In a landmark collaboration, PCCW Global, Sparkle, Telecom Egypt, and Zain Omantel International (ZOI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to construct the Asia-Africa-Europe-2 (AAE-2) subsea cable system. This next-generation digital link will connect Hong Kong and Singapore to Italy via secure, high-capacity terrestrial corridors across Thailand, the Arabian Peninsula, and Egypt.
The AAE-2 cable is designed to deliver unprecedented capacity, ensuring resilient, high-performance, and geographically diverse connectivity across Asia, Africa, and Europe. It will also feature strategic extensions to key destinations along its route, supporting the growing demands of cloud services, content delivery, and digital transformation initiatives worldwide.
Building on the legacy of AAE-1, AAE-2 integrates both subsea and terrestrial infrastructure, creating a future-proof “data highway” that leverages cutting-edge technology for maximum bandwidth. The project aims to strengthen intercontinental traffic flows, empower emerging markets, and enhance global digital resilience.
Industry leaders driving the initiative shared their vision:
- Mohamed Nasr, CEO of Telecom Egypt, emphasized the continuation of Egypt’s subsea leadership through the WeConnect ecosystem.
- Frederick Chui, CEO of PCCW Global, highlighted the system’s role in providing resilient, scalable connectivity for Hong Kong and beyond.
- Enrico Bagnasco, CEO of Sparkle, stressed the importance of route diversity and resilience in strengthening the Asia-Africa-Europe corridor.
- Sohail Qadir, CEO of ZOI, underscored the project’s role in positioning the Middle East as a strategic gateway for global digital ecosystems.
With combined expertise and resources, the consortium aims to redefine international connectivity and provide the infrastructure backbone for future digital growth.
