Facebook is putting down a massive $1 billion to lay a 37,000-kilometre undersea internet cable that will connect 23 countries across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Known as the 2Africa project, the goal is simple—make internet faster, cheaper, and more reliable in a continent where online demand is exploding by the day.
Reports from Bloomberg say this will be one of the longest cables in the world, only behind the 39,000-kilometre Sea-Me-We 3 system. According to Facebook, the project will triple the internet capacity Africa currently has from all its subsea cables combined. That’s a game-changer for a continent where patchy and costly internet still holds millions back.
The company explained that once the system is complete, it will bring fresh capacity, better redundancy, and more stable internet across Africa. The Middle East will also benefit, while the network is expected to push the growth of 4G, 5G, and broadband for hundreds of millions of people.
Telecom heavyweights join the venture
Facebook is not doing this alone. It has teamed up with big names in the global telecom world like MTN, Orange, Vodafone, Telecom Egypt, and even China Mobile. The physical work will be handled by Alcatel Submarine Networks, a Nokia subsidiary. Their involvement shows how much faith the industry has in Africa’s future digital boom.
A history of mixed African ventures
This is not Facebook’s first try at boosting Africa’s internet reach. Back in 2013, it launched Internet.org, calling connectivity a basic human right. In 2016, the company tried to send a satellite into orbit to cover the continent, but the rocket carrying it exploded before launch. Later, in 2017, Express Wi-Fi was introduced, bringing public hotspots to countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa. By 2019, Facebook had even partnered with MainOne to improve broadband in some Nigerian states.
Rising stakes in Africa’s digital future
Although critics often question Facebook’s intentions—especially when it comes to data privacy—the 2Africa project looks like a more committed investment. If successful, it could slash internet prices, speed up connections, and open new business opportunities for millions.
The cable also sets the stage for Africa to embrace next-gen technologies like 5G, cloud computing, and stronger e-commerce growth. For young entrepreneurs and digital creators, this could be the push that finally brings Africa into full participation in the global digital economy.
