Total Project Cost
Investment Required
Stakeholders
Countries
Project Overview
Description
Project to interconnect Kenya and neighboring countries through submarine fiber points of presence and regional data centers. Project suitable for PPP investment with strong coordination through EAC.
Additionally, the project interconnects Kenya’s terrestrial fiber backbone with neighboring countries — Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania — through strategically placed Points-of-Presence and a high-capacity Smart Hub Data Centre in Mombasa. It is a flagship initiative to reduce international routing dependency, improve intra-African data sovereignty, and enable secure digital corridors. It aligns with AU Agenda 2063 Pillar 2 (Integrated Continent) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure).
Objectives
Project Objectives: Reduce internet access costs, Support digital networks and services, Aid digital expansion, Build regional infrastructure, Enable efficient data exchange, Improve service delivery, Support economic development
Strategic Importance
Essential for regional digital infrastructure development with strong PPP potential
Technical Specifications
Technology & Design
Submarine fiber PoPs and regional smart hub infrastructure
Capacity & Size
400 Gbps to TEAMS marine fiber with regional connectivity
Technical Details
Point of Presence (PoP) infrastructure, Regional data center facilities, Submarine fiber connectivity, Advanced network equipment
Additionally, the infrastructure includes cross-border terrestrial fiber Points-of-Presence, Smart Hub edge hosting facilities, and scalable switching nodes with a total design throughput of 12Tbps.
Development, Implementation & Financial Details
Development Timeline
ESG studies completed, project maintained at structuring stage with strong regional coordination
Latest Implementation Updates
UPDATED- 2025-02-15: Project confirmed to be in project structuring phase (S3A) after feasibility completion, as per regional digital corridor updates. [Source](https://www.ecofinagency.com/news-digital/2107-47778-tanzania-and-kenya-launch-cross-border-fiber-link-to-boost-internet-access)
2025-07-18 — Kenya and Tanzania officially launched a cross-border terrestrial fiber link connecting Dar es Salaam to Mombasa. The inauguration took place at the Lunga Lunga/Horohoro border post and marked a major step in regional digital integration. The link merges Tanzania’s National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB) with Kenya’s coastal landing stations, creating a more resilient corridor and reducing dependency on international hubs outside the region. [https://ict.go.ke/kenya-tanzania-launch-cross-border-terrestrial-fiber-link]
2025-07-21 — ConnectingAfrica reported that the link will provide new opportunities for data center interconnection, cloud services, and regional IXPs. Industry analysts note that this infrastructure could cut wholesale internet prices, improve redundancy, and catalyze East Africa’s growing digital economy. [https://www.connectingafrica.com/fiber-networking/tanzania-kenya-launch-cross-border-fiber-link]
Financing Structure
PPP structure with private sector investment opportunities
Project Timeline
Development Timeline
ESG studies completed, project maintained at structuring stage with strong regional coordination
Project Status History
Status 2020
Pre-Feasibility
Status 2022
Feasibility
Status 2024
Structuring
Additional Project Details
Construction Timeline
Transaction support phase ongoing
Legal & Financial Advisors
Not Available
Market Analysis
Market Analysis
Strong coordination through EAC with ESG studies completed
Market Demand
285 million potential users across East Africa
Key Stakeholders
Project Sponsor
EAC/IGAD Regional Authorities
Key Parties
EAC Secretariat, IGAD, National ICT Authorities
Investors
Private sector investors through PPP structure
Contractors & Operators
Not Available
Risk Assessment
General Risk Assessment
Implementation complexity across multiple countries, Technical coordination requirements, PPP structuring challenges
Regulatory Risks
Regional coordination and regulatory alignment across EAC member states
Impact Assessment
Environmental Impact
Environmental assessment completed with appropriate safeguards
Social Impact
Benefits 285 million potential users across cross-border populations
Investment Opportunities
Private Sector Opportunities
Strong private sector opportunities in PPP infrastructure development and operations
Next Steps & Agreements
Next Steps
Complete transaction support phase and advance to financial close
Offtake Agreements
Not Available
Contact Information
Not Available
