Google has announced the launch of Umoja, a new fiber optic cable aimed at significantly improving digital connectivity across Africa. This initiative comes in response to recent fiber cuts that have disrupted internet services on the continent. The Umoja cable will connect Africa to Australia, enhancing the reach and reliability of internet connectivity for African nations.
Key Highlights
Route and Coverage:
- Anchorage: The cable is anchored in Kenya.
- Route: It will pass through Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa before crossing the Indian Ocean to Australia.
- Collaboration: The terrestrial path of Umoja was developed in collaboration with Liquid Technologies, ensuring a scalable and robust route through Africa with multiple access points for other countries.
Strategic Importance:
- Unity and Connectivity: Named after the Swahili word for unity, Umoja aims to connect African countries more reliably with each other and the rest of the world. It will join Google’s Equiano cable in the broader initiative called Africa Connect.
- Enhanced Resilience: By establishing a new, distinct route from existing connectivity lines, Umoja aims to create a more resilient network for a region prone to high-impact outages.
Cybersecurity and Digital Transformation
In addition to the infrastructure development, Google is enhancing its collaboration with Kenya on cybersecurity. A Statement of Collaboration will be signed with Kenya’s Ministry of Information Communications and The Digital Economy to:
- Accelerate Joint Efforts: Focus on cybersecurity, data-driven innovation, digital upskilling, and responsible AI deployment.
- Strengthen Cybersecurity: The Department of Immigration & Citizen Services will evaluate Google Cloud’s CyberShield solution and Mandiant expertise to bolster the security of its eCitizen platform.
The launch of Umoja represents a significant step towards a digitally connected Africa, promising to enhance economic development, education, and overall connectivity across the continent.
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