Angola Cables, a global connectivity provider, has announced plans to expand its network infrastructure in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, aiming to enhance internet accessibility in these countries. Sudhir Juggernath, CEO of TelCables Southern and East Africa—a subsidiary of Angola Cables—outlined the company’s expansion strategy during an interview at the Africa Tech Festival 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.
As Africa’s digital economy grows rapidly, the demand for reliable and scalable internet infrastructure has become critical. Private and public sector cooperation is increasingly seen as essential for bridging the continent’s connectivity gap, which continues to challenge many regions due to limited access and high costs.
According to Juggernath, Angola Cables will enter these new markets through partnerships with local providers rather than acquisitions. “We aim to empower Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe with enhanced connectivity,” Juggernath stated, highlighting the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality internet services through its submarine cable networks.
Angola Cables’ strategy focuses on leveraging existing relationships with local carriers to extend its reach. “We provide global connectivity via our submarine cables and seek to venture into markets primed for growth and digital productivity,” Juggernath explained.
The CEO also addressed Africa’s regulatory landscape, emphasizing the importance of streamlined policies for fiber deployment. “Regulators need to ease the process for carriers and ISPs to lay fiber and establish connectivity infrastructure,” he said. “Fibre and internet access are no longer luxuries; they are necessities.”
Juggernath believes that industry pressure will prompt regulatory bodies to reduce connectivity barriers, adding, “The urgency for digital infrastructure is becoming more evident, and regulators are beginning to understand the need for expedited fiber rollout.”
As Africa continues its journey toward greater digital connectivity, Angola Cables’ expansion is poised to play a vital role in supporting the region’s economic and technological growth.