Djibouti Telecom Expands DARE1 Cable to Connect East and Southern Africa
The DARE1 network is designed to deliver high-capacity, low-latency, and resilient connectivity, strengthening regional integration and enabling the expansion of cloud, content, and digital services across East Africa.
Djibouti Telecom has unveiled plans to extend its Djibouti Africa Regional Express 1 (DARE1) subsea cable system, a critical infrastructure that already links Djibouti, Somalia, and Kenya. The DARE1 network is designed to deliver high-capacity, low-latency, and resilient connectivity, strengthening regional integration and enabling the expansion of cloud, content, and digital services across East Africa.
The new southward extension will significantly expand the system’s reach along Africa’s east coast, enhancing route diversity and connecting additional markets. Planned landing points include Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar, and South Africa. All new segments will interconnect at the Mombasa (Nyali) trunk station, ensuring seamless service across both existing and extended routes. The projected length of the new route between Mombasa and Durban is estimated at 3,200 to 3,500 kilometers.
Work on the extension is expected to begin in 2026, with a target ready-for-service date in 2028. By integrating these new segments, the cable system will improve resilience, add alternative paths for international traffic, and increase capacity to meet the growing demands of carriers, enterprises, and cloud providers.
The DARE1 extension is envisioned as a regional African cable, complementing existing systems and contributing to the development of a stronger digital economy. With scalable bandwidth and more reliable connections to global hubs, the initiative supports the long-term goal of building robust, future-ready subsea infrastructure for the continent.
