Djibouti Telecom is advancing regional connectivity with plans to extend its DARE1 submarine cable along Africa’s east coast. The expansion is designed to increase capacity, provide alternative routes, and support enterprises, cloud services, and telecom operators across the continent.

The existing DARE1 system, operational since 2021, links Djibouti City with Bosaso and Mogadishu in Somalia, before reaching Mombasa, Kenya, offering 36 Tbps of bandwidth through three fiber pairs. Partners include Hormuud Telecom Somalia, Somtel International, and Telkom Kenya, reflecting a collaborative regional effort.

The upcoming extension will stretch approximately 3,200–3,500 km southward, reaching Mtunzini in South Africa and making strategic landings in Tanzania, Mozambique, and Madagascar. Specifically, Tanzania will see landings in Dar es Salaam and Mtwara; Mozambique in Nakala, Beira, and Maputo; and Madagascar in Mahajanga and Toliary. All new segments will connect at the Mombasa trunk station, allowing smooth integration with the current network.

Beyond adding capacity, the expansion aims to improve network resilience and reduce latency, giving carriers and cloud platforms more reliable and efficient paths for data traffic. The plan also addresses growing demand for robust digital infrastructure across East and Southern Africa.

Construction is expected to start in 2026, with operations projected for 2028. Analysts suggest the extended DARE1 cable could be pivotal in strengthening the digital ecosystem, supporting faster cloud services, enterprise connectivity, and broader internet access throughout the region.

For Africa’s east-southern corridor, this project represents more than additional fiber—it signals a step toward a more connected, resilient, and digitally capable continent.