Facebook to build internet infrastructure in Africa

Facebook announced it will cooperate with a consortium of telecom businesses to build, 2Africa, the Africa internet infrastructure.

2Africa will involve Alcatel Submarine Networks, China Mobile International, Telecom Egypt and Vodafone who make up part of the partnering companies, Anadolu reports.

The project, defined as a mammoth 22,990 mile-long undersea cable around Africa, according to the social media giant “will greatly enhance connectivity across Africa and the Middle East.”

“We’re excited to be collaborating with our 2Africa partners on the most comprehensive subsea cable that will serve the continent,” Facebook executive Najam Ahmad said in a statement.

“2Africa is a key pillar supporting this tremendous internet expansion as part of Africa’s surging digital economy.”

Sixteen African countries will benefit from the project which will stem from Spain, through Mediterranean, along the Suez Canal and across the eastern breadth of Africa before turning northwards near the Cape of Good Hope, running along the continent’s western flank and up to the UK, the Turkish media notes.

The project will be operational between 2023 and 2024.