Zambia and Burundi have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a fibre optic connection between the two countries via Lake Tanganyika. This initiative, initiated at the 2024 Digital Government Africa Summit, aims to improve communication and ICT capabilities, positioning Zambia as a regional hub.
Zambia and Burundi have formalized a collaborative initiative through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at establishing a fibre optic connection. This groundbreaking agreement facilitates the installation of a fibre optic cable traversing Lake Tanganyika, commencing from Mpulungu District in Zambia’s Northern Province and extending to Burundi. A private contractor has already made significant progress, having laid down 350 kilometers of the cable across the lake. During the signing ceremony, held at the recently concluded 2024 Digital Government Africa Summit in Chongwe District, the Honorable Felix Mutati, Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, expressed that Burundi will now join the ranks as the ninth nation connected to Zambia via fibre optic technology. He articulated that this connection positions Zambia as a potential regional hub for Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The Minister further elaborated on the implications of this development for Burundi, stating that the fibre optic infrastructure will enable the country to transmit information efficiently through Zambia to various southern and eastern African nations. Léocadie Ndacayisaba, the Burundian Minister of Communication, Technology and Information, echoed these sentiments, noting that the MoU heralds enhanced cooperation between the two nations. She affirmed that the fibre optic connection will contribute significantly to improving the quality of life for citizens in both Zambia and Burundi by facilitating access to rapid internet communication.
The development of fibre optic connections between nations plays a pivotal role in enhancing communication and technological infrastructure. Lake Tanganyika serves as a critical geographical conduit for this project, facilitating direct connectivity between Zambia and Burundi. The signing of the MoU between the two countries embodies a commitment to advancing ICT capabilities within the region. The 2024 Digital Government Africa Summit acted as a platform for forging such partnerships, highlighting the global significance of digital government initiatives.
The signing of the MoU between Zambia and Burundi marks a significant step towards bridging the digital divide through enhanced connectivity. The establishment of a fibre optic cable under Lake Tanganyika promises to bolster the ICT landscape for both countries, paving the way for improved communication and collaboration within the region. This endeavor underscores Zambia’s emerging role as a regional ICT hub, contributing to the socio-economic development of southern and eastern Africa.
Original Source: www.techafricanews.com
