Seacom, the pioneering company behind the first submarine cable connecting Africa’s east coast to Europe and Asia, has announced an ambitious new project: Seacom 2.0, a next-generation undersea broadband system designed to dramatically enhance connectivity across the region.
Unveiled at Submarine Networks World 2025 in Singapore, Seacom 2.0 will be one of the highest-capacity submarine cable systems ever built, boasting 48 fibre pairs and a design capacity exceeding 2,000 terabits per second (Tbit/s). The system will span key strategic regions, linking the Indian Ocean basin, the Middle East, the Mediterranean Sea, and southern Europe, reinforcing Africa’s position in the global digital ecosystem.
Seacom first made headlines in 2009 when it deployed its original cable system, a move that revolutionized internet access in South Africa. The introduction of affordable international bandwidth led to a sharp decline in internet prices and catalyzed the launch of uncapped ADSL services, spearheaded by providers like Mweb.
Now, with Seacom 2.0, the company is taking its vision further, not just improving connectivity, but redefining Africa’s role in global data exchange.
In its official statement, Seacom emphasized that the new cable landing stations will evolve into AI communication nodes, enabling seamless integration between sovereign AI infrastructure in African nations and global data hubs. This transformation is designed to support the continent’s growing demand for advanced digital services and artificial intelligence capabilities.
The company also highlighted the importance of resilience and security in the new system’s design. In response to recent disruptions affecting submarine cables, Seacom 2.0 will feature diversified routes closer to African shores and carrier-neutral landing points, reducing vulnerability and ensuring uninterrupted connectivity.
According to the company’s official statement:
This design ensures uninterrupted connectivity while reinforcing Africa’s digital sovereignty. It’s a strategic decision that transforms coastal nations from passive endpoints into active custodians of global digital flow.
Seacom CEO Alpheus Mangale underscored the inclusive nature of the project:
By enabling open access and regional integration, we are creating a system that is resilient, sustainable, and inclusive.
Seacom 2.0 is not just a technological upgrade, it’s a bold step toward empowering African nations, enhancing regional collaboration, and positioning the continent as a central player in the future of global connectivity.
