MTN Congo taps 2Africa cable to strengthen network resilience

MTN Congo has connected to the 2Africa subsea cable system, strengthening its international connectivity and improving network resilience as operators across Africa seek to reduce reliance on single international routes. The connection was established at the port city of Pointe-Noire, enhancing the operator’s core infrastructure and international capacity.

The move follows major connectivity disruptions experienced across several African markets in 2024, when damage to subsea cables off the West African coast exposed the risks associated with limited route diversity. By integrating with the 2Africa system, MTN Congo gains additional international routing options, including direct connectivity to London and alternative routes through South Africa and Nigeria.

The expanded capacity and redundancy are expected to improve overall network stability, supporting more reliable mobile and data services, smoother streaming experiences, stronger cloud performance, and enhanced reliability for mobile financial services. The development also aligns with broader regional efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure as internet usage continues to grow.

Government data indicates that approximately 3.5 million people in the Republic of Congo use the internet daily, representing a penetration rate of around 58.3 percent. As demand for digital services rises, investment in international connectivity and infrastructure resilience has become increasingly critical for operators and regulators alike.

The connection comes amid ongoing discussions within the country regarding diversification of subsea cable capacity, particularly following repeated outages affecting the WACS cable system in recent years. Strengthening multiple international routes is seen as a key step toward improving service continuity and supporting future digital growth.