The ambitious 11,750-km SAEx East Cable project, which will connect Cape Town to Singapore via the Indian Ocean, with future links planned to link it with India and Thailand.

May 5, 2025

South Africa has given a fresh lease of life to the ambitious 11,750-km SAEx East Cable project, which will connect Cape Town to Singapore via the Indian Ocean, with future links planned to link it with India and Thailand.

Backed by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), a government-owned financial institution, the project will mark a major leap in Africa’s digital infrastructure and economic potential by improving internet speed, stability and global connectivity.

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Along its route, the undersea cable will include landing points at East London and Amanzimtoti on South Africa’s coast, passing through islands such as Réunion and Mauritius before reaching Malaysia and ultimately Singapore. The design also incorporates branching units, allowing for potential future links to countries like India and Thailand.

The project is strategically important as it creates a direct internet link between the two continents-Asia and Africa- while avoiding the congested and geopolitically sensitive Red Sea corridor. By opting for a deep-sea route, the cable promises to reduce reliance on terrestrial infrastructure, offering a more stable and secure data transmission path.

The South African landing stations will also enable connections to other major regional systems, including the Equiano and 2Africa cables. This integration is expected to enhance regional connectivity and performance.

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In the next phase, the cable system is planned to expand westward across the Atlantic Ocean, eventually connecting South Africa to South America and landing in Virginia Beach, USA. Once fully developed, the extended system will be referred to as the SAEx Southern Oceans Network.

Upon completion, the project is expected to significantly upgrade Africa’s undersea communication infrastructure, improving bandwidth, reliability, and internet access throughout the continent. The initiative also reinforces Africa’s digital readiness and opens doors to broader economic prospects through improved international connectivity.