Zambia and Burundi have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a fibre optic connection under Lake Tanganyika, facilitating enhanced communication and positioning Zambia as a regional ICT hub. The project is expected to improve internet access and collaboration between the two nations.
Zambia and Burundi recently formalized a partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will facilitate the establishment of a fibre optic connection between the two nations via Lake Tanganyika. The agreement was concluded during the 2024 Digital Government Africa Summit held in Chongwe District, Zambia. The planned fibre optic cable will originate from Mpulungu District in Northern Province, extending across the lake to Burundi. A private firm is already engaged in the project and has successfully laid an initial 350 kilometers of fibre optic cable in Lake Tanganyika, creating a direct link between the two countries. During the signing ceremony, Honorable Felix Mutati, Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, indicated that this connection marks Burundi as the ninth country to be integrated into Zambia’s expanding fibre optic network. According to Minister Mutati, this initiative positions Zambia as a regional hub for Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Furthermore, he emphasized that this connectivity would enable Burundi to relay information through Zambia to other countries in Southern and Eastern Africa. In her remarks, Burundian Minister of Communication, Technology and Information, Léocadie Ndacayisaba, underlined the significance of the MoU, expressing that it opens avenues for enhanced collaboration between the two nations and promises substantial improvements in the quality of life for citizens in both countries through access to high-speed internet communications.
The partnership between Zambia and Burundi signifies a strategic move towards enhancing communication infrastructure in Africa. The laying of fibre optic cables is crucial for modern telecommunications, providing faster and more reliable internet services. Lake Tanganyika, being one of the largest lakes in Africa, presents a feasible route for such a connection, potentially bridging gaps in internet accessibility for both Zambia and Burundi, while contributing to the larger framework of digital transformation on the continent.
In summary, the signing of the MoU between Zambia and Burundi represents a significant advancement in regional connectivity through the deployment of fibre optic technology. This partnership not only aims to facilitate better communication between the two countries but also positions Zambia as a pivotal ICT hub in Africa. Both Ministers conveyed optimism about the potential impacts on citizens’ everyday lives through enhanced internet services and collaboration.
Original Source: www.techafricanews.com
