Seacom launches new subsea cable system
Digital infrastructure group Seacom has launched Seacom 2.0, a subsea cable system across the Indian Ocean Basin, the Middle East, the Mediterranean and southern Europe.
The company launched its privately owned subsea cable in 2019 to connect countries around the Indian Ocean, which reduced connectivity costs by 300% and led to innovation in cloud services, fintech and technology ecosystems.
The new system introduces a 48-fibre-pair architecture, a leap in design tailored for high-capacity, low-latency artificial intelligence (AI) workloads, with cable landing stations transformed into AI communication nodes, seamlessly linking African nations’ sovereign AI infrastructure to global data hubs.
Further, following recent cable disruptions that exposed vulnerabilities, the project adopts diversified routes closer to African shores and open, carrier-neutral landing points to reduce risks and enhance security.
This design ensures uninterrupted connectivity while reinforcing Africa’s digital sovereignty and also a strategic decision that transforms coastal nations from passive endpoints into active custodians of global digital flow, the company said in a statement.
Serving as the backbone for the AI-driven revolution amid the explosive demand for AI, cloud and real-time data services, the project aims to secure Africa’s role in the global digital economy.
Seacom 2.0 aims to future-proof infrastructure for decades to come.
The system is engineered to support a world population of ten-billion by 2050, with the Indian Ocean Basin projected to house half of humanity.
According to Seacom, the region is bracing for unprecedented growth, home to 2.9-billion people across 33 nations, with youthful populations and a surging middle class.
“For nations along the route, Seacom 2.0 is a catalyst for growth,” Seacom states, noting an expected boost in gross domestic product (GDP).
Subsea infrastructure has already increased African nations’ GDP per capita by more than 6%. Seacomm 2.0 aims to multiply this impact.
It will also enhance smart infrastructure, supporting real-time analytics and edge computing from Internet of Things-enabled ports to AI-driven city planning.
Further, the cable will empower small and medium-sized enterprises by lowering barriers to enterprise-grade connectivity and enabling small businesses to access cloud tools, engage customers globally and integrate into digital trade platforms.
The system will also act as a gateway for landlocked regions, such as the Southern African Development Community and East African markets, reducing reliance on single routes and positioning countries as hubs for content and applications providers.
“Connectivity is no longer a luxury; it is the oxygen of the digital and AI age. Seacom 2.0 is more than a cable, it is the foundation of a shared AI-driven future,” says Seacom Group CEO Alpheus Mangale.
“This project is not just about connecting people; it is about ensuring Africa and its neighbours control their digital destinies. By enabling open access and regional integration, we are creating a system that is resilient, sustainable and inclusive.”
Mangale adds that success hinges on strategic partnerships with governments, regulators and industry stakeholders.
Over the past year, Seacom has engaged with leaders across existing and potential landing countries to align with their regulations, coinvest in infrastructure and maximise local value.
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