Liquid Dataport commits to new fibre routes connecting Angola and Zambia

Liquid Dataport, a subsidiary of Liquid Intelligent Technologies (Liquid), a technology group operating across Africa, has revealed its intentions to expand its fibre backbone to establish a direct connection between Luanda, Angola, and Lusaka, Zambia. This announcement follows Liquid’s recent introduction of a new fibre link between Lobito, Angola, and Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

During a live video call with the Ministers of ICT from DRC and Angola, Liquid Dataport reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing high-speed connectivity by expanding its fibre backbone to directly link Luanda, Angola, to Lusaka, Zambia, via Chavuma. This ambitious project aims to bring additional and affordable Internet services to the region, positively impacting the lives of millions of people along the 2500 km fibre route.

To achieve this connectivity goal, Liquid will connect Angola to Zambia through its existing fibre network in Zambia while collaborating with partners such as Angola Telecom and other entities in both countries. This expansion of Liquid’s regional fibre backbone, which already spans 110,000 km, is a significant step forward in providing regional customers with accessible high-speed connectivity and cost-effective cloud services.

Hardy Pemhiwa, the Group CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, emphasized the company’s commitment to digitally connecting Africa and leaving no one behind, stating, “In recent months, we have established multiple new routes that interconnect countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The direct connection between Angola and Zambia is a vital part of our vision for a digitally connected future. Connectivity serves as a catalyst and enabler, playing a key role in building Africa’s digital economy.”

According to the Zambia Inclusive Digital Economy Status Report 2022, only 53% of Zambian citizens are currently digitally included. Liquid’s new fibre route not only aims to meet the demands of wholesale customers but also intends to provide enterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), mobile operators, and local Internet Service Providers with direct access to high-speed connectivity. By extending this connectivity, these entities can pass on the benefits to their customers.

David Eurin, CEO of Liquid Dataport, expressed his optimism about Zambia’s potential to become a connectivity hub for neighboring countries, including Angola. He stated, “As demonstrated at ANGOTIC 2023, this new direct route via Chavuma will be available within the next few months, and an additional route utilizing fibre along the Lobito Corridor will be launched later. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with telecom providers in Angola, leading to improved coverage and quality of ICT services across both countries.”

Liquid Dataport’s investment in this new direct route aligns with Liquid’s vision of a One Africa Digital Network that interconnects all African nations. Expanding the broadband infrastructure will empower enterprises in Zambia and Angola to drive innovation and foster economic growth.

Moreover, it is in line with the recent Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Government of Zambia, where Liquid pledged to deliver reliable and affordable connectivity, as well as access to cloud services for all Zambians. This commitment extends beyond Zambia’s borders and underscores Liquid’s vision of a digitally connected future that encompasses the entire African continent, ensuring no one is left behind.