In a landmark development for Tanzania's digital infrastructure, Airtel Tanzania has activated the 2Africa Submarine Cable system, spanning an impressive 45,000 kilometers connecting 3 continents.

Managed by Airtel Tanzania, this state-of-the-art subsea cable positions Tanzania at the forefront of digital transformation, catering to the burgeoning demands of the country’s data-driven economy. It has begun to serve technology companies that obtain their capacities through the landing station.

The new cable has increased submarine cable protection for the country. The launch by Airtel Tanzania comes at the right time, especially with the recent multiple submarine cable cuts that affected parts of East Africa, including Tanzania. 

The activated cable has 10 times increase capacity and will help support the establishment of high-capacity data centres, essential for managing the surge in digital activities across the country. It is laid on both coasts of East and West Africa. 

The activation of the 2Africa cable brings unparalleled benefits to Tanzania’s digital landscape. It enhances the internet experience through local hosting and content transfer, ensuring superior 4G and 5G speeds for consumers. The cable connects Tanzania to 43 locations globally serving over 3 billion people and fostering crucial international connectivity for digital and fintech entrepreneurs.

President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan inaugurated the cable landing station at Dar Es Salaam Mbezi Beach suburbs, where she also launched Airtel Tanzania’s 5G network. She emphasized that the cable will transform Tanzania’s digital sector and economy. “Inaugurating the 2Africa Subsea Cable Station marks a significant milestone for our country’s digital future. This infrastructure will not only revolutionize communication services but also accelerate economic growth through enhanced connectivity,” President Hassan remarked.

The 2Africa cable station is pivotal in bridging the digital divide across Africa, aligning with Tanzania’s ambitions to advance e-commerce and digital governance. The cable station supports the Ministry of Information, Communication, and Information Technology’s initiatives, including plans for an artificial intelligence laboratory and robotic technologies.

The Managing Director of Airtel Tanzania, Dinesh Balsingh, highlighted that the licenses and regulatory framework enabled Airtel Tanzania to launch the cable landing station ahead of many other countries. Tanzania is now witnessing the lighting up of the cable with live traffic. “This cable has been introduced in Tanzania due to the visionary leadership of Her Excellency, Dr. Samia, and the Hon. Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Nape Nnauye. The 2Africa Submarine Cable positions Tanzania as a global digital gateway, fostering economic opportunities and technological advancements. This initiative will provide superior internet experience for consumers as content gets hosted and transferred locally, supporting Tanzania’s digital development goals,” he detailed.

On his part, the Director General at Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), Dr. Jabiri Bakari, said that the new cable is a game-changer in improving efficient internet connectivity. “Noting that the new cable supports bandwidth demands in Tanzania's fast-growing data economy, which doubles every two years. I am certain that this technology will stimulate a faster execution of our strategy to encourage the use of ICTs across all sectors and improve the digital economy that Tanzania is aspiring to achieve,” said Dr. Bakari.

During his address at the launch of the 2Africa Subsea Cable, Minister Nnauye said the cable will provide advanced international connectivity for digital and fintech entrepreneurs, and it will act as a platform created to host a more mature e-government and e-commerce ecosystem. “The 2Africa submarine cable will not only see improved communication services in our country, but it will also help Tanzania emerge as East Africa’s preferred gateway,” he emphasized.

According to projections by RTI International, the 2Africa Submarine Cable is expected to generate between USD 26.4 billion and USD 36.9 billion in economic benefits across Africa within the initial years of operation. This estimate reflects anticipated increases in broadband penetration and improvements in internet speed and quality, underscoring the cable’s role in enhancing regional connectivity and economic integration.

As Tanzania embraces its role as a digital hub, supported by the largest submarine cable project globally, Airtel Tanzania remains committed to leveraging the 2Africa Subsea Cable to empower Tanzanians with secure, high-speed connectivity. The initiative aligns with the government’s vision to harness technology for inclusive growth and global competitiveness.

The activation of the 2Africa Submarine Cable represents a pivotal step towards transforming Tanzania into a digital powerhouse, ensuring that the benefits of advanced connectivity reach all corners of the country, from bustling urban centers to remote rural communities.