. To create 1.6m jobs, faster internet access
The new Google’s Equiano subsea cable system is expected to contribute about $10 billion to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2025, while creating 1.6 million jobs in the country.
This was disclosed yesterday by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued to mark the landing of the Equiano subsea cable system in Lagos.
According to the Governor, the new Equiano cable system will deliver 20 times as much network capacity as any of the already existing systems, which means much faster internet speeds, reduced cost, and greater access for the people.
According to Google, the subsea cable will not only help support Nigeria’s digital transformation, but will also establish a valuable new high-capacity internet connection between Africa and Europe.
This is because Equiano cable is designed to start in Portugal in Western Europe, run more than 12,000km along the West Coast of Africa and land in Lomé, Togo; Lagos, Nigeria; Swakopmund, Namibia; Rupert’s Bay, Saint Helena, and Melkbosstrand, South Africa.
Its high-speed connectivity will help reduce internet retail prices by 21%, and increase internet penetration by 6%.
Aside from the economic impact, in terms of sustainability potential, it is expected to also save 2.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions yearly.
Equiano is set to make an enduring contribution towards the development of Nigeria’s communications infrastructure and today marks another major step in its development.
Digital transformation
Named after Nigerian-born writer and abolitionist, Olaudah Equiano, the subsea cable will help support further digital transformation in Nigeria, a country which has produced five start-up unicorns (companies now valued at more than $1 billion) in the past five years.
Commenting, Director, West Africa at Google, Juliet Ehimuan, said: “Google is committed to supporting Africa’s digital transformation and we are excited to see the impact of the landing of Equiano in Nigeria. We’ve worked with established partners and in-country experts to guarantee that Equiano has the greatest potential effect in Nigeria and throughout Africa.
“Equiano is set to make an enduring contribution towards the development of Nigeria’s communications infrastructure and today marks another major step in its development. We look forward to honouring our commitment to be part of Africa’s digital transformation.”
Similarly, Chief Executive Officer, WIOCC, Chris Wood, stated: “We are proud to have been selected by Google as the landing partner for the Equiano cable in Nigeria; landing the cable directly into the OADC Lagos data centre. From there it will be extended to other data centres across Lagos.
“The Equiano cable will deliver improved internet quality, speeds and affordability to the people of Nigeria. However, for the benefits to be fully felt throughout Nigeria, hyperscale connectivity needs to be extended from the Lagos area to the rest of the country.
“To make this happen, WIOCC is also deploying a comprehensive, hyperscale national fibre network. The network will go live in phases, starting in June and continuing through to the end of the year. When combined with the Equiano cable this network will deliver transformational benefits across the country.”
