Equiano, the Google undersea cable, has arrived in Lagos, Nigeria. The Equiano cable, which is slated to be fully operational later this year, will slash internet retail prices by 21%.
This announcement is a significant step forward in Google’s aim to deliver inexpensive internet access in Africa by constructing a global infrastructure that will help bring faster internet to more people at lower costs.
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The Equiano cable is scheduled to travel over 12,000 kilometers down Africa’s west coast, eventually landing at Swakopmund, Namibia, Rupert’s Bay, Saint Helena, and Melkbosstrand, South Africa, establishing a vital new high-capacity link between Africa and Europe.
“Google is committed to assisting Africa’s digital development, and we’re delighted to watch the impact of Equiano’s arrival in Nigeria,” said Juliet Ehimuan, Google’s Director of West Africa. “We’ve collaborated with long-standing partners and local experts to ensure that Equiano has the largest possible impact in Nigeria and across Africa.”
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Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced in October a commitment to invest $1 billion over five years to help digital transformation in Africa, which includes project Equiano.
According to a recent impact assessment report by Africa Practice and Genesis Analytics, Equiano is predicted to enhance Nigeria’s GDP by $10.1 billion, increase internet speed by a factor of six, and create 1.6 million employment by 2025.
