Leading technology company, Globacom, in partnership with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, hosted the 2025 International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit in Abuja on Wednesday and Thursday.
The summit, organized in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC), brought together global telecommunications experts and stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving submarine cable resilience, fostering innovation, and enhancing international cooperation.
Globacom's Role in Strengthening Submarine Cable Networks
As the sole owner of the Glo 1 underwater cable, Globacom played a key role in discussions alongside major global players in the digital and telecommunications sectors. The focus was on enhancing cable network resilience to ensure uninterrupted service for consumers.
Anticipating the increasing demand for reliable digital infrastructure, Globacom launched Glo 1 in 2010, connecting Europe to Africa. The cable system proved its significance in 2024, when widespread fiber cuts disrupted private, public, and economic activities across West Africa. Glo 1 remained operational, thanks to its robust structure and Globacom’s continuous maintenance efforts. Recently, its capacity was expanded to support a growing user base, ensuring consistent and reliable connectivity.
Minister Highlights Critical Role of Submarine Cables
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, inaugurated the summit, emphasizing the vital role of submarine cables in powering modern economies.
"Submarine cables form the backbone of global digital connectivity, carrying over 95% of international data traffic, linking continents, and enabling seamless economic operations. Yet, despite their importance, these infrastructures remain vulnerable to disruptions—whether from natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, accidental damage, or cyber threats," he stated.
The Minister also reiterated the Nigerian government’s commitment to protecting telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Global Stakeholders Call for Increased Investment in Digital Infrastructure
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), underscored the world’s dependence on digital infrastructure, stressing the need for increased investment in undersea cables to ensure global connectivity and innovation.
Additionally, Prof. Sandra Maximiano, Co-Chair of ITU’s Advisory Board, addressed the challenges of preventing submarine cable outages. He emphasized the need for better technical resources, including repair ships, stockpiles, and spare parts, particularly in regions with lower submarine cable densities. He also urged regulators to align policies with resilience requirements to safeguard critical digital assets.
Panel Discussions and Key Takeaways
The summit featured panel discussions on submarine cable resilience, covering topics such as:
- Strengthening undersea cable networks against disruptions
- Strategic investments in digital infrastructure
- Regulatory frameworks for long-term resilience
The event reinforced Africa’s commitment to digital transformation, with Globacom and other key players driving the push for a more resilient and reliable telecommunications ecosystem.
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