Juba and Nairobi have just signed an agreement to extend an optical fibre communications cable linking Kenya and South Sudan the two neighboring East African countries.
The fibre optic cable is spanning 2,420 kilometers extending from the Kenyan border into the South Sudan territory.
The cable project signing took place during the first advisory council meeting and the 30th annual general assembly of the East African Communications Organization (EACO).
The South Sudan’s Minister of Information, Michael Makuei, confirmed that the project falls under his country’s National Broadband Internet Backbone Initiative, which is being implemented by the government in Juba.
The project undertaken in South Sudan, the newest country in Africa, also enjoys support from the International Development Association (IDA) and the World Bank (WB).
Minister Michael Makuei described the agreement as a ‘strategic investment for future generations,’ explaining that the fibre optic internet cable will provide vital digital infrastructure to support education, healthcare, governance, and trade sectors.
The South Sudanese Minister also emphasized that the initiative enhances regional cooperation and economic integration between the two countries within the framework of the East African Community (EAC).
It was also stated that the initiative advances South Sudan’s digital transformation through the country’s policies including a new national strategy currently under development.
“This project is part of broader efforts to promote digital inclusion in the region, supported by international partners and neighbouring countries, contributing to a more integrated technological future for East Africa,” the Minister added.
As of latest figures, it is being estimated that South Sudan has approximately 773,400 internet users, representing a penetration rate of 7.0 percent, with 93 percent of the country’s population still not covered.
There are various service providers in South Sudan offering mobile and satellite internet options and the link from Kenya is expected to improve things further.