Meta Launches Project Waterworth, World's Longest Subsea Cable Initiative

Severity: Low (Score: 29.0)

Sources: Techafricanews, Techreviewafrica

Summary

On April 14, 2026, Meta announced Project Waterworth, a groundbreaking subsea cable system designed to enhance global connectivity. Spanning over 50,000 kilometers and connecting five continents, the project aims to significantly expand international digital infrastructure. It will feature three landing points in South Africa, positioning the country as a key digital gateway for the continent. The initiative is expected to contribute approximately $150 billion to Sub-Saharan Africa's economy by 2035, driven by improved internet capacity and digital services. This multi-billion-dollar investment will support high-speed connectivity essential for emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. The project builds on Meta's previous investments in subsea infrastructure, enhancing the resilience and efficiency of global digital networks. The announcement was made at the 6th South Africa Investment Conference, attended by high-profile government and private sector leaders. Project Waterworth reflects the growing importance of digital infrastructure in fostering economic cooperation and technological development. Key Points: • Project Waterworth will span over 50,000 kilometers, making it the longest subsea cable globally. • The initiative is expected to boost Sub-Saharan Africa's economy by $150 billion by 2035. • Three landing points will be established in South Africa, enhancing its role as a digital hub.

Key Entities

• South Africa (country)