Google has recently introduced Umoja, a new fibre optic cable connecting Africa with Australia, marking a significant milestone in enhancing global connectivity. This initiative aims to provide African countries with a more reliable network infrastructure and reduce the impact of potential outages by establishing a new connectivity route.
According to Brian Quigley, VP of Global Network Infrastructure at Google Cloud, Umoja will play a critical role in strengthening the region’s digital infrastructure and facilitating better communication between African nations and the rest of the world. The launch of Umoja is part of Google’s commitment to investing $1 billion in Africa’s digital transformation over the next five years.
In collaboration with Liquid Technology, Umoja joins Equiano, Google’s first fibre optic cable connecting Africa to another continent, which was launched in 2019 and spans from South Africa to Portugal through the Atlantic Ocean. This strategic move underlines Google’s dedication to improving connectivity and building a resilient network in the region.
Furthermore, Google has announced its intention to collaborate with the Ministry of Information Communications and The Digital Economy to enhance efforts in cybersecurity, innovation, and digital upskilling. The tech giant also plans to work with the Department of Immigration & Citizen Services to bolster the security of the eCitizen platform using CyberShield solutions.
This announcement comes on the heels of Microsoft’s partnership with G42, an AI firm based in the United Arab Emirates, to launch a $1 billion digital ecosystem initiative for Kenya. As part of this agreement, G42 will establish a cutting-edge data centre campus in Olkaria, powered by renewable geothermal energy and equipped with state-of-the-art water conservation technology.
The introduction of Umoja and Google’s ongoing commitment to digital transformation in Africa signal a major step forward in improving connectivity, cybersecurity, and innovation across the continent. With key partnerships and investments in place, the future looks promising for Africa’s digital landscape.
