Djibouti Telecom has unveiled plans to extend its Djibouti Africa Regional Express 1 (DARE1) subsea cable system further south along Africa’s east coast, a move that is set to transform regional connectivity. The extension will significantly strengthen Africa’s digital infrastructure and support the continent’s surging demand for high-capacity, low-latency services driven by cloud providers, enterprises, and content companies.
The DARE1 system, which currently links Djibouti, Somalia, and Kenya, has already established itself as a vital connectivity route. By extending the network into Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar, and South Africa, Djibouti Telecom aims to deliver greater route diversity and expand access to new markets across East and Southern Africa. This will provide both carriers and enterprises with alternative and resilient pathways for international traffic.
The new extensions will interconnect at the Mombasa (Nyali) trunk station in Kenya, serving as a central hub for regional traffic. The planned route from Mombasa to Durban will span an estimated 3,200 to 3,500 kilometers, offering a critical digital corridor for businesses seeking secure and efficient data transfer between regions. This development will not only improve connectivity but also create opportunities for digital growth across the continent.
Construction on the subsea extension is expected to begin in 2026, with completion and ready-for-service targeted for 2028. Once operational, the expanded network will significantly enhance the resilience of subsea infrastructure across Africa’s eastern and southern coasts. By providing added capacity, the system will be able to meet the evolving needs of enterprises, cloud services, and digital platforms.
Djibouti Telecom described this extension as part of its broader vision to build a robust regional African cable system that complements existing subsea networks. The initiative is designed to foster stronger integration between East and Southern Africa, laying the groundwork for seamless digital collaboration and regional development.
By delivering scalable bandwidth and ensuring reliable access to global internet hubs, the DARE1 extension is expected to accelerate the growth of Africa’s digital economy. This milestone not only strengthens the continent’s position in global connectivity but also underscores the critical role of infrastructure in unlocking new opportunities for digital transformation.
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