There is growing opportunity for digital consumption in Africa. With the highest growing population in the world only 28.2% of individuals online, 0.4% having fixed broadband, and just 17.8% of households with home internet access. This provides great opportunities for new entrants in the sector. Angola Cables is helping to tackle this problem with the rapid digital expansion across the continent.
Overcoming Bottlenecks in Africa’s Digital Connectivity
Five countries—Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania, the DRC, and Egypt—meet approximately 46% of the region’s internet needs. These densely populated markets have opportunities for 4G adoption rates so they can meet their goals for digital expansion.
The goal is to connect 1.1 billion additional users by 2030. This goal requires a huge infrastructure investment, including the installation of at least 250,000 kilometres of fibre and about 250,000 new 4G base stations throughout the region.
To meet the goal of 1.1 billion additional users, 20% of the required expenditure should be used on marketing efforts, specifically educating and creating demand for technology use. This will result in the growth of a more comprehensive technology ecosystem and the general affordability of broadband services. Building suitable policy and regulatory frameworks will require an additional two to four per cent of the investment.
Angola Cables’ Expanding Horizons Across Africa
Angola Cables oversees the management of Angonix and PIX, two of Africa’s biggest internet exchange hubs. It is a member of the West Africa Cable System (WACS), a partnership that also operates landing stations in Sangano and Luanda, Angola. One of its holdings is MONET cable, which links Brazil and the United States.
Angola Cables offers hardware and infrastructure for network building in a telecom environment, along with round-the-clock technical support. The Internet service offers bandwidth and direct access to both the national IXP and the largest ISPs worldwide, as well as optimisation of the current cables and the connection to the WACS.
The operating system’s cable network provides a range of choices for international interconnection, each insured by the Circuits service. The service’s integration of backhaul, submarine capacity, and local circuit capacity now makes better international connections possible.
Angola Cables introduced a cloud service in July 2019. It makes use of the cable network that links Angola, Brazil, and the US.
The Bottom Line
Expansion of Angola Cables would translate into better opportunities for the masses. Better digital connectivity would increase entrepreneurial opportunities like e-commerce and digital businesses through the creation of new business models. ICTs promote financial inclusion as all citizens can access banking services alike. Productive industries like agriculture, as well as cutting-edge broadband ICT tools and applications, can significantly enhance production. Workers can train remotely, particularly in technology-related skills, enhancing their chances of finding employment. Telemedicine, e-health initiatives and electronic patient records and monitoring systems can revolutionise the healthcare industry. Political engagement and freedom of expression: Increased awareness, accountability, and democratic participation will be profound due to increased access to information sources and involvement.
