Sylvia Duruson
Paratus Botswana is pioneering a groundbreaking digital infrastructure project that promises to reshape connectivity across Southern Africa. The SADC Highway, a new fiber route, will create a critical digital pathway linking Gaborone, Livingstone, and key regions in Zimbabwe.
The ambitious project focuses on its first section, a 500-kilometer stretch from Gaborone to Plumtree, scheduled for completion by February 2025. This strategic initiative is part of the Paratus Group’s Southern Continental Agenda, addressing crucial telecommunications challenges in the region.
The fiber route represents a significant technological advancement, potentially delivering up to 11 terabits of new network capacity. It offers multiple strategic advantages, including improved rural network coverage and reduced operational costs for smaller telecommunications providers.
Shawn Bruwer, Paratus Botswana’s Country Managing Director, emphasized the project’s importance. The new route will be the company’s fourth fiber connection, complementing existing paths into South Africa and Namibia. Multiple operators have already expressed interest in securing capacity along this digital corridor.
By connecting to the Equiano subsea cable, the SADC Highway promises to stimulate regional economic growth and enhance digital connectivity. The project provides critical redundancy for existing connections, offering lower latency compared to traditional communication routes.
Paratus’ broader vision extends far beyond this single project. The company operates across seven African countries, including Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia. Its network reaches beyond the continent, with international points of presence in the UK, Europe, and the United States.
Recent milestones underscore the company’s commitment to digital infrastructure. In April 2024, Paratus launched its fastest “fiber express route” from Johannesburg to Europe, utilizing Google’s Equiano undersea cable infrastructure. The company has also expanded its reach through strategic partnerships, including a reseller agreement with Starlink for satellite internet services across Africa.
A metro fiber ring around Gaborone, completed in June 2023, demonstrates the company’s local infrastructure development. Additionally, a multi-year deal with OneWeb to build a satellite gateway in Luanda represents another significant step in expanding regional connectivity.
The SADC Highway project symbolizes more than just a telecommunications investment. It represents a critical step towards digital inclusion, economic diversification, and technological empowerment for Southern African communities. By breaking down digital barriers and creating new communication pathways, Paratus is helping to reshape the region’s technological landscape.
As digital connectivity becomes increasingly crucial for economic and social development, initiatives like the SADC Highway highlight the transformative potential of strategic infrastructure investments.
