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Google Launches Umoja: A New Fiber Optic Cable Connecting Africa to Australia

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Google has unveiled a major fiber optic cable project, named Umoja, which will connect Kenya to South Africa and then extend subsea to Australia. This new network will traverse Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, finally reaching Australia’s west coast. Umoja, meaning “unity” in Swahili, is set to enhance digital infrastructure significantly across these regions.

Kenya’s President William Ruto praised Google’s investment, highlighting its importance for strengthening digital connectivity and ensuring the resilience of the region’s internet infrastructure. This initiative comes in response to disruptions caused by recent cuts to subsea cables, which affected 25% of internet traffic around Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

In addition to the cable project, Google is partnering with Kenya’s Ministry of Information Communications and the Digital Economy on future cybersecurity and AI initiatives. Kenya is also considering adopting Google Cloud’s CyberShield for enhanced cybersecurity.

Google has been active in building undersea fiber optic networks since 2008, starting with a $300 million trans-Pacific cable connecting Japan and the US. The company has since expanded its network down the west coast of Africa and added connections between the US and Europe. Last year, Google announced the Honomoana and Tabua cables, connecting Fiji and French Polynesia to Australia and the US. This latest project continues Google’s commitment to enhancing global digital connectivity and infrastructure.

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