Burundi and Zambia agree on underwater fibre connection to improve digital infrastructure

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October 7, 2024
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2 min read
undersea cables
  • Burundi and Zambia are set to be connected via an underwater fibre optic cable after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the Digital Government Africa Summit, recently held in Lusaka, Zambia.
  • A private firm, whose name has not been disclosed, has reportedly been contracted for the project. The MoU permits the installation of an underwater fibre optic cable in Lake Tanganyika, connecting Zambia’s Northern Province with Burundi’s southern Makamba Province.
  • With 350 kilometres of cable already laid, this project establishes Zambia as a key regional hub for Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This enhanced network is expected to significantly improve communication speed, reliability, and accessibility across the region.

Felix Mutati, Zambia's Science and Technology Minister, stated that this move will strengthen digital communication between Zambia and Burundi and allow Burundi to relay information through Zambia, connecting it to other Southern and Eastern African countries.

Burundi is now the ninth country to be connected to Zambia via cable, following Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.

Léocadie Ndacayisaba, Burundi’s minister of communication, technology and information,  expressed enthusiasm for the future of this collaboration, stating that the MoU marks a significant milestone in the technological partnership between the two countries.

“This initiative will transform the digital landscape in both nations, paving the way for improved access to internet services, better communication, and an enhanced quality of life for our citizens.” 

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In February 2024, Burundi marked the completion of the first phase of its national fibre optic network project, initiated in 2012. The Burundi Backbone System (BBS) Company built the network, which includes five of the country's leading telecommunications companies, including the state-owned Onatel. 

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According to reports, the World Bank's Regional Communication Infrastructure Programme, the Burundi government, and several private partners support BBS.

Per Statista, Internet penetration in Burundi is projected to reach 18.33% in 2024, with the number of households having Internet access expected to total 2.51 million. Also, the Internet penetration in Zambia is estimated to amount to 43.44% in 2024 with the number of households having internet access expected to total to 2.48 million in 2024.

Zambia has recently made major moves to improve the country’s digital space. In February 2024, Zambia announced plans to build 60 4G mobile towers to improve Internet connectivity in rural areas, two months after revealing intentions to establish digital centres where citizens can access free Internet service. 


In June 2024, Zambia's Minister of Science and Technology, Felix Mutati, disclosed that the government and the private sector are constructing 520 communication towers across the country, aiming to achieve 96% phone and Internet coverage by the end of 2025, extending into early 2026.

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