Will Meta’s new cable redefine East Africa’s connectivity?

Meta has entered into an agreement with Safaricom to bring its second submarine cable to Kenya, marking a major advancement in regional connectivity 

Through its subsidiary, Edge Network Services Limited, Meta has appointed Safaricom as the landing partner for a new high-capacity submarine cable connecting Oman and Kenya. The collaboration aims to enhance internet speeds, improve network resilience, and support the growing demand for digital services across the region.

“This deal is a significant strategic milestone for us at Safaricom as we mark 25 years and signals our readiness to transition into a fully-fledged tech company in line with our vision 2030 strategy. It positions us to meet the surging demand for high-capacity, low-latency connectivity which is critical for powering economic growth, cloud adoption, and digital innovation,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom.

The partnership strengthens Safaricom’s long-term commitment to providing faster, more resilient, and future-proof connectivity in alignment with its ambition to become Africa’s leading purpose-led technology company by 2030. It further reinforces the company’s role in driving digital transformation, empowering enterprises, communities, and consumers with the high-speed connectivity required to compete in a digital economy.

The Under-Sea Cable System will be fully financed by Edge, with locally licensed operators in both Kenya and Oman contracted to manage the cable segment within their respective territorial waters, as well as the associated in-country infrastructure.

The deal signals Safaricom’s readiness to offer more than voice, data and mobile money services in line with its vision 2030 to be Africa’s leading purpose-led technology company.