a monumental achievement, not just for Meta, but for the entire continent,” said Kojo Boakye, Meta’s Vice President for Public Policy in Africa, the Middle East, and Türkiye.
He added that the project showcases the transformative potential of collaboration, investment, and long-term vision, opening new opportunities for millions of Africans and enabling businesses to grow faster through improved digital infrastructure.
A Model of Global and Cross-Sector Collaboration
The 2Africa project brings together public and private sector stakeholders across multiple regions, demonstrating how multilateral partnerships can deliver infrastructure at unprecedented scale. With the core system now live, millions of Africans are expected to experience significantly faster internet, improved reliability, and greater access to online platforms.
The improved connectivity is also set to boost innovation, competitiveness, and cross-border digital trade for businesses across the continent.
Government officials and regulators from several African countries attended the launch event, including DRC Minister of Post, Telecoms and Digital Economy, Hon. Jose Mpanda Kabangu, as well as representatives from Tanzania, Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa, Mozambique, Angola, Kenya, and Nigeria.
“Completing the core 2Africa system is a major milestone in delivering open, reliable capacity across three continents,” said Alex-Handrah Aime, Meta’s Vice President of Network Investments.
He noted that the cable was intentionally built with an open-access model, enabling more service providers to connect and deliver faster, more dependable internet. The system is engineered for scale, long-term reliability, and the demands of the next wave of cloud and AI technologies.
