After weeks of widespread disruptions, West Africa is slowly regaining reliable internet access. However, the recent severance of multiple undersea cables has starkly exposed the continent’s dependence on a limited and vulnerable network of connectivity infrastructure.
The crisis began in mid-March when a suspected seismic event near Ivory Coast damaged the West Africa Cable System (WACS) and several other key lines. Outages rippled across the region, affecting countries including Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon. While service providers scrambled to reroute traffic, the disruptions underscored the fragility of Africa’s digital backbone and the economic consequences that come with it.
“This incident is a wake-up call,” says Adewale Adeyipo, a telecoms expert based in Lagos. “Africa urgently needs to diversify its connectivity routes and invest in redundant systems. We also need to explore better safeguards against accidental or even intentional cable damage. Otherwise, outages like this will continue to undermine economic growth and digital progress.”
The repair process involved specialised ships traveling thousands of kilometers to locate and mend the damaged cables on the ocean floor – a time-consuming and costly endeavor. While service is progressively being restored, the incident highlights the risks associated with relying on a small number of undersea cables, which are susceptible to damage from anchors, fishing activities, and natural events.
Experts warn that further disruptions are likely until Africa builds a more robust and interconnected network. “Investment in new cables, terrestrial fiber-optic networks, and satellite connectivity is crucial,” emphasises Adeyipo. “This will not only improve reliability but also open up new opportunities for businesses and individuals across the continent.”
Beyond building redundancy, analysts suggest that greater focus needs to be placed on cable protection measures. This could include burying cables deeper, establishing protected zones, and improving monitoring systems to detect potential threats.
The recent subsea cable breaks serve as a timely reminder that strong digital infrastructure is essential for Africa’s participation in the global economy. As the continent’s reliance on the internet grows, addressing these vulnerabilities becomes increasingly critical to ensure uninterrupted connectivity and protect economic development gains.
