Meta has signed a deal with Safaricom (NSE: SCOM) to bring its second high-capacity submarine cable to Kenya, marking a major boost for the country’s digital infrastructure.
Through its subsidiary, Edge Network Services Limited, Meta selected Safaricom as its landing partner for the new undersea cable connecting Oman and Kenya.
Safaricom CEO Dr Peter Ndegwa described the agreement as a key milestone in the company’s evolution. “This deal is a significant strategic milestone for us at Safaricom as we mark 25 years and signals our readiness to transition into a fully-fledged tech company in line with our Vision 2030 strategy,” he said.
“It positions us to meet the surging demand for high-capacity, low-latency connectivity critical for powering economic growth, cloud adoption, and digital innovation.”
The partnership reinforces Safaricom’s commitment to deliver faster, more resilient, and future-proof internet connectivity. It aligns with the firm’s ambition to become Africa’s leading purpose-led technology company by 2030, expanding beyond telecommunications into digital infrastructure and enterprise technology services.
The undersea cable system will be fully funded by Meta’s Edge Network Services, with licensed operators in Kenya and Oman managing the sections within their respective territorial waters. They will also oversee the in-country infrastructure linked to the cable’s operations.
Once completed, the system is expected to significantly improve internet speeds and reliability across East Africa, strengthening Kenya’s role as a digital hub in the region. The project builds on previous collaborations between global tech giants and African telecoms to expand bandwidth capacity, promote digital inclusion, and drive innovation across industries dependent on data connectivity.
