Via Africa Submarine Cable Project to Link Europe and Africa
A consortium including Orange Group and regional telecoms has launched the Via Africa subsea cable project, aiming to enhance Europe-Africa connectivity and digital resilience. The initiative, announced May 13, 2026, seeks to diversify infrastructure and address growing data demands across the continent.
The Consortium and Its Vision
The Via Africa project is spearheaded by a coalition of telecom giants and regional operators, including Orange Group, Sonatel, and Canalink. This collaborative model emphasizes shared investment and governance, ensuring alignment with Africa’s evolving digital needs. By creating an alternative subsea route, the consortium aims to mitigate risks associated with existing infrastructure, such as the SAT-3/WASC cable, which has faced congestion and vulnerability to undersea disruptions.
“This project represents a pivotal step toward securing Africa’s digital future,” said a statement from Orange Group. “By fostering regional partnerships, we can build a resilient network that supports economic growth and innovation.”
Geographic Reach and Strategic Importance
The cable will span from the UK and Portugal to South Africa, with critical landing points in the Canary Islands, Mauritania, Senegal, and Nigeria. These locations position the project to serve both North and West Africa, regions where internet penetration remains below 50% in some areas. The initiative also plans to extend further south, potentially linking with existing networks in Kenya and South Africa to create a contiguous digital corridor.
The strategic placement of landing stations addresses longstanding gaps in Africa’s digital infrastructure. For instance, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire, which have seen rapid economic growth, currently rely on indirect routes that increase latency and costs. By direct connectivity, Via Africa could reduce these barriers, enabling smoother e-commerce, remote work, and access to global markets.
Next Steps and Challenges
Phase one focuses on route optimization and supplier selection. Consortium members will jointly fund a technical study to balance cost, feasibility, and environmental impact. This phase is critical, as subsea cable projects often face delays due to regulatory hurdles and geopolitical tensions. For example, the 2023 Mediterranean cable dispute between Egypt and Greece highlights the complexities of cross-border infrastructure.
Legal and environmental compliance will also be pivotal. The project must navigate local regulations in multiple jurisdictions, including France’s strict data sovereignty laws and Nigeria’s ongoing debates over foreign investment in critical infrastructure. Specialized legal firms are expected to play a key role in navigating these challenges.
Regional Economic Impacts
The project’s success could catalyze digital transformation across Africa. Improved connectivity