Africa: Burundi and Zambia Sign MoU for Underwater Fibre Connection to Boost Digital Infrastructure

Zambia and Burundi have entered into a strategic agreement to enhance digital communication by establishing an underwater fibre optic connection, further strengthening their technological partnership. Zambia’s Science and Technology Minister, Felix Mutati, highlighted that this move will improve digital connectivity between the two nations and enable Burundi to relay information through Zambia, connecting it to other Southern and Eastern African countries.

This partnership makes Burundi the ninth country to be connected to Zambia via fibre optic cable, joining Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.

Burundi’s Minister of Communication, Technology, and Information, Léocadie Ndacayisaba, expressed optimism about the collaboration, emphasizing that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marks a pivotal milestone in the digital cooperation between the two countries.

“This initiative will reshape the digital landscape in both nations, leading to better access to internet services, enhanced communication, and an overall improved quality of life for our citizens,” Ndacayisaba stated.

Burundi recently completed the first phase of its national fibre optic network project, which began in 2012. The network, constructed by the Burundi Backbone System (BBS) Company, involves five major telecommunications companies, including the state-owned Onatel. This project has been supported by the World Bank’s Regional Communication Infrastructure Programme, the Burundian government, and various private partners.

According to Statista, internet penetration in Burundi is expected to reach 18.33% in 2024, with approximately 2.51 million households projected to have internet access. Meanwhile, Zambia’s internet penetration is estimated to reach 43.44% in 2024, with around 2.48 million households gaining internet access.

Zambia has been making significant strides to improve its digital infrastructure. In February 2024, the country announced plans to build 60 4G mobile towers to enhance connectivity in rural areas, following an earlier plan to establish digital centres offering free internet services. Additionally, in June 2024, Minister Mutati revealed that the Zambian government, in collaboration with the private sector, is constructing 520 communication towers nationwide. This initiative aims to achieve 96% phone and internet coverage by the end of 2025, with completion expected by early 2026.

The Zambia-Burundi fibre connection is expected to play a crucial role in boosting regional digital infrastructure and fostering greater technological integration across Southern and Eastern Africa.