Establishing a Multi-Terabit Terrestrial Fiber Optic Link through Africa to Europe and Asia
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – December 3, 2024 – Ethio telecom, Djibouti Telecom, and Sudatel Telecom Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today for the Horizon Fiber Initiative, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing digital connectivity across Africa and establishing seamless communication links from the Horn of Africa to Europe and Asia.
This strategic partnership marks a transformative step in reshaping both international and regional digital infrastructure, focusing on the development of a Multi-Terabit, redundant terrestrial fiber optic link that will facilitate faster, more reliable, and robust connectivity, contributing to Africa’s digital transformation.
Advancing Connectivity Across Borders
The Horizon Fiber Initiative has been in discussion since June 2024, when a technical team was established with representatives from all three operators. This team has since conducted a thorough feasibility study, analyzed current challenges and formulated actionable recommendations for the project’s advancement. With an accelerated timeline, the partners aim to finalize the contract by the end of January 2024 and commence services by April 2025.
This initiative leverages the combined infrastructure and technical expertise of Ethio telecom, Djibouti Telecom, and Sudatel Telecom Group to create an efficient and seamless network for data transmission. The enhanced connectivity will provide businesses and individuals with better communication capabilities, reduced latency, and increased access to high-speed services.
Key Highlights of the Partnership
• Route Diversification: Introduces a reliable, competitive cable system alternative to existing pathways, enhancing redundancy and network resilience.
• Low Latency: Provides a direct and efficient route for data transmission, improving the user experience for hyperscalers, content providers, and end-users.
• Economic Growth: Drives economic development by fostering digital transformation, supporting local industries, and enabling more efficient international trade.
• Market Expansion: Offers new connectivity options for hyperscalers, content providers, and wholesalers, facilitating growth across Europe, Asia, and beyond.
• Competitive Advantage: Leverages the combined infrastructure and expertise of the partners to provide users with superior service offerings and enhanced market positioning, enabling differentiation in a competitive landscape.
A Solution to Submarine Cable Limitations
The Horizon Fiber Cable Initiative offers a transformative solution to the persistent challenges posed by submarine fiber cables in the Red Sea. These cables are frequently disrupted by issues such as anchoring incidents, degradation, potential sabotage, natural disaster and conflicts, all of which result in significant service interruptions and costly repairs.
The unique geographical complexities of the Red Sea further amplify these challenges, making submarine cable maintenance both technically demanding and financially burdensome.
The Horizon Fiber Initiative, however, reimagines connectivity by establishing a terrestrial fiber network spanning Djibouti, Sudan, and Ethiopia. This terrestrial line presents several key advantages:
• Cost Efficiency: Terrestrial fiber networks are substantially less expensive to deploy compared to submarine cables.
• Ease of Maintenance: The accessibility of terrestrial fiber lines ensures faster and more efficient repairs, minimizing downtime and associated costs.
• Resilience: By mitigating reliance on submarine cables, the initiative enhances the region’s connectivity with a more robust and less vulnerable infrastructure.
• Regional Collaboration: The initiative fosters cooperation among participating nations, combining resources and expertise to create a reliable and sustainable infrastructure.
By addressing the limitations of submarine infrastructure, the Horizon Fiber Cable Initiative not only improves connectivity within the region but also strengthens the digital transformation efforts of Africa, making it a critical step toward seamless global integration.
Transforming Regional and Global Networks
The Horizon Fiber Initiative will revolutionize international connectivity by delivering a high-capacity, low-latency network that bridges Africa with major global markets. This project will redefine the region’s role in the digital economy, addressing the growing demands of hyperscalers and content providers while encouraging regional collaboration and innovation.
This collaboration underscores the commitment of Ethio telecom, Djibouti Telecom, and Sudatel Telecom Group to advancing technological innovation and delivering superior services. The fiber optic link is expected to enhance network resilience, promote economic growth, and empower businesses and communities across the region.
Statements from the Partners
• Ethio Telecom: “The Horizon Fiber Initiative is a transformative project aligned with Africa’s Digital Transformation Strategy 2030. It will play a pivotal role in advancing the continent’s economic development and regional collaboration. By providing a high-capacity, low-latency route connecting Africa to major global markets, this initiative strengthens Ethiopia’s digital transformation journey and lays the foundation for a more integrated and digitally empowered Africa.”
• Djibouti Telecom: This project is a significant milestone in our efforts to improve digital connectivity and regional integration,” said Mohamed Assoweh Bouh,Director,General of Djibouti Telecom. “The Project is a testament to our commitment to collaboration, innovation, and providing exceptional connectivity solutions for our customers and communities.”
• Sudatel Telecom Group: “Sudan’s strategic location in the heart of Africa supports Sudatel’s vision of becoming a regional leader in connectivity. With its extensive fiber infrastructure in East, Middle, and West Africa, combined with its unique access to the Red Sea and submarine cables through Port Sudan’s Cable Landing Station, Sudatel is uniquely positioned to drive regional integration and connect Africa to the world”
Towards a Digitally Inclusive Future
This partnership exemplifies the unwavering commitment of these three telecom operators to bridging the digital divide and accelerating Africa’s digital transformation. Through high-speed, secure, and scalable connectivity, the Horizon Fiber Initiative positions Africa as a key player in the global digital ecosystem.
Empowering Africa: Seamless, Borderless Fiber Connectivity!
Ethio telecom
December 3, 2024