Meta, the U.S. technology giant that owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has picked Safaricom as the landing partner for its new high-capacity submarine cable connecting Oman and Kenya.
The deal, touted as a major boost to East Africa’s digital infrastructure, announced through Meta’s subsidiary Edge Network Services Limited, is the latest signal of Safaricom’s evolution beyond its traditional voice, data, and mobile money services into a technology-driven digital ecosystem.
Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom, said partnering with Meta aligns with the Nairobi-based giant’s Vision 2030 strategy of becoming Africa’s leading purpose-led tech company.
“This deal is a significant strategic milestone for us at Safaricom as we mark 25 years and signal our readiness to transition into a fully-fledged tech company. It positions us to meet the surging demand for high-capacity, low-latency connectivity, which is critical for powering economic growth, cloud adoption, and digital innovation,” he said.
The undersea cable, to be fully funded by Meta’s Edge Network Services, will see licensed operators in Kenya and Oman managing their respective territorial segments and supporting local infrastructure. Once completed, the system will strengthen Kenya’s role as a connectivity hub for East Africa, improving network speeds, reliability and resilience for millions of users.
For Safaricom, the partnership is a shift from a telecom operator into a regional digital enabler capable of supporting cloud services, AI applications, and next-generation internet platforms.
“Safaricom is positioning itself as a gateway for Africa’s digital future. Collaborations like this ensure that we remain at the forefront of innovation and inclusion,” said Ndegwa.
This is not Meta’s first investment in African connectivity. The American company has led similar initiatives, including the 2Africa cable project, one of the world’s largest subsea internet cables, which circles the continent to connect 33 countries, and the Express Wi-Fi initiative aimed at expanding affordable internet access in underserved communities.
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