Google revealed its commitment to bolstering digital infrastructure and security endeavors, enhancing digital connectivity, fostering economic progress, and fortifying African resilience.
As part of this initiative, Google introduced Umoja, the inaugural fiber optic route connecting Africa directly to Australia, to extend and enhance digital access and reliability across the continent.
Today, Google announced new investments in digital infrastructure and security initiatives designed to increase digital connectivity, accelerate economic growth, and deepen resilience across Africa. (Photo: Google)
Google's Umoja Project: Bridging Continents
Google has unveiled plans to lay down a fiber optic cable stretching from Kenya to Australia. Along its path, the Umoja project will establish access points in multiple African nations. This initiative involves the construction of a fiber optic cable linking Africa and Australia.
Named after the Swahili word for "unity," the cable will originate in Kenya, traversing through Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, with access points for these countries, before crossing the Indian Ocean to reach Australia.
This aims to enhance digital connectivity, spur economic development, and strengthen resilience throughout Africa.
Alongside the installation of the cable, Google pledges collaboration with the Kenyan government to enhance cybersecurity measures, promote data-driven innovation, facilitate digital skills training, and ensure the responsible and safe implementation of AI technologies.
Umoja will serve as a complementary addition to Equiano, the tech giant's existing private undersea cable. Equiano currently links Portugal and South Africa, with planned stops in several other nations along the way.
The Umoja project aims to extend connectivity from Kenya to Australia, passing through multiple African countries en route.
This expansion is part of Google's broader strategy to enhance digital connectivity, foster economic growth, and bolster resilience across the African continent.
Receiving Support from the Government
Through collaborative efforts with the Kenyan government, Google intends to address various aspects of digital infrastructure, including cybersecurity, data-driven innovation, digital skills development, and the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence.
Kenyan President William Ruto expressed his support for the initiative in a Google blog post, highlighting its significance in bolstering both global and regional digital infrastructure.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring redundancy and resilience in the region's connectivity, particularly in light of recent disruptions caused by sub-sea cable cuts.
He noted that strengthening the digital backbone enhances reliability and fosters greater digital inclusion, innovation, and economic prospects for individuals and businesses.
Meg Whitman, the U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, emphasized the critical role of advanced technology and resilient digital infrastructure in fostering economic opportunities. She underscored the momentous nature of Kenya's digital evolution and noted the anticipated widespread benefits across the region.
The Australian Minister for Communications, Hon Michelle Rowland MP, highlighted the significance of diversifying Australia's connectivity and promoting digital inclusion worldwide.
She commended Google's Umoja cable project, recognizing it as a crucial step toward achieving these objectives.
