By Okello Joshua Oscar
Google has announced the first-ever fibre optic route to directly connect Africa with Australia. The new initiative, named Umoja, will help increase the reach and reliability of digital connectivity for Africa.
Anchored in Kenya, the Umoja cable route will pass through Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, including the Google Cloud region, before crossing the Indian Ocean to Australia.
The route has been developed in collaboration with Liquid Technologies, to form a highly scalable route through Africa, including access points that will allow other countries to take advantage of the network.
For Uganda, this initiative means improved digital access and connectivity. The Umoja cable will enable Uganda to better connect with the rest of Africa and the world, offering a more resilient network in a region historically plagued by connectivity issues. This development is crucial for maintaining a stable digital infrastructure, which is essential for economic growth and technological advancement.
Google’s Umoja initiative represents a significant advancement in Africa’s digital journey, with Uganda poised to reap substantial benefits. As this new digital highway becomes operational, Uganda can look forward to a future where reliable, high-speed internet connectivity drives economic growth, innovation, and inclusive development.
