In a significant step towards enhancing digital connectivity in Africa, Google has announced Umoja, the first fibre optic route to directly connect Africa with Australia. Anchored in Kenya, this ground-breaking route will traverse Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, including the Google Cloud region, before crossing the Indian Ocean to Australia. Built in collaboration with Liquid Technologies, Umoja offers a highly scalable pathway through Africa, with access points that enable other countries to benefit from this robust network.
Named after the Swahili word for unity, Umoja is part of the Africa Connect initiative alongside the Equiano cable. This new infrastructure aims to improve the reliability of connectivity within Africa and between Africa and the rest of the world, addressing the region’s historical vulnerability to high-impact outages by establishing a distinct route from existing connections.
Key Partnerships and Strategic Impact
Google’s partnerships with leaders across Africa and Australia have been instrumental in realizing the Africa Connect initiative. Notable endorsements from prominent figures underscore the significance of this project:
- Meg Whitman, U.S. Ambassador to Kenya: “Access to the latest technology, supported by reliable and resilient digital infrastructure, is critical to growing economic opportunity. This is a meaningful moment for Kenya’s digital transformation journey, and the benefits of today’s announcement will cascade across the region.”
- H.E. Dr. William S. Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya: “I am delighted to welcome Google’s investment in digital connectivity, marking a historic milestone for Kenya, Africa, and Australia. The new intercontinental fiber optic route will significantly enhance our global and regional digital infrastructure. This initiative is crucial in ensuring the redundancy and resilience of our region’s connectivity to the rest of the world, especially in light of recent disruptions caused by cuts to sub-sea cables. 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.”
- Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Australian Minister for Communications: “Diversifying Australia’s connectivity and supporting digital inclusion across the globe are both incredibly important objectives, and Google’s Umoja cable will help to do just that. Australia welcomes Google’s investment and congratulates all those involved in undertaking this crucial initiative.”
- Strive Masiyiwa, Chairman and Founder of Liquid Technologies: “Africa’s major cities including Nairobi, Kampala, Kigali, Lubumbashi, Lusaka, and Harare will no longer be hard-to-reach endpoints remote from the coastal landing sites that connect Africa to the world. They are now stations on a data superhighway that can carry thousands of times more traffic than currently reaches here. I am proud that this project helps us deliver a digitally connected future that leaves no African behind, regardless of how far they are from the technology centres of the world.”
Extending Collaboration and Enhancing Cybersecurity
Google is also expanding its collaboration with Kenya’s Ministry of Information Communications and The Digital Economy to advance efforts in cybersecurity, data-driven innovation, digital upskilling, and responsible AI deployment. As part of this initiative, Google Cloud and Kenya are working together to enhance Kenya’s cybersecurity infrastructure. The Department of Immigration & Citizen Services is evaluating Google Cloud’s CyberShield solution and Mandiant expertise to bolster the security of its eCitizen platform.
Realizing the Benefits of Digital Transformation
Google has a long-standing commitment to supporting Africa’s digital transformation. Since opening its first Sub-Saharan Africa office in Nairobi in 2007, Google has partnered with governments across Africa on numerous digital initiatives. In 2021, Google pledged to invest $1 billion in Africa over five years to enhance connectivity and support start-ups, aiming to foster the continent’s digital growth.
Driving Economic Growth and Innovation
From 2021 to 2023, Google’s products and services generated over $30 billion in economic activity across Sub-Saharan Africa. The continent’s internet economy could grow to $180 billion by 2025, representing 5.2% of Africa’s GDP, according to the International Finance Corporation. Investments like Umoja, combined with efforts to develop local talent, will help ensure access to government services and critical information, while enabling businesses to thrive and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
Supporting Digital Skills and AI Innovations
Google’s training and certification programs, such as the Google Hustle Academy, have empowered over 3,500 small businesses in Kenya since its launch in 2022. Google’s AI Research Centres in Ghana and Nairobi, along with the Product Development Centre in Kenya, continue to develop solutions tailored to African challenges. Partnerships with health organizations and universities in Kenya further demonstrate Google’s commitment to leveraging technology for societal benefits.
Picture: Cred
