Transforming Pakistan’s Digital Future With 2Africa Cable Project

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has marked a significant milestone in bolstering international connectivity by facilitating the progress of the 2Africa Submarine Cable System in Pakistan. Partnering with Transworld Associate (TWA), the local landing partner, this initiative is set to revolutionize the country’s telecommunications infrastructure.

As one of the world’s largest submarine cable systems, the 2Africa cable spans an impressive 45,000 kilometers, connecting 46 locations across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Utilizing cutting-edge Space Division Multiplexing (SDM1) technology, it boasts a staggering capacity of 180Tbps. The project is driven by a global consortium of eight leading partners, including Meta and Vodafone, underscoring its significance in transforming global connectivity.

In Pakistan, Phase 1 of the project commenced on December 1, 2024, with the Pre-Lay Shore End (PLSE) installation at Hawksbay, Karachi. The second phase, involving the deep-sea cable lay, is scheduled to begin on April 1, 2025. The cable system is expected to go live in Pakistan by Q4 2025, further integrating the nation into the global digital ecosystem.

The completion of the 2Africa cable will greatly enhance Pakistan’s international telecommunications infrastructure, improving bandwidth, reliability, and connectivity. This initiative is poised to support the country’s growing digital economy and bridge the connectivity gap in underserved regions.