Grace Ashiru
Djibouti has committed more than $200 million to 12 submarine cables, solidifying its position as a vital digital gateway between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Located at the junction of the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, Djibouti’s strategic position plays a key role in global data transmission, making it a crucial hub in international connectivity.
The Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project seeks to enhance digital connectivity for more than 40 million people in Djibouti and Ethiopia.
Djibouti is quickly emerging as a key digital hub in East Africa, capitalizing on its strategic location and significant investments in submarine cable infrastructure. With over $200 million invested in 12 undersea cables, the country bridges continents and supports global data flow.
Located at the intersection of the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, Djibouti plays a vital role in data transmission between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Its strategic position has drawn major investments, such as the Sea-Me-We-6 cable, which connects Singapore to Marseille over 19,200 km. This infrastructure boosts global connectivity and facilitates the growth of technologies like cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
“Our strategy in Djibouti is built on stability. We have established ourselves as a regional hub not just for shipping, but also for data. Our undersea cables carry the information that drives global trade,” stated Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed at the Djibouti Forum, hosted by the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Djibouti in early April, according to The Africa Report.
The Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP), supported by the World Bank, underscores efforts to enhance regional digital infrastructure. With a $130 million investment, the initiative seeks to improve broadband connectivity, foster digital trade, and develop digital skills in Djibouti and Ethiopia, benefiting over 40 million people.
Djibouti’s advancements are crucial for neighboring countries, particularly landlocked Ethiopia. Improved connectivity fosters economic integration, trade, and access to digital services, all of which are essential for regional development. The impact of submarine cables on enhancing connectivity across Africa is already evident in Nigeria, with MainOne’s submarine cable system and the growing presence of data centers like MainOne’s MDXi facility.
These developments reflect broader trends across Africa, where the rise of data centers supports the continent’s expanding digital economy. Djibouti’s investments are in line with this shift, and the impact of submarine cables on improving internet access is increasingly clear. They help reduce latency, boost speeds, and unlock new economic opportunities across the region.
Despite challenges like high electricity costs and limited domestic competition, Djibouti’s proactive strategy and regional collaborations position it as a central player in Africa’s growing digital landscape. Ongoing investments will be essential for fully realizing its potential as East Africa’s digital springboard.
