On Thursday, Google and cable landing partner WIOCC announced the arrival of their state-of-the-art Equiano subsea cable, which is projected to have a substantial impact on Nigeria’s current and future international internet access needs.
The Equiano cable will begin in Portugal and stretch over 12,000 kilometers down Africa’s West Coast, stopping in Lomé, Togo, Lagos, Nigeria, Swakopmund, Namibia, Rupert’s Bay, Saint Helena, and Melkbosstrand, South Africa.
Google announced on Thursday that it will build a valuable new high-capacity internet connection between Africa and Europe.
The Equiano cable, named for Nigerian-born writer Olaudah Equiano, would aid in the country’s digital development. Nigeria has created five start-up unicorns the last five years.
According to an effect assessment study conducted by Africa Practice and Genesis Analytics, once the state-of-the-art, high-capacity Equiano cable is completely operational, which is expected later this year, Nigeria’s digital revolution will be accelerated.
It is predicted to enhance internet speeds by a factor of six, lower internet retail prices by 21%, and increase internet penetration by six percentage points in terms of connectivity.
The cable is expected to improve GDP by USD 10.1 billion by 2025, according to projections. It is also expected to generate 1.6 million new jobs by 2025. It is also estimated to save 2.8 million tonnes of CO2 per year in terms of sustainability potential.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stated in his remarks at the virtual launch of the cable in Lagos on Thursday that all of these events will have a substantial impact on Nigeria’s efforts to build a strong digital economy.
Since 2017, the Nigerian government has scaled up its digital transformation efforts. Many industries in the country, particularly the startup sector, have benefited from these measures. Faster internet connections, better user experiences, and lower internet costs, according to studies, will expedite these benefits.
The Equiano undersea cable made its maiden landing in Africa last month in Lomé, Togo, confirming the commitment made at the Google for Africa 2021 event to help expand internet connectivity across the continent.