Google partners with Liquid Technologies to expand connectivity in Africa

STAFF WRITER

Google has joined forces with Liquid Technologies in a groundbreaking venture to enhance digital infrastructure and security across Africa. The strategic collaboration aims to boost digital connectivity, stimulate economic growth and bolster the region’s resilience.

The project, named Umoja, marks a historic milestone as the first-ever fibre optic route directly connecting Africa with Australia. Anchored in Kenya, the Umoja cable will traverse Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, before crossing the Indian Ocean to Australia. This ambitious route includes the Google Cloud region and provides access points for other countries to leverage the network.

Umoja, meaning “unity” in Swahili, is part of the broader Africa Connect initiative, which also includes the Equiano cable. The new route is crucial for maintaining a resilient network in a region that has historically faced high-impact outages. It will enable African countries to connect more reliably with each other and the rest of the world.

Dr Strive Masiyiwa, the founder and chairman of Liquid Technologies, highlighted the transformative impact of Umoja.

“Africa’s major cities, including Nairobi, Kampala, Kigali, Lubumbashi, Lusaka, and Harare, will no longer be hard-to-reach endpoints. They are now stations on a data superhighway capable of carrying thousands of times more traffic than currently reaches these areas. I am proud that this project helps us deliver a digitally connected future that leaves no African behind,” he said.

Meg Whitman, the U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, underscored the significance of reliable digital infrastructure for economic growth.

“This is a meaningful moment for Kenya’s digital transformation journey. The benefits of today’s announcement will cascade across the region,” she said.

Kenya’s President William Ruto welcomed Google’s investment, calling it a historic milestone for Kenya, Africa, and Australia.

“The new intercontinental fibre optic route will significantly enhance our global and regional digital infrastructure, ensuring redundancy and resilience, especially in light of recent disruptions caused by cuts to sub-sea cables. By strengthening our digital backbone, we are improving reliability and paving the way for increased digital inclusion, innovation, and economic opportunities for our people and businesses,” he said.

Australia’s Communications Minister Michelle Rowland praised the initiative for diversifying Australia’s connectivity and supporting global digital inclusion.

“Australia welcomes Google’s investment and congratulates all those involved in undertaking this crucial initiative,” Rowland added.

In addition to the infrastructure announcement, Google will sign a Statement of Collaboration with Kenya’s Ministry of Information Communications and the Digital Economy to accelerate efforts in cybersecurity, data-driven innovation, digital upskilling, and responsibly deploying AI for societal benefits.

As part of this collaboration, Google Cloud and Kenya will work together to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity. The Department of Immigration & Citizen Services is evaluating Google Cloud’s CyberShield solution and Mandiant expertise to enhance the security of its eCitizen platform.

CyberShield enables governments to build enhanced cyberthreat capabilities, protect web-facing infrastructure, and develop effective security operations. These efforts are part of Google’s long-term commitment to investing in secure technology infrastructure, connecting communities, expanding education, and driving economic development in Africa and beyond.