Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has entered into a strategic partnership with Safaricom to roll out a new high-capacity submarine cable linking Oman and Kenya. The project aims to strengthen digital connectivity, improve internet speeds, and enhance network reliability across East Africa, a region increasingly dependent on fast and stable online access.
The agreement, signed through Meta’s subsidiary Edge Network Services Limited, appoints Safaricom as the official landing partner in Kenya. This will be the second Meta-backed undersea cable to make landfall in the country, highlighting Kenya’s growing role as a digital hub in the region. The entire project is being financed by Edge, while licensed operators in Kenya and Oman will oversee the cable segments within their respective territories.
Safaricom noted that the new system will significantly boost network resilience and lower latency, which means faster connections and better user experiences. It is also expected to support the rising demand for cloud computing, data storage, and digital services across the continent.
ALSO READ: Safaricom, Huawei Unveil Kenya’s First Video Ring Tones
Kenya’s journey with submarine fibre-optic infrastructure began in 2009 when the TEAMS and SEACOM cables landed in Mombasa, marking the dawn of the country’s broadband revolution. Since then, internet penetration has grown rapidly, fueling innovation, digital entrepreneurship, and economic development. The latest Meta-Safaricom collaboration signals the next phase of this evolution, positioning Kenya and East Africa for stronger integration into the global digital economy.
