Massive global investments in the critical undersea infrastructure that powers the world's internet have reached a staggering $9.7 billion as of 2025, a dramatic leap from just $0.8 billion a decade earlier. This surge, driven by tech giants like Google and Meta, has positioned Nigeria as a major African hub, with eight key submarine cables now landing on its shores, fundamentally reshaping the nation's digital landscape.
From $0.8B to $9.7B: The Hyperscale Investment Drive
According to data from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), financing for submarine cable projects has skyrocketed over the past decade. The role of hyperscale technology companies, including Google and Meta, has become central, moving them from mere users to leading financiers of new global infrastructure. This shift underscores the strategic importance of controlling the physical pathways for data, which carry over 99 per cent of international data flows.
The global network now consists of more than 500 operational systems, stretching over 1.4 million kilometres. Demand for bandwidth continues to accelerate at a remarkable pace, growing by approximately 22 per cent annually since 2021, pushing continuous expansion and upgrades.
Nigeria's Coastal Advantage: Home to Eight Critical Cables
Nigeria has emerged as a pivotal landing point for this transcontinental web of cables. Guardian checks confirm that as of 2025, the country is connected by eight major submarine telecommunications cables, responsible for hauling more than 95% of Nigeria's international internet and communication traffic.
The primary landing point remains Lagos, but infrastructure is now extending to other states. The eight cables fortifying Nigeria's digital backbone are:
- MainOne Cable
- SAT-3/WASC (Owned by Natcom/ntel)
- GLO-1 (Globacom’s international cable)
- GLO-2 (Globacom’s domestic coastal cable)
- Africa Coast to Europe Cable System (ACE)
- West Africa Cable System (WACS) (MTN is a major partner)
- Equiano (Google’s cable)
- 2Africa (Meta-led consortium, the world’s largest)
Tangible Impact: Broadband Growth and a 1Tbps Milestone
The direct benefits of this infrastructure boom are already being felt across Nigeria. The enhanced capacity has been instrumental in driving the country's broadband penetration to 50.58 per cent and propelling national data consumption to approximately 1.24 million terabytes.
A landmark achievement was recorded in the first quarter of 2025, when Nigeria's internet traffic crossed the one terabit per second (1Tbps) threshold. This milestone signifies an exceptionally high data transfer rate and immense bandwidth usage within the national internet space.
Commenting on this feat, the Chief Executive Officer of the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), Muhammed Rudman, described the 1Tbps attainment as a game-changer. He attributed this growth to the surge in mega video calls, social media content, streaming services, and the influx of data centres into the country, all demanding robust and reliable connectivity.
The convergence of massive international investment and strategic geographic positioning has undeniably accelerated Nigeria's digital transformation, setting a new foundation for economic and social development in the years to come.
