Leading telecommunications company Globacom, in partnership with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, hosted the 2025 International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit in Abuja on Wednesday and Thursday.
The high-profile summit, organized in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC), brought together key global telecommunications stakeholders to drive innovation, strengthen industry collaboration, and develop strategies for enhancing submarine cable resilience.
As the sole owner of the Glo 1 submarine cable, Globacom joined major international players in discussing ways to fortify Africa’s cable networks, ensuring seamless digital connectivity and economic growth.
Glo 1: A Backbone of Digital Connectivity in West Africa
Recognizing the increasing importance of submarine cables for business and economic expansion, Globacom launched Glo 1 in 2010, linking Europe to Africa. The system proved invaluable in 2024 when widespread fiber cuts disrupted digital connectivity across West Africa. Thanks to its robust infrastructure and proactive maintenance strategies, Glo 1 remained operational, minimizing the impact on consumers and businesses.
Recently, Globacom upgraded the capacity of Glo 1 to accommodate rising demand, ensuring consistent and reliable internet access for an expanding user base.
Government and Industry Leaders Stress the Importance of Digital Resilience.
Declaring the summit open, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, emphasized the critical role of submarine cables in global digital connectivity.
“Submarine cables form the backbone of global digital connectivity, carrying over 95% of international data traffic, linking continents, and enabling the smooth operation of modern economies. Yet, despite their significance, these infrastructures remain vulnerable to disruptions—whether from natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, accidental damage, or evolving cyber threats,” he said.
The minister highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to protecting telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to strengthen digital resilience across all sectors.
International Experts Call for Greater Investment in Cable Infrastructure
In her address, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the ITU, underscored the world’s growing dependence on digital infrastructure and stressed the need for increased investment in submarine cable networks to enhance global connectivity.
Similarly, Prof. Sandra Maximiano, Co-Chair of the ITU Advisory Board, emphasized the necessity of proactive measures to prevent cable outages. He called for increased availability of technical resources—such as ships, stockpiles, and replacement parts—in regions with fewer submarine cables. He also urged regulatory bodies to align their policies with resilience requirements.
Strategic Discussions on Strengthening Africa’s Digital Backbone
The summit featured a series of panel discussions, focusing on key aspects of submarine cable resilience, risk mitigation, and policy frameworks to safeguard Africa’s digital infrastructure.
Globacom’s participation in the summit further solidifies its role as a leader in digital transformation and connectivity in Africa. With its continued investment in infrastructure, the company remains committed to enhancing internet reliability, driving innovation, and ensuring sustainable growth in the telecommunications sector.
Categories: Telecommunication