As demand for connectivity surges, there is a need to strengthen the resilience of subsea cables – and to reconsider how this critical infrastructure is protected.

Satellites and wireless networks offer some redundancy; however, subsea cables remain the backbone of global connectivity with over 600 subsea cables – spanning more than 1.4-million kilometres – carrying 97% of the world's Internet traffic and enabling over $10-trillion in financial transactions daily.

This global market is expected to grow from $18.28-billion in 2023 to $33.29-billion by 2028.

“This expansion has not been matched with the necessary security measures, leaving these critical networks increasingly vulnerable. We need to rethink how we protect this infrastructure before the cracks in our digital foundation become full-blown fractures,” said Seacom Group CEO Alpheus Mangale, highlighting the urgent need for new routes, improved redundancy and stronger network protections to safeguard Africa's digital future.

Some African nations recorded GDP per capita increases of 6.1% after new cable installations, with broadband penetration linked to a 1.38% increase in GDP growth, proving that digital infrastructure is a key economic driver.

More investment in African-owned and -managed subsea infrastructure is required, along with regional redundancy to prevent single points of failure and stronger regulatory frameworks to ensure fair access to connectivity, he advocated.

Globally, maritime activity is the most significant threat to infrastructure, with fishing trawlers, ship anchors and dredging causing more than 70% of subsea cable failures.

Natural disasters, such as earthquakes and underwater landslides, also pose risks, as evidenced by a recent rockslide near Côte d'Ivoire that severed four major cables, disrupting connectivity in 13 West African countries.

Geopolitical tensions further compound these risks, he said.

“More cables do not necessarily mean better security. A single, well-placed cut can still wipe out Internet access across entire regions, emphasising the need for stronger protection measures,” Mangale explained.

Further, while telecom companies and international technology consortia controlled subsea cables for decades, ensuring balanced global connectivity, currently global investments are led by a few global technology giants.

Such investments have accelerated infrastructure expansion and improved capacity; however, there is a need for this to be balanced with lesser dependency on them without the risk of domination of new subsea cable projects, which can lead to unprecedented control over global data flow, he added.

“With little regulatory oversight, private corporations are shaping the future of global connectivity, determining who gets access, where cables are built, and under what conditions. If left unchecked, this power shift could reshape the Internet in unpredictable ways, making it essential for policymakers to act now.”

Strengthening the resilience of subsea cables requires a multi-layered approach, focusing on infrastructure planning, cybersecurity and international cooperation.

Protecting subsea cables is a global priority that requires international cooperation and regulation, as well as public-private partnerships and coordinated action, to safeguard the future of connectivity.

A lack of centralised oversight leaves subsea cables exposed to security gaps.

“Similar to treaties governing airspace and territorial waters, global agreements must set clear regulations for cable security, monitoring and rapid response.

“Governments must ensure fair competition and prevent a handful of companies from dictating global connectivity. Collaboration between governments, telecom providers and technology companies is essential,” he said.

Further, smarter infrastructure planning is required, with providers routing global Internet traffic through multiple diverse pathways to avoid single points of failure and ensuring strategic cable placement.

Many cables run through politically sensitive or high-risk maritime zones, which make them vulnerable to accidents and sabotage.

Mangale highlighted the risks, citing the example of the Strait of Malacca, an essential artery for global trade, processing 114 Tb of daily data traffic with 14 cable crossings, which, in 2023 alone, reported eight security incidents, with an economic impact potential of up to $4.5-trillion.

“Similarly, the Suez Canal zone hosts 15 major cables accommodating daily financial flows of $3.2-trillion. Given its severe political risk rating and limited alternative routes, any disruption here would have catastrophic implications.”

With its seven strategic cables vital for Black Sea connectivity, the Turkish Straits face a heavy Russian naval presence, which is actively monitored under NATO's protection plans, emphasising the importance of securing these vital maritime routes.

The East Coast subsea cable system is incredibly fragile, with over 15 cables concentrated in the Red Sea – a concentration zone carrying more than 80% of Africa's Internet traffic to Europe and Asia.

“Future deployments must prioritise safer, well-planned routes. Additionally, more substantial materials and AI-powered monitoring can help detect early signs of damage and prevent outages before they occur.”

For Africa, the stakes are high.

“Although 74 submarine cable systems connect the continent, only 50 are currently active, with 24 still under construction. Many African nations, including Togo, Liberia and Sierra Leone, rely on just one or two subsea cables, leaving them particularly vulnerable to Internet blackouts that disrupt daily connectivity, hinder economic growth and widen the digital divide.”

“Without bold action, Africa risks becoming increasingly dependent on foreign-controlled Internet infrastructure, leaving the continent with little say in how its data moves, who controls it, and what protections are in place,” he concluded.