In a ground-breaking move, tech giant Google has announced plans to construct a new subsea cable called Umoja, which will directly connect Africa and Australia for the first time.
Anchored in Kenya, the Umoja cable will traverse several African nations, including Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, before reaching across the Indian Ocean to Australia. This landmark project is poised to significantly enhance digital connectivity and economic integration between the two continents.
Umoja, the Swahili word for “unity,” is part of Google’s broader Africa Connect initiative, which also includes the Equiano subsea cable project. The new cable will provide a highly scalable network path with multiple access points to facilitate wider regional connectivity throughout Africa.
According to Google, the infrastructure was designed to deliver reliable and expansive digital services, addressing the chronic issue of network outages that have historically plagued the region. The project was made possible through partnerships with leaders across Africa and Australia.
“Access to the latest technology, supported by reliable and resilient digital infrastructure, is critical to growing economic opportunity,” said Meg Whitman, the U.S. Ambassador to Kenya. “This is a meaningful moment for Kenya’s digital transformation journey, and the benefits will cascade across the region.”
In addition to the cable announcement, Google will sign a Statement of Collaboration with Kenya’s Ministry of Information Communications and The Digital Economy. This agreement aims to accelerate joint efforts in cybersecurity, growing data-driven innovation, digital upskilling, and the responsible deployment of AI for societal benefits.
Kenyan President Dr. William Ruto praised Google’s investment, calling it a historic achievement that will greatly improve the country’s global and regional digital infrastructure. “By strengthening our digital backbone, we are not only improving reliability but also paving the way for increased digital inclusion, innovation, and economic opportunities for our people and businesses,” Ruto said.
The Australian Minister for Communications, Hon Michelle Rowland MP, also welcomed Google’s Umoja cable, stating that it will help diversify Australia’s connectivity and support digital inclusion across the globe.
