Paratus Botswana is leading a project aimed at improving digital infrastructure in Southern Africa.
This project, known as the SADC Highway, will create a digital pathway linking Gaborone, Livingstone, and key regions in Zimbabwe.
The first section of the fiber route, connecting Botswana/Gaborone to Zimbabwe/Plumtree, is expected to be completed by February 2025. This route is estimated to cover 500 kilometers.
The fiber route is believed to have the potential to provide 11 terabits of capacity, which could strengthen infrastructure in areas lacking network access. Additionally, it is expected to offer a strategic advantage by reducing operational costs for smaller telecommunications providers.
This route will serve as the company’s fourth fiber connection, complementing existing links between South Africa and Namibia. Furthermore, the connection will be linked to the Equiano subsea cable.
The company has previously operated in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, and Zambia. It also has international hubs linking its network to Europe and the United States.
In addition, the company has partnered with Starlink to provide satellite internet services across Africa and has collaborated with OneWeb to build a satellite gateway in Luanda.
Africa is undergoing a digital transformation, and projects like the SADC Highway are accelerating this transformation on solid ground.