Google’s Equiano subsea cable has arrived in Lomé, Togo, marking the cable’s first stop along Africa’s Atlantic coast. The subsea cable is expected to result in faster internet speeds, improved user experience, and lower internet prices in Togo.
“With the arrival of the Equiano cable in Lomé, we look forward to helping contribute to the achievement of Togo’s digital goals and accelerating digital transformation not only in the country, but across the continent,” Nitin Gajria, managing director, Google Africa officially stated.
As 300 million people come online in Africa over the next five years, the arrival of Equiano is a key step in the country’s continued digital development. According to a recent economic impact assessment conducted by Africa Practice and Genesis Analytics, Equiano is expected to double Togo’s internet speed from 10 Mbps in 2021 to 21 Mbps in 2025, while retail internet prices are forecasted to decline by 14% over the same period.
Multiple key telecom players including Société d’infrastructures numériques (SIN) and CSquared are partnering with Google to ensure that the cable can reach more businesses and end-users across Togo and the African continent.
Commenting on the landing of Equiano, HE Madam Cina Lawson, minister of digital economy and digital transformation for Togo, said, “Broadening the access to high-speed internet is a fundamental part in our national digital development process as we strive towards achieving the objectives set out in our Digital 2025 Strategy.”
Togo currently ranks as the sixth-best country in Africa regarding ease of doing business and Equiano, expected to be ready for service later this year, will offer 20x more bandwidth than any other cable currently serving West Africa. This will attract even more investments to the country and further boost its vibrant startup culture.
