Meta’s 2Africa Subsea Cable Misses Landing Deadline in Nigeria, No New Timeline Provided”
Meta’s 2Africa subsea cable project, eagerly awaited in Nigeria, has failed to meet its November landing deadline in the cities of Lagos and Akwa Ibom, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). While the landing of these cables was expected to significantly boost digital infrastructure and broadband penetration in the country, the delay has left officials seeking answers and a new timeline. This article explores the current status of the 2Africa project, the implications for Nigeria’s digital infrastructure ambitions, and Meta’s engagement with regulatory authorities.
Key Points:
Missed Deadline and Lack of Response: Meta’s 2Africa subsea cable did not meet its November landing deadline in Nigerian cities, as confirmed by the NCC. BusinessDay reached out to Meta officials and their Nigerian PR firm for comments, but as of now, there has been no response.
Anticipation and Commitments: The landing of the 2Africa cable had been highly anticipated by Nigerian government officials. At a tech conference in November 2023, Abdullahi Kashifu, Director General of the National Information Technology Development of Nigeria (NITDA), mentioned meeting with Meta officials who assured that the cable landing would happen by the end of November. The cable’s arrival is part of the government’s efforts to enhance digital infrastructure and broadband penetration.
NCC’s Meeting with Meta Delegation: The NCC released a press statement revealing that Aminu Maida, the executive vice chairman, met with a Meta delegation led by Kojo Boakye, the company’s vice president for Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey. Boakye informed the NCC of ongoing efforts to land the 2Africa Cable in Nigeria, seeking support in navigating legal and regulatory hurdles.
2Africa Cable Project Details: The 2Africa submarine cable is an extensive project, spanning 45,000 kilometers and connecting Europe (eastward via Egypt), Asia (via Saudi Arabia), and Africa. The cable is expected to go live in 2023, delivering substantial capacity with up to 180 terabytes per second.
Request for Regulatory Support: Boakye, during the meeting with the NCC, solicited support for Meta’s efforts to overcome legal and regulatory challenges associated with landing the submarine cable in Nigeria. The goal is to complement existing backbone infrastructure, ensuring broader connectivity and improved access.
Conclusion/Analysis:
The delay in the landing of Meta’s 2Africa subsea cable in Nigeria raises concerns about the timeline and potential setbacks for the country’s digital infrastructure ambitions. While the NCC has expressed its commitment to supporting investors who comply with regulations, Meta’s efforts to secure regulatory backing indicate the complexities of subsea cable projects. As Nigeria seeks enhanced connectivity, the resolution of legal and regulatory hurdles will be crucial for the successful and timely deployment of the 2Africa cable, aligning with the government’s broader objectives in advancing digital infrastructure.