Less fibre for you

There is a race between mobile operators and a handful of specialised companies to claim the largest terrestrial fibre network in Africa. Already millions of kilometeres of fibre routes cross the Continent. However this hides dramatic variations between countries, where some got more, and many have much less.

Governments must prioritize the expansion of fibre optic infrastructure to ensure their nations remain competitive in the digital age. A significant disparity in fibre connectivity compared to neighbouring countries poses a serious threat to economic growth and technological advancement.

Although wireless technologies like 5G and satellite broadband offer connectivity solutions, fibre optics remain the cornerstone of robust digital infrastructure, particularly for data-intensive applications and large-scale operations. The physical properties of fibre ensure reliable, high-speed data transmission, making it indispensable for sectors such as data centres, enterprise resource planning (ERP), and corporate data processing.

Investing in fibre networks is crucial for attracting foreign investment, fostering innovation, and participating in the global digital economy. Unfortunately, many countries have faced challenges in deploying fibre infrastructure due to insufficient public funding, regulatory hurdles, and a lack of technical expertise.

Failure to invest in fibre connectivity can have long-term consequences, hindering economic development and limiting a nation's ability to compete on the global stage. To avoid falling behind, governments must adopt best practices and prioritise the expansion of fibre optic networks.