Islamabad, Feb 24: Pakistan has taken a significant step in its digital transformation with the successful landing of the Africa-1 submarine cable at Sea View Beach, Karachi. This milestone is expected to boost the country’s internet capacity and address persistent bandwidth and connectivity challenges.
The Africa-1 submarine cable spans over 10,000 kilometers and connects Pakistan with key global regions, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Algeria, France, Kenya, and Djibouti. Developed through a consortium of major telecom players including Mobily (Saudi Arabia), e& (UAE), G42 (UAE), Telecom Egypt, Zain Oman International (ZOI), Algérie Télécom, and TeleYemen the cable will reinforce Pakistan’s standing as a strategic digital hub in South Asia.
The Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP) has welcomed this development, highlighting its potential to enhance connectivity for businesses, enterprises, freelancers, and the general public. However, industry leaders, including WISPAP, stress that while the Africa-1 cable is a major breakthrough, Pakistan must take additional steps to liberalize its international bandwidth market.
At present, a handful of dominant players control the country’s international gateway, limiting competition and keeping costs high. WISPAP has urged the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) to encourage broader market participation, which could lead to reduced service costs and improved internet quality.
The Africa-1 cable is expected to become fully operational by early 2026, significantly improving internet speeds, reducing network congestion, and enhancing overall reliability. The improved connectivity is projected to drive growth in crucial sectors such as e-commerce, fintech, education, and healthcare, while also attracting foreign investment into Pakistan’s IT and telecommunications industries.
Beyond economic gains, WISPAP has emphasized the importance of ensuring equitable access to high-speed internet across all regions of Pakistan. The association calls for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to bridge the digital divide and create a more inclusive digital ecosystem. As Pakistan strengthens its global connectivity, initiatives like Africa-1 serve as a foundation for a more technologically advanced and economically vibrant future.
